Oberweis

I was wonder how laptops are used at Lawrence. I've visited schools where kids bring in laptops to take notes in class, and other where they just leave their computers in their dorms, which one is Lawrence? One thing I've noticed was that many times it depends on the size of the workspace you are given (personal desks= no computer, while larger table=bring computer). I'm asking this because I'm beginning to consider laptops to get, and I want to know how I'm going to use it beforehand.

-Oberweis

dyserenity

A lot of classes at Lawrence are discussion based, so having a laptop in front of you can be a bit awkward and isolating. When I took freshman studies, many students brought their laptops with to the big lectures (the whole freshman class was supposed to go to these) to take notes since the lecturers tend to talk quickly. I bought a tablet computer and took it to physics this year. It was nice because I could write on the screen to draw diagrams and I could switch colors easily.

It really depends on the class and your personal studying style. I liked bringing my laptop to class. It might be distracting to some since Lawrence has wireless in all academic buildings. Rarely will a teacher bar laptops from classes, so most of the time it is up to how you think you will use it.

idic5

another angle to the OP's question: nuts and bolts --

what do most LU students use on campus, MAC or Windows?

how powerful is the laptop ? how much RAM, CPU level? XP ? VISTA?

kassos

Most use Windows but Macs are heavily used. Any new laptop you buy will be powerful enough to do what most college students need.

Don't bring your laptop to class, but DO type up your handwritten notes after class!