Archive for June, 2007
Desktops are great and all, but most people will tell you that laptops are much better for college. While I use both, and see the advantages of both, here are some reasons why you should choose a laptop over a desktop for your college computer.
Laptop Advantages
1. Mobility - It’s all about mobility these days. Laptops can be taken anywhere on campus with you. You can take them to class in order to take notes. You can carry them to the library to help you study. Not to mention, long road trips or flights can be made shorter by using a laptop to pass the time. Papers, grades, Facebook, AIM, and much more can always be at your fingertips with a laptop. While security can be an issue, there are laptop locks available. Making sure you have a good warranty can also be helpful when it comes to extending the life of your laptop (I.E. it covers accidents, screen cracks, etc). The natural damage that laptops incur can be curtailed by laptop cases. Talking with many college students, the freedom that laptops allow you to have is irreplaceable.
2. Wireless Internet - This kind of springs off the mobility point. Wireless Internet is a big deal; most college campuses are now almost completely wireless-ready. This means you can get on the Internet and do what you need to do almost anywhere. Studying in coffee shops while facebooking and so on is made possible by wireless Internet and laptops with wireless capabilities.
3. How Much Space and Memory Does One Need - If you are running a bunch of demanding games, I still stand by my desktop recommendation. However, for the average college student who will be using the internet for browsing and chatting, and using some type of word processor for papers, maybe even a digital photo program, a laptop provides more than enough power and space. I think I would have filled my girlfriend’s 80GB laptop a long time ago with all my music, videos, photos, and games. However, for the average user, a laptop is just fine. Unless you plan on running several robust programs, memory should be fine, and there is the potential to upgrade.
Conclusion
It’s a strong debate. Desktop users will stand by their power and gaming abilities. Laptop users will insist that mobility is just too convenient. It basically all comes back to preference. Consider what you’ll be using your computer for. Consider what types of things you’ll be putting on your computer. Consider your campus and school and where it may be useful to have a computer. How wireless compatible is your campus? Many campuses have a variety of computer labs, is mobility that important to you? Will you use your computer in class, or just in your room? Everyone’s different, and while many opt for laptops, don’t be afraid to consider the alternative. In any case, a computer is a big investment, especially for the broke college student, so consider the options, the advantages and disadvantages, and I’m sure you’ll be happy with your purchase.
June 17 2007 | College Advice and College Technology | 2 Comments »
I am always asked what type of computer is best for college. People hear a lot of things, but mostly “Laptop, laptop, laptop!” I’m always first to tell freshman entering college to slow down and consider a desktop for a moment. While laptops do have specific advantages (which I’ll share with you in tomorrow’s post, I promise), desktops can be very useful in college.
Desktop Advantages
You’ll find fewer students lugging their PC Towers or iMacs into their dorm room on move in day. You may see a particularly tech-savvy college student with a huge computer that looks like something from the Sci-Fi Channel. Desktop computers do have a few advantages though.
1. Power - Those cute little laptops are nice and all, but they cannot compare to the power that the desktop can wield. For college students in engineering, architecture, computer sciences, business, or science (just to name a few), you should consider what types of programs your computer will have to run. I’ve seen some pretty robust student programs out there. You don’t want to be stuck going to the computer lab every day because your laptop can’t handle the demands of your architecture program. Talk to the dean of the college, your professors, other students, or your academic advisor to find out what types of programs you’ll need. If they are sizable programs, I’d suggest going with a stronger, more powerful PC.
2. Memory and Hard Disk Space - Yes, a desktop computer can have more memory, and hard disk space too. You can also put more memory in it than laptops. Not only is this helpful for people running robust programs, but it’s also helpful for those students who like to play games and listen to music, while running a bunch of other programs. In terms of disk space, you may not know this, but college students LOVE their music. They also love free stuff. I’m not one to rat anyone out, and I don’t want to alarm you, but some people even use programs (that may or may not be legal) to download movies, TV shows, albums, and a load of other stuff. Having a desktop can allow you significantly more room (in hard disk space) to hold all of the data you need and love. I, for one, have over 6000 songs on iTunes. That’s a lot of Gigs of music. My laptop couldn’t handle that, or it could, but then I wouldn’t have any room for anything else. Also, many students are gamers. I’ve seen countless students in dorms playing WoW (World of Warcraft) at all hours of the night. I suggest a desktop if you’re going to be running demanding games. Remember to consider what things you’ll be downloading or putting on your computer before buying.
