We all know it’s become a weird digital life both in the burbs and in the big city. Today it is more important than ever to think about your personal computer needs and not depend on the classroom for help. You must think independently because educational cutbacks have affected IT spending disproportionately, and therefore, there will be little or no help from the classroom.
Due to the economy, poor judgment, lack of budget planning and questionable procurement procedures, educational computer budgets have been cut-back. Scores of Dell computers, the procurement geniuses purchased, are sitting around unused and in disrepair. I suppose if you like your support coming from Bombay and don’t mind changing hard drives or updating software by yourself you could get some of these computers running and get by. But, I wouldn’t count on it. So it will be up to you, the intelligent individual, to bring the technology and support you need to the classroom yourself.
Obviously you will need a laptop, notebook or netbook because of its portability and their power. The handheld iPhones, Blackberrys and Palms aren’t yet powerful enough to be real computers, although they do a great job at being communication devices, so I don’t consider them for the classroom.
A laptop is really a notebook these days, and a netbook is a notebook missing just a few features the notebook has. The notebook has all the features, power, storage and communications any student could need. The choice of notebooks isn’t really difficult; just get one that works well. First, in my opinion, let me “diss” HP, and Samsung. They are hell to work on when they fail, and they offer the worst support and most expensive parts in the business so I would cross them off your shopping list permanently. By the way HP wants us to rep them and we refuse because of these problems.
Now with the list pared down somewhat you should consider Dell. Yes, Dell. I know, I know their sales and support really do suck, but they produce one of the finest mass market devices, so consider them. Next, I would consider Acer a little known name, but they recently purchased Gateway Computers and have been a big technology leader in Taiwan for years. They offer good support, bang for your buck and they are durable. Sounds like the right fit for a collage student to me. Then there is my recommendation, I just love these computers, they are called the IBM ThinkPad – no, woops name change to Lenovo ThinkPad. Fabulous service, great value and near English support. Most professionals in the computer business value their partnerships with Dell, Acer and Lenovo, as do I.
The only remaining item is price and I’m here to say you should be paying mid 800’s for a really good notebook. There are a few below that cost, like the Acer, that are good, but they are really for the high school graduate or collage entry student. If you have a sophomore or above I recommend the Lenovo or the Dell.
Just remember, support is important and little will be found on campus so having a local professional that communicates well could be essential to your well being. Just remember, “If your computer runs good, so do you.”
Oh, I just have to say it: Do you really want the government running your health care or, your doctor?
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