Computer decision U of D - need feedback

pumpkin65
Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:16:48 +0000

D and I are struggling with choosing a computer for U of D. I am looking for feedback on the pluses and minuses of desktops in dorms vs. laptops. What is most common?

After looking at laptops, we thought a desktop might be better. She’s had a laptop for 4 years, and it has really taken a beating. Fortunately, her high school had a great program and any time it broke, it was covered, you were given a loaner, and it was fixed.

D’s requirements seem to drive up the price of a laptop - I am also concerned about how easily laptops can ‘walk’ or be damaged easily. She’s pretty small and schlepping a laptop around could get tiresome. But desktops seem bulky in small dorms.

Something we were considering was a pretty hefty desktop and a netbook. I know some of the dorms are not fully wireless (is that right?)…but we figure she could get a wireless router and connect the netbook to the internet that way if she feels like just hanging out on her bed and surfing or writing something. The netbook would be easy to take to class or the library, and if it was stolen or dropped it would be easily replaced (some are <$300)

So, any insight from experienced parents or students would be appreciated.