Computers for college
It’s that time of year again, when parents across the country start agonizing over what to buy their child for a high-school graduation present. Quite often, that gift will be a computer and intended to get the student through the next four years of college.
Stop.
Before buying anything, check the college website or new student checklist. Though not as common as in previous years, some colleges have strict requirements for what a student should use as a computer.
Other colleges recommend that purchases be done through the school. When done that way, the school typically sets up the computer for the student, loads all the specialized programs and often provides a level of support you are unlikely to get elsewhere.
Many colleges are agnostic and don’t care if the student uses Windows, Apple or Unix.
If the school does not require a particular computer, or does not have special setup and support deals, try to hold off on the purchase until later in the summer. Most manufacturers and retailers have back-to-school specials that can significantly reduce the cost.
Also, software often can be purchased through the school for far less than you can get it at your local retailer. Some companies require a current student ID or an email with an EDU prefix to get the best deals.
If you don’t see the information on the school website, you can always email the admissions office or the school’s IT department help desk.
When you get the new computer, make sure you make any recovery disks. Don’t forget to write down the serial and model number of the computer and tell your insurance company. If it gets stolen or damaged, a homeowners policy may cover it. (Keep the receipts. Many credit cards will extend the manufacturer’s coverage, too.)
We recommend the thin and light notebooks such as Apple’s MacBook Air and Windows Ultrabook models. With more things being stored in the cloud, storage is less of an issue and portability and battery life are more important.
And remember, whatever you buy will be outdated about four weeks later. It’s the nature of the beast and there’s nothing you can do.
Stop.
Before buying anything, check the college website or new student checklist. Though not as common as in previous years, some colleges have strict requirements for what a student should use as a computer.
Other colleges recommend that purchases be done through the school. When done that way, the school typically sets up the computer for the student, loads all the specialized programs and often provides a level of support you are unlikely to get elsewhere.
Many colleges are agnostic and don’t care if the student uses Windows, Apple or Unix.
If the school does not require a particular computer, or does not have special setup and support deals, try to hold off on the purchase until later in the summer. Most manufacturers and retailers have back-to-school specials that can significantly reduce the cost.
Also, software often can be purchased through the school for far less than you can get it at your local retailer. Some companies require a current student ID or an email with an EDU prefix to get the best deals.
If you don’t see the information on the school website, you can always email the admissions office or the school’s IT department help desk.
When you get the new computer, make sure you make any recovery disks. Don’t forget to write down the serial and model number of the computer and tell your insurance company. If it gets stolen or damaged, a homeowners policy may cover it. (Keep the receipts. Many credit cards will extend the manufacturer’s coverage, too.)
We recommend the thin and light notebooks such as Apple’s MacBook Air and Windows Ultrabook models. With more things being stored in the cloud, storage is less of an issue and portability and battery life are more important.
And remember, whatever you buy will be outdated about four weeks later. It’s the nature of the beast and there’s nothing you can do.