3. You Can’t Steal Them As Easily - There, I said it. No offense to laptops, but they’re pretty easy to steal. Crime is an issue on many college campuses around the country. People leave their dorm room doors unlocked or wide open all the time, and so it can be quite easy to sneak in and take something. Laptops are just a lot easier to take than desktops. Of course I realize there are laptop locks, but in my experience, less than 50% of students actually use them. In any case, laptop locks can still be cut. Most just let their laptops sit out in the open. Desktops are bigger, have more parts, and just not as easy to take. I have an iMac G5, and let me tell you, that thing is pretty heavy. If I were a burglar, I wouldn’t want to have to run away lugging that behind me. So, consider how safe your campus may be, and thing of the extra security offered by having a desktop.
4. Your Desktop Won’t Distract You in Class - I love students who think they are going to take their laptops to every class and take extensive notes and be the best student possible. This never happens. What actually happens is students take their laptops to class, talk on AIM and use Facebook the whole time. If you have a desktop, you won’t be able to take it to class with you, so it won’t be a distraction. Trust me, there’s no substitute for pen and paper when taking notes.
5. It Will Probably Last Longer - For any student strapped for cash, the life of their computer investment is of utmost importance. I have found that desktops last significantly longer than laptops do in college. The fact remains, while laptops are great to carry around to the Quad, or the cafeteria, or anywhere else on campus, this puts them in much greater danger. I can tell you countless stories of students dropping their laptops, having their laptops fall out of their bags, knocking them off tables during rambunctious dorm parties, spilling drinks on them in the cafeteria, knocking them off desks in class, and much more. You’d have to really try to shove a desktop off your desk. Case and point, I’ve had my desktop for over two years now. My girlfriend had her laptop for under a year. Guess what happened; she went to put her printer away and it was still attached to the laptop. YANK; there went the laptop smashing on the floor. It was funny, because that same thing happened to me a few weeks later, but because my printer was connected to a heavier machine, all I did was move it a little and I was able to realize what was wrong.
6. Cheaper - Laptops can get pretty expensive, especially considering the amount of danger they’re placed in on a daily basis. For the college student who cannot afford much, desktops should really be considered. You can get a decent desktop for $600 (sometimes even less). I’ve never seen a laptop for less than $1,000. That’s a big price difference, especially considering tuitions that will have to be paid and all the other expenses college students have to deal with. FAFSA awards are great, but I doubt they will leave you with enough money to get the top of the line laptop and pay all the other expenses you may have.
7. Customization - For the more tech savvy person, customization is key. You can’t customize laptops nearly as much as you can desktops. Dell offers the whole “build your own computer” thing. Many other PC makers allow you to add different kinds of monitors, ram, towers, etc. Laptops are generally, “pick which one you like and how much memory you want in it.” You also can make minimal changes to laptops after you’ve purchased them. Desktops can have graphics cards changed, RAM added, motherboards, soundcards, monitors, and much more modified. If you are a fan of customization, look no further than a desktop.
So those are seven advantages to having a desktop computer. Laptops may be winning the war for most popular computer for college students, but don’t count desktops out of the race. Always be sure to make use of education discounts and get the type of computer that will best fit your needs.
June 16 2007 | College Advice and College Technology | 9 Comments »
Let’s face it; college is a stressful time of life for many. Many more students have to worry about finances themselves, and oftentimes parents can contribute to student stress. This doesn’t even take into account stresses of homework, relationships, and generally navigating life as an adult. So, after surveying many of my classmates and friends, I have come up with the top five things that stress college students out, and five solutions that are effective stress relievers.
Top Five Stressors
5. Relationships
This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who has been to college. Many relationships are started (and ended) throughout college years. Those who are in relationships have to deal with the stresses of arguments, seeing someone too much, seeing someone not enough, and those pesky long-distance relationships. Those who aren’t in relationships have to deal with the stresses of dating, awkward moments at parties, and the classic unrequited love. If you don’t think it’s stressful for a woman getting ready for a party, or for a guy getting ready to ask someone out, you must be living under a rock, or be the coolest person ever. In any case, college students get stressed when it comes to relationships.
4. Roommate Conflicts
We’ve all heard the horror stories of the dreadful roommate. Unfortunately, these stories often turn out to be true. College students are forced to live with people who may have different values, beliefs, schedules, and habits than they do. There’s nothing worse than having to sleep in the same room as someone you’d normally hate or never talk to. Clean freaks that get stuck with the slob roommate will naturally be stressed out. Light sleepers who are stuck with the snoring roommate (myself included) will get less sleep and have increased stress as a result. Non-drinkers who get stuck with the party-crazy roommate will have a whole slew of issues to deal with.
