Introduction
Computers are tightly integrated into the world of education today. Students still have to type up papers but now more than ever things such as e-mail, collaborative applications and multimedia presentations are being used to help enrich the learning experience. Add to this the need for technology and computer experience in the workforce and a computer in the learning environment becomes even more crucial. Hopefully this guide will help those looking at purchasing a computer as a graduation gift for a student.
How Much to Spend?
Spending for a student's computer is a difficult task. High school is four years long and college students are averaging four and a half to five years to complete an undergraduate degree. Most modern consumer computer systems are expected to have a functional lifespan of only about three years. Budget desktop and laptops can be found below $500 but they will generally have a shorter lifespan. Buying a top of the line computer system is really expensive but will it have a functional lifespan for the full academic term of the student?
The best bet is probably to spend somewhere between the two ends computer price spectrum. The performance improvements on the top models compared to those just below it do not justify the extra costs. By saving the money now, you can save money to either upgrade or even replace the computer in several years. For desktop computer systems, a good price point is between $700 and $1,000 including a monitor. Laptop systems are a bit more expensive so expect to pay between $750 and $1,250.
Desktop vs. Laptop
Desktop computer systems are less expensive than laptops. So does a desktop make a better computer system? Not necessarily. Desktops are completely acceptable for students entering high school. There is little need for the student to have a computer on campus, so portability is not an issue. College students need high mobility though. The ability to bring a laptop on campus to do work at a library or coffee shop between classes or to bring it along to study sessions and lectures for notes is very valuable.
Networking
Every computer system purchased today should have the capability of network access. Wired network access isn't as critical as it used to be but it is helpful to have an Ethernet connector on the computer. This will allow the computer system to be used through an Internet provider through services such as DSL or cable. Many college dorms now have Ethernet ports in the rooms, so having an available wired port is also useful.
Wireless networking is also a must purchase for any portable computer system. It should have an 802.11b/g/n compatible wireless controller built into the system (or through an additional PC Card). Higher speed 802.11a/g/n is preferred but not necessarily required. This allows a college student to access the Internet through campus or local shop wireless networks to add to their mobile computing ability.
Laptops
If you are looking at getting a laptop computer for a graduation gift, there are additional things to keep in mind. A computer is portable if it is lightweight and compact but not so much that it sacrifices on features. Having to carry around a 10-pound computer in addition to books and notes can be a big burden. Because of this, it is best to look at portable computers that are either in the thin and light or ultraportable categories. For the price, the thin and light notebooks are the best values and sacrifice fewer features. Ultraportables will be easier to carry around and still offer good performance and battery life which is pretty critical for those who have to be on campus all day.
Battery life is also a big concern for portable computers for a student. If they intend on using the computer heavily for lecture notes or research, they will likely need a long battery life. Plugs are most likely available in a library or coffee shop but most of the time there won't be time to charge up a battery sufficiently. Because of this, it is a good idea to look for systems that can have extended batteries or have a spare battery to swap into it.
A New Option: Tablet Plus Desktop
Another option that is possible for students today is to have two systems. Previously, netbooks were an option for students but they have since been superceded by the tablets which are more compact and allow for direct handwritten notes. These combined with a more powerful desktop computer that resides at home or in a dorm allows them to also work on more advanced multimedia applications if they require it. A mix of a budget desktop plus a tablet can even end up costing less than a mainstream desktop or a thin and light laptop. Tablets also have the ability to double as an e-reader which allows them to be used for e-textbooks which can offer many advantages over traditional textbooks.
Don't Forget the Printer
While many schools are now moving to a paperless format for submitting homework via email or web sites, there are still many situations that require students to print out reports. There are basically two styles of printers on the market: inkjet or laser. Inkjet printers are generally very affordable at first but the cost of ink can quickly raise the price. They do have the advantage of producing better color and photo images though. Laser printers are generally what I recommend because of their very low printing costs and speed at printing. Color laser printers have also come down significantly in price.
Wait Until School Starts
One thing I like to suggest to those thinking of a graduation computer for a college bound graduate is to also wait to buy a PC. Purchasing a computer before the college school year begins can be detrimental in several ways. First, computer prices typically drop significantly in the back to school buying time frame. This means you may end up spending more for a PC that won't be used for three months. Secondly, most schools and manufacturers have various discounts for college students. This can also add up to savings when getting a PC for college but you have to be a confirmed studnet with a student ID number before you can receive these discounts. Thus, waiting until the student is in college. Finally, the college may have recommendations for computers and software for their program which may limit the selection of computers that the student would need and thus making it better to buy once they are at college.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully this guide gave a few good key points to keep in mind when looking at a computer system as a graduation gift. Unfortunately most computer systems do not come with all the extra items needed for a student. A key item to also keep in mind is a ink jet or laser printer so they can print out papers. Another items for laptop systems is a carry case to allow the student to carry it around with them. For students, a laptop backpack is probably the best choice for carrying a laptop plus school books.
