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 4.5 to 5 years to complete an undergraduate degree. Most modern consumer computer systems are expected to have a functional lifespan of only about 3 years. Budget desktop and notebooks can be found as low as $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 more towards the high-end of the computer spectrum but not the highest. 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 $800 and $1,250 including a monitor. Laptop systems are a bit more expensive so expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000.
Desktop vs. Laptop
Desktop computer systems are less expensive that 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 wired network access. Dial-up is less common now and will be available on roughly half of the systems. This means that it should at least be supplied with an Ethernet controller. This will allow the computer system to be used through an Internet provider through services such as DSL or cable modem. 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 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.
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: Netbook Plus Desktop
Another option that is possible for students today is to have two systems. One portable and one not. The rise of netbook systems that cost less than $400 but provide basic general computing needs means that students can carry around a highly portable system for taking notes or writing up papers. This 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 subnotebook can even end up costing less than a mainstream desktop or a thin and light laptop.
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.
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.
More detailed advice on computer selections can also be found by answering the questions on my What Computer Should I Buy? questionnaire.