3. Time Management
Now more than ever, students are very involved with their universities. Students go to athletic events, parties, and class; they are members of clubs and teams; many rush for fraternities and sororities; and most students have jobs of some kind. Time is a huge stressor for many students. So many students lose sleep or feel as if they just don’t have enough time to accomplish what they need to accomplish. Managing time can be quite stressful for anyone as busy as the modern day college student.
2. Academics
This shouldn’t be surprising to any student or parent. The fact remains that more and more students are entering college. College students at universities across the country are entering school with higher GPAs and test scores than ever before. This has lead to increased competition in the classroom. Parents are putting intense pressure on their children to do well in college in order to obtain well-paying jobs after graduation. Additionally, students still have to balance all of their other activities while managing a seemingly ever-increasing course load. This leads to quite a bit of stress. Factor in students who have academic requirements for scholarships, clubs, jobs, or teams, and you have one big ball of stress in the form of academics.
1. Finances
At first I was surprised to see finances this high on the list. However, after consideration, it makes perfect sense. More and more students have to pay for college on their own, or with little assistance from their parents. Even those who have college paid for still have to deal with the expenses of books, food, and entertainment (let’s not forget that beer and liquor aren’t cheap). I see countless students studying for hours on end attempting to keep their GPA high enough to maintain their scholarships. Credit cards are extremely easy to come by for many students. An astonishing amount of college students are also getting into debt through credit cards and loans. Learning how to live on one’s own and navigate today’s complicated financial world is stressful, add in everything else college students have to worry about and it’s no wonder some students would rather drop out and get a job rather than continue.
Stress Relievers
This may seem like a grim post, but there are many solutions to relieve stress. I’ll give five of the most common stress relievers, but keep in mind there are many more.
1. Working Out
Physical activity is a great stress reliever. It’s healthy, and doesn’t have to be terribly time consuming in order to be effective. For the college student who wants to look more attractive, working out is one way to help that. Most universities have quality recreational facilities that are available for student use. Too few students take advantage of these facilities. If you are stressed, I’d suggest simply getting out of your dorm room and having a nice work out.
2. Sleep, Sleep, Sleep
Sleep deprivation is like an epidemic on college campuses. Students stay up way too late, and get up way too early. Instead of partying on a Friday, why not take one day off and get some extra Zs? Stress can be relieved by forcing one’s self to maintain a regular sleep schedule. I know too many people who go to bed at 3AM one night, then try to go to sleep at 10PM the next because of an early exam. Set yourself a goal such as, “I will have my work completed by 11PM and I will go to bed by 12.” If you can meet this goal, you’ll be surprised to find yourself more refreshed than ever.
3. Listen to the Music
I know college students don’t need any excuses to walk around with those iPods. However, music shouldn’t be something just for in between classes. Take a few minutes out of the day to lie down and listen to your favorite music (even if people wouldn’t consider it calming music). Music has an effect on a variety of areas in the brain and can be quite relaxing. Not to mention, it’s a nice way to spend a study break. If you are feeling stressed by your roommate, just go for a walk and put some music on. I bet you’ll feel a lot better afterwards.
4. Eat Right
Yes, that’s easier said than done. Ramen Noodles are nice and inexpensive, but they’re pretty terrible for your body. Taking the time to cook yourself something healthy, or find a healthy place to eat on campus can do worlds for your body. Don’t be afraid to have a little comfort food now and then. When I’m stressed about a big exam, I’ll take a minute to have a bowl of ice cream in between study sessions. Once again, good tasting food can have a tremendous effect on the brain and contribute to the overall wellbeing of a student. Don’t skip meals either. There’s nothing more stressful than being tired, and hungry. Make time for breakfast before your morning class. Eating right will certainly help to reduce your stress in the long run.
5. Management
Time and finances always seem limited in college, and it leads to stress. If you simply manage them both, it won’t be as stressful. For time, make use of date books, calendars, planners, and anything else you need. Don’t over-stretch yourself and make room for relaxing time, eating, and sleeping. The busiest person I know isn’t nearly as stressed as me because she makes use of time management.
For finances, management is also a key component. If you have a credit card, don’t buy something unless you can afford to pay it off. Also, if you don’t need it, don’t get it. Too many people get credit cards and see a fountain of wealth. There are countless financial management seminars available for college students. Don’t be afraid to buy a financial management book either. If you’re really in a pinch, consult a professional. In any case, don’t let the stresses of finances dominate your life. You can be proactive and take control of reducing your stress.
I believe it was Forrest Gump who said that “college is very confusing times.” I think he was onto something. However, if you take control and work on relieving stress, you can truly enjoy college life to the fullest, and you won’t be nearly as confused and stressed.
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June 15 2007 | College Advice | 2 Comments »
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