July 2007
Back-to-college laptop-buying tips
Check in with IT. Before you start shopping, pay a visit to your school's IT Web site and find out the following:
Configure your system. Unless you need an extra-powerful system and don't need portability, stick with a laptop. Check our tech-support and reliability
surveys for the best brands (available to subscribers). Whatever you decide, don't skimp. You don't want a system that will
be outdated before freshman year ends--get one that will last four to five years. Be sure to get a dual-core processor (from
Intel, that's a "Duo" or "Dual-Core"; from AMD, it's "X2"), 2 gigabytes of RAM, and a 120GB or larger hard drive. If you're
a gamer in need of fast 3D graphics, get an ATI or Nvidia graphics card with at least 128 megabytes of memory. Avoid glossy
screens if you'll be using your laptop in libraries, classrooms, or outdoors; if you must get a glossy screen, get one with
an antiglare coating.
Get the right extras.
See our buying advice for laptops and desktops for more information.
- Does the school recommend a specific operating system? If not, consider some general guidelines. Business students should stick to Windows, the platform of choice in most business
environments. Windows is also better for engineers since some engineering programs, such as AutoCAD and Pro/Engineer, are
available only for Windows. We prefer the Home Premium version of Windows Vista for its multimedia features, but some schools
require the Business version. Check with the school before you buy. Arts and sciences majors are probably safe with either
Windows or Mac systems. Macs continue to outrank PCs in terms of security, and although they tend to cost more than Windows
systems, educational discounts save Mac buyers $100 to $200, and more when purchasing an AppleCare extended warranty. In addition,
Apple is offering a free iPod Nano via mail-in rebate in a promotion that's running until Sept. 16, 2007.
- Can you buy directly from the school? Some schools recommend specific system configurations or require particular software programs. We took a look at the hardware
offerings on a few university sites and found that they offered well-equipped computers with long three- to four-year warranties.
(If you're buying an extended warranty on your own, we recommend them only for Apple systems or Lenovo laptops; other extended
warranties fall short.) Most computers we saw offered by schools were business-level machines that tended to cost more than
consumer systems. They also generally had fewer multimedia features and poorer speakers. As for software, you should almost
always buy directly from the school, since the programs you'll need will probably come with an educational discount. Security
software will probably be offered free from your school, but if you need another free option, try Avast! Antivirus (www.avast.com) and Spybot Search & Destroy (www.spybot.com).
- What's the school's repair policy? This varies from school to school. IT might repair computers you buy from the school directly; some schools might offer repairs
for any PCs; others won't do any repairs at all. Make sure allowing IT to fix your system won't void any warranties. Also
find out whether any special training sessions are offered to help familiarize students with e-mail software, other applications,
or operating systems.
- 12- to 13-inch laptop: Easy to tote. Usually very lightweight but can cost more than larger laptops.
- 14- to 15-inch laptop: Easy to tote to the library or classroom. Less expensive than other types of laptops.
- 17-inch or larger laptop: Serves as both a desktop replacement and an entertainment center but heavy to carry around.
- Desktop: More difficult to steal. More ergonomic than laptops. Desktop keyboards cause less strain, and you can adjust the placement
of the keyboard and monitor. Displays are generally larger. Save some space with a flat-panel display, a slimline tower, or
a compact all-in-one system.
- Internet connections. Make sure the laptop has wireless connectivity. Wi-Fi 802.11n (or "draft N compliant") is the latest standard. But most schools
don't support 802.11n, so you can save a few dollars and get a Wi-Fi 802.11g adapter instead. Find out about wireless networks
in the school; be sure security issues are considered and properly configure the security settings.
- Security. Security issues abound at school, with computers operating on the same local network, a lack of hardware firewalls, and liberal
trading of files among students. Before you even connect your computer to the school's network, be sure to install the school's
security software and review its security policies. Also see our guide to cyber security.
- Printers. Don't buy a printer until after you move in. You might be able to use a lab printer or get your roommate to share a printer.
If you do need to get one, get a laser. In the long run, they're cheaper than inkjets and the results are more professional.
When you need color, go to a computer lab or your local campus copy center.
- Accessories. Pick up a USB key so notes and research papers can easily be carried from place to place. Get some headphones for listening
to music. You might also need network, TV coaxial, and phone cables, as well as power strips and extension cords. Check your
dorm room before buying to see what's already supplied. If you're buying a laptop, don't forget to buy a laptop bag and a
cable lock.
- Chair. If your school allows it, get a good office chair. You'll be spending a lot of time at your desk and you want to be comfortable
while studying or doing your homework.
