Articles
Smart Shopping for Students: Laptops
First Posted: October 27, 2007
Last Updated: August 11, 2009
By Andrew Lau
Whether you’re a first year college student or a graduate student, you’ve probably flirted with the question of buying a new computer and in particular, whether or not to invest in a notebook computer. Computers will set you back hundreds of dollars and be expected to last at least a few years, so it's important to identify your needs for university or college life and buy accordingly. Since this is RedFlagDeals.com, we've got some ideas on how you might meet them without breaking your budget. You might just save some money for important things like tuition and books… or beer.
Do I actually need a laptop?
This is the first question you really need to answer. The answer for this probably won't be that clear cut unless your program of study requires you to have a laptop. For everyone else, you will need to honestly assess your personal needs, habits, and budget. Here are some basic things to keep in mind:
- A laptop computer can be a great asset if you are going to use its primary feature: its portability. If your laptop stays on your desk because you already have 5 or 10 pounds of books in your bag or you only have 2 classes per day 3 times a week, a laptop may not be the best use of your money.
- If the program you are enrolled in requires you to have a laptop computer, the decision has already been made for you. Be sure to find out about specific hardware or software requirements for your program.
- You can expect a laptop to cost approximately 50% to 100% more than a similarly equipped desktop computer.
- Laptops are inherently less upgradeable than their desktop counterparts. Only RAM, hard drives, and processors are typically upgradeable. Internal components for desktop computers are almost never compatible with notebooks.
- Know yourself. Is having a laptop in class going to be productive for you or serve as a distraction? Are you going to take notes or are you checking the latest funny link someone emailed to you? Can you type notes faster than you can write them?
- Know your program and courses. Courses with heavy math content often require formulas and symbols in note taking that are not easy to reproduce on a laptop. Tablet PCs, or good old pen and paper may be more suitable in such cases.
- If your idea of “productivity” is habitual checking of email and Facebook, remember that most educational institutions have big libraries and computer labs. You may have to wait in line for a computer, but most schools will provide you with sufficient means to surf the net between classes. You can even use these computers to get some work done from time to time!
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