phillyareamom

I'm looking for an answer for a friend who's son is accepted to Schreyer/Eberly for Bio Pre Med. He's going to need to bring a computer to PSU. Do you recommend a laptop or a desktop? If you suggest a laptop, what general specs (Mac Book Pro Vs. Windows Machine, RAM etc) would you say he should look for.

Also is there any advantage to buying the computer from the Penn State computer store vs. buying one at a local computer store or online?

CWRYAN1 I'm counting on you to come through again!

Have a nice day,

Phillyareamom

cwryan1

hey Phillyareamom, who is your son (pm would suffice)? I have been chatting with several accepted bio/pre med SHC students via facebook. It would be funny if me and him were facebook friends.

Anyway, I went with a larger size laptop, 3 GB RAM Sony Viao obviously running windows. They are nice computers, little pricey, but I got to choose any laptop I wanted (sr. grad present). The portability of the laptop allows me to bring it to group study meetings/scheduling parties that the SHC hosts twice a year (we are all big geeks, haha). A majority of science undergrads don't haul their laptops to lecture halls because

a) battery wouldn't last throught them all
b) there is not enough space on the desks

Some people do bring smaller laptops and use them to project the powerpoint slids that the prof puts on ANGEL (course managment system). I print them out and bring them to class in a binder and take notes on them. Works for me.


Looking back now though, I may have went with a MAC. They seem a lot easier to use and are really sleek. I guess more for aesthetics.

I know that some majors at PSU- Elementary ed, engineering maybe, and some art typle ones, require a MAC because of the better graphics etc.

I am not a computer person, haha.

phillyareamom

This isn't for my son. This is for a friend's son. My daughter is a high school junior and she wants to try to get into the SHC next year.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your input. No one in our family has ever gone to college and no one in my friend's family has either. Our children go to large high schools and their guidance counselors are hopelessly busy with problem kids and don't have any time to answer questions for the good kids, so we don't have any one else to ask. We live just outside of Philadelphia and if your kid does not have a parole officer then you have a good kid (sad but sort of true).

I hope I haven't been a burden to you. It is sooooooo nice to have someone to answer our questions and serve as a guide. Bless you, you are in my prayers as a nice person who takes time to help others.

Phillyareamom

cwryan1

oh, sorry, apparently I can't read today. I enjoy helping everyone here, plus it is a good way to put off my chemistry lab report.

I was in the same boat as what you described. First person to go to college in my family. My mom was quite persistant with my college choice. We made a good team.

phillyareamom

CWRYAN1 have you (or anyone else reading this) purhcased a computer from the Penn State Computer Store? Is there an advantage to doing so?

Phillyareamom

toneranger

My son is in SHC but is not a science major.

We looked into buying from the computer store - and we found that we could find equivalent or better prices on our own. We got him a Dell Laptop and used a coupon code we found on the internet (for 20% off). We also bought an upgraded warranty for on-site service - and it has come in handy (mother board failure after 1 year - but quickly and easily replaced).

I think a laptop is a much better way to go. My son brings it home with him on breaks. Just be careful about keeping it locked up to secure it from theft.

The computer store DOES have a great deal on software packages for students. We got the full office package for around $69 (if I remember right). So it does not pay to order the bundled software if you're buying a computer from another place.