JAG's Back to School Buyers Guide

Last updated 2005

So a while back my family and I came up with the idea that I put together a general guide to computing for students heading off to college in the up and coming years.  Though it's been quite some time in the making, I've finally placed these things down on paper (well, sort of anyway) for you to read and take note of.  As with most things JAG85.com these are my opinions, backed up by experience.  I most certainly don't know it all, and you should feel free to challenge me should you disagree.  With that in mind- here's what we've got: 

Guidelines:

What to look out for when buying:

Considerations after you've purchased:

Who am I?

First off, I'd like to introduce myself. At the time of this writing I, Jeff Ginger, am a student nearing graduation. Being pretty well experienced at this whole college life thing as well as living, working, and leading in the dorms for three years has earned me a great deal of understanding of what to expect and how everything works. I've met a lot of people and a lot of computers. If you have any questions about what I've got to say here, by all means, contact me.

Not a shameless advertisement

This guide isn't a self-promoting buy JAG85.com editorial. It's advice based on a lot of insightful observations on school. I suggest you shop around and find the best source for a computer - if I'm that source, then by all means, go for it, but if not, I still want you to make an informed decision anyway. I enjoy helping people.

Going to school next year and don't need a machine until then? WAIT!!

Simple as said - wait. Computers are always advancing and getting better - 3 months from now a newer and faster model of whatever type of computer will likely be available. You might as well spend your money right before you go to school - if you don't need the computer until then anyway. I'd still suggest buying a machine at least a little bit beforehand to get it setup and worn in, but you don't need a computer way ahead of time, it'll only cost you money for something that will be more out of date by the time school rolls around.

How much should I spend?

The goal is to spend money that's adequate for your needs. Many kids roll off to college with a budget bottom of the line Celeron computer, load it up with spyware and then wonder why it doesn't work anymore a couple of months in. I understand the need to save money for those who aren't blessed with a large budget for items like computers, but you must remember that if the machine doesn't work well in the first place, you're going to have to spend more money fixing it or replacing it sooner. There are simply smarter ways to spend money. Don't buy that ultra fast processor when you really need more RAM. Don't add in a floppy drive when you can buy a much more versatile and larger capacity USB flash drive for as much money. If you're really on a tight budget forgo that fancy LCD monitor and pick up a used CRT - that way you can get a faster computer in general. Don't buy anti-virus if the school you're going to provides it for free. There are many, many ways to ensure you spend your money wisely.

Best Computers and Stores

The best computer is the one that works well for you and your preferences. You can Apple vs. Mac & AMD vs. Intel all night - truly it's about what works for you. Be open to change, but realize it's gotta be about your preference. There's a lot out there besides Best Buy and Comp USA. Check out places like Frys or NewEgg.com or ABS computers for truly the best prices and service available.

Labs are NOT happy

The computer labs at U of I are really very good. They have relatively fast machines with many programs students need. That being said they're not private, often not great work environments - often brandishing with an array of group work students and bright neon lights. If you need a special program or want to burn DVD's, you may end up looking somewhere else. U of I is good about keeping its labs up to date and well maintained, but many schools don't have this kind of advantage. Having the ability to have your own machine in your own room that has everything you need for class and recreation is technically a luxury, but a great advantage in both the learning process and enjoyable living games.

Who has computers? Do you need one?

It varies by dorm at U of I, but somewhere around 93-97% of students at U of I have their own computer in the dorms. Some even have multiple. U of I is a relatively affluent school and so may not be very representative of college in general, but typically the percentage is still very high nation-wide. Overseas is a different story - my friends there tell me it's only about half of the students in Europe have computers. Regardless - most US students have computers.

It varies by school, but in most cases there is a very large amount of homework that's done via computer. It's not just papers and reports anymore. It's interactive web based homework, presentations and newsgroup communities. In order to fully participate and do well in most classes you need to be computer savvy - it helps to have your own machine to learn on.

If you intend to do any advanced computer work - with design, development, communication, or gaming you will need your own machine. This includes majors like graphic or industrial design or architecture, as well as technical majors like computer science or engineering. Business and research related majors will find it invaluable as well.

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