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Which Computer for College?

June 2004

We've decided to give our daughter a computer for college as a high school graduation gift (similar to the the typewriter I received a million years ago), but are stuck on a couple of key points:
1) Mac or PC, and
2) Laptop or "regular" size.
She doesn't really have a strong feeling re: the Mac or PC question. She does think she wants a laptop, but I am leery of wrist problems with a laptop keyboard, as well as fearful of the increased risk of theft/loss with a laptop. The one thing we do know is to order the computer (once we've decided on all the details) and have it shipped directly to her college--saves lugging it there. Any input from your experience would be greatly appreciated.

(1) My understanding if that, unless you're planning to do a lot of graphics or desktop publishing, there's no reason to get a Mac. Sorry, Mac lovers. There's more software for PC's and greater flexibility and connectivity with networks. I could be completely wrong, and someone may offer all the good reasons for selecting a Mac, but if you haven't used one before, I would see no reason to send your kid off to to college with one.

(2) Laptop definitely. You can get cable locks to secure them to dorm room desks. You can get a full-size keyboard as an add-on. My Dell (Inspiron 8600) is full-size; it just doesn't have a separate number pad. Dell (and others, no doubt) sell a very nice stand that holds the laptop up so that the monitor is at eye level and the add-on keyboard fits below. You can even go more $$ than that simple solution and get a docking station to go with a separate monitor. (Think of the laptop as a portable harddrive). The convenience of being able to take the laptop to class should not be overlooked.

Good luck! You probably can't make a *wrong'' choice.

I got my son a Dell laptop 3 years ago when he left for college but had to replace it recently with a desktop. Why? He dropped it several times, moving from the dorm to an apt,, then frmo apt. to house, and bringing it home on the plane several times. Dell was great about fixing it the first time - brought a replacement to his dorm when they took his broken one away for repairs, just the regular warranty, no charge. But finally he dropped it another time after the warranty expired, and that was it for the laptop. You don't have this problem with something that's harder to move (a desktop.) But you may have a more careful child than I do.

The other problem with the laptop was the size of my son. He complained that the screen was too small and too far below his line of sight, and that he had to hunch over to use it and it hurt his back after a while.

Big upside of a desktop: it's a LOT cheaper than a laptop. It doesn't hurt the mom as much if they drop it or decide they need something with more bells and whistles in a couple of years. I got a new Dell desktop a couple of months ago with monitor and keyboard for about $400. They ship it free so no hassle getting it to him. It was a special under "business solutions" on the dell website. Check dell.com for specials. Good luck! Ginger

Both of our children took Macintosh laptops to college. We gave them a sturdy cable lock, similar to a bicycle lock, to secure it to a desk or bed frame. Both laptop and desktop computers were common at their colleges. We thought laptops had far greater versatility: to come home with them on vacations, to accompany them to the library, to be used in bed, or sitting in the lounge, or in friends' rooms. If your daughter's college has wireless networking, she would be able to connect to the school network from a variety of locations, too (most schools have plug- in connections in the library.)

As to Mac vs. PC, the school may have a strong preference, indicating a greater willingness to provide technical support for that type of computer. We're a Mac family, but I won't get into the Mac/PC wars. A good argument can be made for each platform.

If you buy her a laptop, consider an insurance policy that covers accidental breakage. Their screens are the most vulnerable and costly to replace component. Adam

A friend of mine who had only a desktop computer at college had a lot of trouble with being stuck in his room - which was noisy - because he needed to work on it. He would have loved a laptop that he could take to a library or outside when he needed to get away from the relentless socializing in his dorm. Fiona

I'm definitely a Mac person, not PC. Aside from all of the issues of taste and software (there IS more software for the PC, but the operating system environment is not nearly so nice), you should weigh the fact that Macs have virtually no problem with viruses. That saves a lot of time, trouble, and sometimes money, and could save all the information stored on your computer at some point. Love those Macs

