Introduction
Computers play a large role in the education of students today. With the increasing popularity of word processing, computers began to make inroads into the education environment, but today it goes far beyond that. Students use computers to do research, communicate with teachers and colleagues, and create multimedia presentations to name just a few. This makes purchasing a computer for the home or college student much more important, but how does one know what type of computer to buy?
Before shopping for a computer, check with the school regarding any recommendations, requirements or restrictions there may be on student computers. Often times colleges will have recommended minimum computer specifications that can be helpful in narrowing down your search. Similarly, they may have a list of necessary applications that require specific hardware. All of this information will be very helpful during the shopping process.
Desktops vs. Laptops
The first decision that must be made regarding a student computer is whether to buy a desktop or a laptop system. Each have distinct advantages over the other. For most individuals in colleges, laptops will likely be more preferable whereas high school students can get by better with desktop computer systems.
Desktops have several key advantages over their portable counterparts. The biggest advantage of a desktop system is the price. A complete desktop system can cost as much as half as a comparable portable computer system. This is a huge factor for those students on a budget. The other key advantages to desktop computer systems are their features and lifespan. Most desktop computer systems have more powerful components giving them a longer functional lifespan than a laptop computer. A high-end system will likely survive a full 4 years of college, but a budget system might need replacement halfway through. That is an important thing to consider when looking at the costs of the systems.
Desktop Advantages:
- Less Expensive
- More Powerful Systems
- Less Likely to Be Stolen from Dorm Rooms
Laptop computers also have distinct advantages over desktop computers. The biggest factor of course is portability. Students will have the option of bringing their computers with them to class, to the library when they study or research and even during holiday breaks when they may need to do class work. With the increasing number of wireless networks on campuses and coffee shops, this helps extend the usable range of the computer system. Of course, their small size can also be a benefit to those students living in cramped dorm rooms.
Laptop Advantages:
- Computer Can Be Taken Practically Anywhere
- Increased Communication with Wireless Networks
- Require Less Dorm Space
When to Buy?
Buying a computer system for school really depends on several key factors. Of course price is going to be the most important factor for most individuals, but the best prices are not always found during the back to school season.
Students who are in grade school (3rd through 6th Grades) typically do not require very powerful computers. It is during these years that the children need to be first introduced into the usage of a computer system for things such as research, paper writing and communication. Even the low-cost budget desktop systems will provide more than enough computing power for these tasks. Since this is the most competitive segment of the desktop market, deals can be found year round. Prices have little room to move around so just shop around for what meets your needs any time of the year.
