Laptop and Computer?

Allen.331 · 05-03-2008, 01:26 PM

Hey Guys. I've looked online and saw that new cadets need to purchase a school issued laptop with some of the money they get. Then I went to USMA Admissions: FAQs: About Cadet Life and saw that cadets also have to purchase a computer. I haven't found any other up to date info about cadet having a computer so I'm a little suspicious about it. Do cadets have to purchase a computer along with the laptop? What laptop does the school issue. If cadets have to purchase a computer, is it also school issued? If it is school issued then what computer is it? Thanks for your time.

JustAMomOf4 · 05-03-2008, 02:30 PM

Here is the link for the computer:
IETD External Website

Class of 2012 is not available yet but you can look and see what class of 2011 got. Every cadet gets the same system - after beast. From what I hear it is pretty awesome.

KateMac · 05-03-2008, 02:32 PM

Don't worry; everything you need will be issued. All new cadets will be issued a computer, complete with all the latest bells and whistles. This will happen after Beast and prior to the start of the academic year. The cost for the computer comes out of your monthly pay, as does the cost for uniforms, books, etc., so you don't have to do a thing but stand in the line they tell you to, when they tell you to.

You could, honestly, show up to R-Day wearing nothing but a smile and be fine.

wpmom2011 · 05-03-2008, 03:20 PM

The only computer a cadet is issued is a laptop, and will be issued during Re-Orgy - after Beast. The deposit you pay before you report is to help offset the initial expense of all the equipment/uniforms that you will be issued on R-Day and during Beast.

PointMom2012 · 05-03-2008, 04:26 PM

Do cadets usually take the laptops with them to class every day? Will they be issued a laptop bag, backpack, etc., or do they need to provide thier own?

KateMac · 05-03-2008, 04:41 PM

They are issued EVERYTHING! Laptops, backpacks, underwear, toothpaste, socks, shoes, food, books...

Honestly, if it is not "authorized" (replace with "issued") they shouldn't have it. Truly take the minimalist approach. Show up with a good attitude and not much more.

And yes, they do take their laptops with them to class. The backpacks they use (which are issued and authorized) have a spot for the laptop and space for books, etc.

PointMom2012 · 05-03-2008, 07:08 PM

Sounds good to me. Lately when my son's been begging for new clothes, new shoes, buy me this, buy me that, I say, "What for? You can't take it with you."

mom3boys · 05-03-2008, 07:35 PM

Haha...we've had similar conversations here...I did finally buy a bathing suit so he could go to the beach after graduation. I would suggest they show up w/ a little more than just a smile...hard to "fly under the radar" when you are known as "new cadet naked."

Allen.331 · 05-03-2008, 09:13 PM

Hey everybody. Thanks for all the info. JustAMomOf4 I don't know how you found that link but it was really useful.

PointMom2012 · 05-03-2008, 11:31 PM

I'd also like to thank JAMof4 for the info. DS is going to have a better technology set up than me - I'm so jealous! Lucky kids!

JustAMomOf4 · 05-15-2008, 05:47 AM

Quote:

JustAMomOf4 I don't know how you found that link but it was really useful.

LOL - with 4 kids I have a reputation for finding stuff!

Anyone heard the *rumor* that Class of 2012 will be getting Blackberrys?

mom3boys · 05-15-2008, 08:13 AM

WOW...that would be nice!

p-piper · 05-15-2008, 08:32 AM

I believe pigs will fly before Blackberrys will be issued to the cadets this year. Most years the rumors swirl around cell phones. That has yet to happen. Given that the cadets have laptops they take to class and live with in the barracks, and the entire cadet area is wireless, they are already "connected". Blackberrys would not serve a needed purpose. "Nice" does not really figure into the Army/West Point experience. Sorry.