Hi, The Mac vs PC things is rather boring but I thought I would put in my 2 cents worth. We have 4 PC's in our house and 2 are Mac, 2 are ''PC's. I use both and have definitely used ''PC's'' more through work, etc. But I grew up on Mac as my dad was VP at Apple throughout my jr and sr high school and undergrad years back in the day. I remember him bringing home the first prototype of that very first boxy Mac...Anyway, I love Mac, use it for my home biz, etc. One daughter has a Dell laptop and the other has a Powerbook. They each love theirs (isn't that typical of 2 sisters). Altho there is less software available, I have NEVER had a virus or worm on my Mac. With Virtual PC, I no longer have any problems with reading ''PC'' files, etc. I also like that Apple does a lot with schools and colleges. I am entering Grad school this fall and I already was able to get a new Powerbook for a nice discount so I can bring it with me to class, etc. Just my 2 cents and that is what it worth, just 2 cents. Enjoy! Inga

Email-only machines

Feb 2003

I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has email-only service on a machine such as Earthlink's Mail Station. My 80+ mother does not want a computer, but she is keen to have email. I've looked at the Mail Station website, and the screen seems really small. Is there any other type of hardware/email service out there? Thanks. L

My parents have been very happy using Web-tv. It is a box that hooks up to their tv, allowing them email and web access. It dials in through their phone line, and they use a keyboard pad for typing. It seems fairly straight-forward, and is fairly inexpensive for equipment and email access. Barbara

If you want to see the MailStation machines in person, I believe I saw them at OfficeMax in Alameda recently. I think they're a great option for non-computer-literate folks. Jennie

My mother also did not want a computer, but wanted email, so my siblings and I got her a WebTV -- this is a keyboard that you can hook into your phone line, and you use your TV as the monitor. My mom loves it -- you can use it either for email, or for web-surfing. Personally, I've used it when visiting her and find it really really sloooooooowwwww for web-surfing, but not too bad for email. Seems like a perfect solution for the computer-phobic who still want email. Unfortunately, since I'm not the one who ordered it, I can't give you the specifics on that, but I imagine you can get that info on the Web. -- glad my mom is finally online

You'll probably hear this from 100's of others, but I'd strongly recommend a cheap computer rather than a email machine. The price differential is a few $100 (if that). The computer keyboard and screen are vastly superior, even if all you do is email. And, she wouldn't be limited. She might actually find things on the internet that would interest her (family tree research?), and might come to appreciate the benefits of word processing over a typewriter. If you want, email me & I'll be happy to put you and/or her in touch with my 82+ mom, who has gotten amazingly computer/internet hep since we bought her a entry-level Dell. Norm

My parents (in their 70's) wanted to get on the Web, and finally got Web TV. Probably a little more service than they need, and they certainly don't use it that much, but they can send and retrieve emails. It runs through their existing TV, and they got the software free from a garage sale (so I don't know how much it costs, but I don't think it is overly expensive). They also got a keyboard free (very cheap new, too). I think the monthly service is around $20. It seems like a neat idea for older persons who did not grow up with computers, but who did grow up with TV's and understand how they work. Plus, you don't have to invest in a computer this way. anon

Looking for a used computer

Dawn 9/99
I am looking for an inexpensive, possibly used -- but good-- computer set-up for my dad for his birthday Sept. 21. He needs it basically for writing, email and internet access. Does anyone know of a reputable outlet for used computers?

John 9/99
Try Resource Recyclers in The City. They have a web site: http://www.lworld.com Their stuff is cheap, albeit sometimes old.

You might want to drop by the Used Computer Store on Shattuck and Channing in Berkeley. I was also given the following ref. in a previous parents msg: Macsource (409) 775-7703. (July 1999)

From: Marco (7/98)

I've had great success with Domino Computer on Beach St. in Emeryville (in Computer Currents, they're listed under DNet). Their prices are competitive. They're not the absolute cheapest for hardware, but they stand behind there work. Their service is fantastic. I've often walked out paying nothing when other places would have charged for labor or restocking. In the end, they've ended up being cheaper for me than the stores which appear to be cheaper in advertisements. I recommend them without reservation.

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