Since the semester is beginning and you might be able to squeeze a few bucks out of Dad for a new computer, let's take a look at buying a notebook computer. In a marketing-driven environment, it can be difficult to isolate valuable features from fluff.
More than likely, you already own a computer. But, what you brought to college won't last your entire term. Computers and electronics just don't last the four, five or eight years it takes to get a bachelor's degree.
Unless you have a major involving video games or graphic design, a notebook will satisfy all your needs. However, finding a satisfactory system isn't easy. In fact, the seemingly endless (and pricey) options make it a complicated task.
Decide how the device will be used. Some basic categories are ultra-portable, desktop replacements and budget-conscious. These names make the system's intent pretty obvious. If this is going to be your only computer, a desktop replacement is your best bet.
Wireless Internet: Even if you don't have wireless Internet in your home or dorm, this is an absolute must in a notebook. Most study locations (such as coffee shops) have hourly wireless rates and some even offer it for free. Texas A&M is also offering wireless connections in a growing number of classrooms and eating areas. For information on these locations, visit tamulink.tamu.edu/locations.html. With wireless Internet, you can enjoy the fun of fact checking your professor on the spot.
When shopping, look for a system that has 802.11g wireless built into the notebook. Built-in wireless benefits from lower power consumption and better compatibility.
Bluetooth: Think of Bluetooth as a replacement for cables. Bluetooth will provide you a way to connect a mouse, a full-sized keyboard, a printer and many other things. It frees you from annoying wires, but more importantly preserves your scarce USB and Firewire ports for more data intensive things like MP3 players and digital cameras.
Firewire: If you have a MP3 player or digital camera, it may take you an eternity to transfer files. That's why you want Firewire; it's faster than USB. While USB has gotten faster with version 2.0, many tests have shown that Firewire provides a consistently higher speed than USB. When shopping, look for Firewire 800, the fastest speed.
Backlit Keyboard: Illuminated keyboards aren't widely available, but they are awesome for students. Students are often situations where classes aren't well lit or roommates are sleeping and it would be great to see the keys. If you're so inclined, Apple's affordable iBook and less affordable Powerbook include this feature.
Windows or Apple: Discussing this issue is like arguing religion on sticky notes; there just isn't enough room. As a recent Apple convert, I would say today's Apple is definitely offering something you can't get anywhere else: sexiness, satiability and power. The products are aesthetically pleasing, the operating system (OS X) is unbreakable and features such Exposé help me juggle applications with a greater ease.
For those readers who do not think Apple will fit into their lifestyle, I've got three Windows systems and an Apple notebook, and there has never been a compatibility problem. I even use all my Windows devices (MP3, camera, video and mouse) on my notebook without a glitch! And it's nice to know that viruses can't do much to my Apple.
There is even a special store for A&M students to get a discount on their order. I personally saved about $300 through the education discount.
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