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Dear Laptop Support:

Recently you have made it a requirement that all freshmen own laptops; however, I feel your results are not as credible as expressed on your website.

For example, on your page dedicated to answering "Why a laptop?" you state that "The results are clear - our laptop students are completely convinced this is the only way to go!" My problem with this statement is that the students I have talked to seem to disagree with most of your justifications that follow.

You acknowledge that laptops "cost a bit more than desktops." However, considering the high tuition costs, the university's frugality with merit based scholarships, and the economy, most people I know consider a "bit" to be around 200 or 300 dollars more than a desktop of equal performance (if even that much...). But a laptop that is truly equal to a desktop will generally run at twice the price of that same desktop. For students (like me) whose parents require they buy their own computer, purchasing your laptop can be very difficult. I am lucky to have a steady summer job to afford your laptop--many people don't. I feel this may subtly turn people away from the university.

With my job, and with my ability to buy your laptop, I am still dissatisfied with the nature of laptops in general. They are very difficult to upgrade (much more difficult than to change a video card in a desktop or make other modifications).

You claim:
"For example, laptops enable in-class use of computers - and, this has proven to be very beneficial in some classes. However, it is important to realize that most instructors will not make extensive use of laptops in class. In-class use is NOT beneficial in all subjects (but, in most classes students WILL be using their laptops for out-of-class assignments). In fact, our laptop students have found that the greatest benefits of laptops are for out-of-class uses - the anytime, anywhere access to computing they provide is enormously advantageous in an academic environment."

I don't know any Clemson students who use a laptop in class. You acknowledge this reality by claiming "students have found that the greatest benefits of laptops are for out of class uses." I feel you need to be more specific about "out of class uses." From what I have heard (and I can only go by what I have heard, since I will not be there until August), desktops are available in labs anywhere one would need them. If "the greatest benefit of laptops are for out out-of-class uses," I do not understand why (or how) the university can make laptops required. This seems like a personal choice that should not be infringed upon by the university.

Laptops are easier to steal, especially if everyone has the same IBM Thinkpad. Their portability is entirely overrated as well.

I have to say, however, that the deal you were able to strike with IBM is incredible. I congratulate you on your successful effort to get the best laptop at the cheapest price, and I think i'll be getting the $1799 one this summer.

Sincerely,

(Name)

By Thuff30 (Thuff30) on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 02:53 pm: Edit

No, it won't do any good. They are know this information anyway, besides when a college REQUIRES you to bring a laptop what do they require you to a take a picture of it or something. Couldn't someone just say they were buying a laptop on their own if they were that determined not to buy one?

By Jandaportrait (Jandaportrait) on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 03:31 pm: Edit

your post wasn't very coherent...but let me try to explain--

i'm not really into doing anything i'm required to do without understanding WHY i'm doing it. that said, i'm not specifically trying to change the system, but i'm hoping that if they realize that students see the flaws in their program (i've seen articles by UNC/other southeast schools that refute clemson's credibility) perhaps they'll realize requiring a laptop is not as good of an idea.