<p>The problem with getting a tablet with the plan to replace it with a desktop is that in some classes you will need a laptop. For example, in my Mech Behaviors class every test was open book, open notes, open computer. Not having a laptop would have been a huge handicap and would have made some problems all but impossible. So I still think your best bet is to spend a little bit more now on the tablet with the 4 year warranty and not have to worry about it, but its your call. I did end up buying a desktop for use at my apartment but my tablet is still in (marginal) working order.</p>
<p>You will need an ethernet cable. I’d buy a mouse since you can get one dirt cheap and using the track pad is annoying. A desk hutch for your printer and stuff in your dorm room is pretty necessary. You probably don’t need a portable harddrive unless you have an awful lot of movies, and you could probably pick up a couple cheap thumbdrives for storage if its just music and pictures.</p>