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.
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June 17 2007 11:45 am | College Advice and College Technology
2 Responses to “Consider a Laptop for Your College Computer”
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jef on 17 Jun 2007 at 5:05 pm #
so wut do u use? *considering a business major in ____ (thinkin about finiance / management) im going to get a sony fz. 2.2 ghz 2 gb ram . i think its ok..kinda old compared to the new apples.. but cheap and good.
Robb on 05 Sep 2007 at 11:22 pm #
If you *really* need the mobility than a laptop would make since. But, I think a desktop is better for most college students, because they usually last longer. If you spill something on your laptop keyboard you make the computer useless, but if you spill something on your desktop keyboard, you can get a new keyboard for pretty cheap. The same goes for other parts of the computer, it is far easier and cheaper to replace parts on a desktop.