Bullet

We want to get DS a computer as a HS graduation gift, one he can take along with him to UMD. Are there certain hardware requirements to make sure he has? How about software (is everything there run on MS Office?)?
Ultimately, which do the current students prefer: a lap-top or desktop? Both have plusses and minuses (security, capability, storage capacity, etc.)

Terp students: your thoughts?

somebodynew

This is a question we get a lot here. It's all down to personal preference, but I'll list the advantages of each.

Desktop:
Cheaper to get bigger harddrives and better RAM.
More secure.
Less tempting to browse the net during class.

Laptop:
Smaller, takes up less desk room.
Can take to class or anywhere on campus.
Secureable with a laptop lock.

Really it's all up to personal preference. If your son has a desktop, there are still over 40 free computer labs spread out all across campus that he can use during the day. STAMP student union will also rent out laptops for 2 hours at a time to students, and there is a quick station for checking email in the union. I have a laptop; my roommate has a desktop...so really it doesn't matter. I like my laptop because of its portability; my roommate uses a desktop for its power (he plays games and is working on his Gemstone project 's computer program).

Bullet

Thanks! Pretty much what I thought. I'll guess we'll have to ruin the surprise and ask him his preference. Any ideas on network capability throughout the campus? The students pretty much have wireless capability anywhere on campus, right?

somebodynew

The residence halls are completely wireless. Most, if not all, academic buildings are wireless, and therefore, there is a lot of wireless capability near buildings. The Mall has wireless access. I see students with iPhones all over the place surfing the net...even the Diners have wireless. Students just have to sign in with their directory ID to use the network. I'm actually using it right now before my class starts.

Having wireless internet capabilities during class is a dangerous thing though.

astrophysicsmom

haha, some of my best IM "discussions" with D have been while she was in a couple of her classes!!!

We found that the Dell deal through UMD was much more reasonable than we expected, and it turned out to be cheaper than we could have gotten the same laptops on our own... (Actually, we ordered 3--I'm using one even as we speak!!) Although it would be AFTER graduation probably before you would order for next year (We ordered and got ours in early August). She's a computer geek, and a MAC wasn't remotely a possibility for her, but you'll find lots of people who love them).

D usually takes hers wherever she goes on campus, but we also got her a locking file cabinet for when she leaves it in her room. I'd say that the majority of people on campus have laptops.

cmbmom

Look at the offer Md has - my friend says she saved about 50% off list price by buying through them last August.

worrywart

gibbusoft

Was just wondering: Are we allowed to note down all the lectures on our laptops? Are we allowed to audio/video tape the lectures (for later viewing) as well?

Or are we just restricted to taking down lectures on paper?

melon390

depends on professor, most don't care......but some do,

mellow

I would definitely recommend a laptop. The computer labs can be crowded during certain times and its really nice to be able to study in the lounge if you can't concentrate in your room. Also, with team meetings, a laptop is really handy. And don't forget to get a flash drive too!