erkybk

As for the laptop. there is a 19" minitor and smaller monitor. The large screen
looks good but it is a bit heavier and larger to carrry. Do they carry the laptop quite often? I lik ethe large screen laptop but I am afraid that it is a bit heavier. If I do not have to carry too often, I like to buy a large screen laptop. What do you think? Id' appreciate any opinion or advise.

Princess'Dad

mom
you can even hem pants or dress with duct tape.

hsmomstef

erkybk -- talk to students at the school you are attending and see if they take laptops to class, study hall or study sessions outside their room.

My understanding is that, for the majority of schools, the laptop is mainly used in the dorm room. You need to think about how easy it is to carry it on the airplane (if you fly home) or in the car -- otherwise, you don't really carry it around at school.

hsmomstef

What about paperwork? I was wondering if the kids would need any of the following items while at BS:

passport
official birth certificate
social security card
eyeglass prescription
group membership cards (stuff like Scouts, CAP)
passport photos
CPR certification card

these are things I normally keep and give them when they need them -- but now I am thinking that it might be better if they have them with them (we don't live within driving distance).

Any other "paperwork" type stuff the kids should have with them?

hsmomstef

For those looking at buying a laptop or desktop for school -- the consumer reports magazine that just came out rates both desktops and laptops, plus rates each company for the tech support they provide. Probably worth picking up.

armchrtravlr

Depending on where in the country you are going, an ELECTRIC blanket. Those nights are chilly, and even when you sit up late at night to study,nice to have.

bballprep

bbbuuummmppp

candycane34

I'm curious about the paperwork too... Is it necessary to bring along?

neatoburrito

erkybk,

I have both a 19" widescreen and my husband uses a smaller "standard" size (15"?). I bought the 19" because it has the number keypad on the side and is very convenient when I'm running CAD. That laptop tends to stay put because of the weight. It's great for visual, but every time I want to sit outside or travel, I go with my hasband's because it is SO much easier to carry around. I know it may only be a few ounces heavier but it seems to make all the difference. If it's all you're carrying, it's OK; but keep in mind that you will usually have [lenty of books with you as well. Also, I have yet to find a suitable bag for the big one.

If you're planning on using your laptop on the go, I'd recommend the smaller. Our smaller one is an ACER and think it has the best display of all the ones I've seen. It has also been completely trouble-free. The 17" is an HP and I really don't like it at all. Although I haven't had anytrouble with the performance, it just seems "cheap" and clunky. I do like the keyboard, however, and it is great for watching movies. Since you'll be doing more typing than anything. I'd go to a store where you can actually try out the keyboard.

Before you buy anything though, I'd check with your school. Some of them have special purchase arrangements with Dell, etc. where you can get a good price with all the software preloaded that you might need for your classes, usually Microsoft Office suite.

Princess'Dad

hsmom
I would just give her the SS number (she/he will need that for tests, etc (even though it is not supposed to be used as an id per law)).
Copy of insurance card.
any and all prescriptions (eyes and meds).
That should be enough.

as to computer. At all of the schools we looked at, you can buy one through them. most of the schools seemed to be going apple.
apple's new small laptop is great for taking to classes etc - but need desktop to go with.

Linda S

We found only one school that actually REQUIRED you to buy thier laptop, but it happens, so check before you buy (as others have said).
Interestingly, my husband is a "computer geek" as his profession, so we spent longer than many I'd imagine on the topic in visits (met a lot of tech staff). Most, even if they say they prefer Mac, don't require one or the other. Some will offer only limited support if you do not buy through them. The deals the schools have are good but none of them were so great that my husband will buy through them. We bought a combo monitor/TV that he can bring to hook the lap up up to in the dorm room (better on the eyes) and while he won't get TV signal, he can use it for X-Box, etc. and will only be bringing one item instead of a monitor AND a TV.

keylyme

I don't think most schools expect you to carry your laptop to class with you. Kids just use them in their rooms.

sugerkim

Laptops are popular for studying in the library or Starbucks, but not used in class that often. I recommend a 15". It's small enough to carry around, but big enough to watch movies with friends.

Princess'Dad

Linda I agree. The one that "required" the computer that I saw, gave it as part of tuition. Many of the students used a different type though (ie mac).

We saw a fair number of students with their laptops in class. Esp in the schools that used a harkness table. It seemed that everyone in the librarys had one.

We are thinking of either a laptop and external monitor or imac and laptop.

I really like the imac because of the camera so that I can vidio conf my daughter

Linda S

The camera is a nice feature.