Students and parents fill up the cart and check off much needed items. For students who have decided to take online classes rather than attend a university on campus, there is really only one big item on the checklist: a computer.
There is no one right answer for choosing a computer. It depends on what the college or university requires and what you value as a student. Luckily, there are so many options that there will be something to fit all of your needs. And, like a flowchart, answering some simple questions should lead you to the best selection.
Should you go with a Mac or PC?
Unlike the ad campaigns would have you believe, it’s not that one platform is better than the other. Choosing a PC will not brand you as out-of-date and choosing a Mac will not automatically make you hip; it’s a matter of getting the computer you need.A PC is usually the more practical option. These computers tend to be less expensive, especially when you look around for sales. There are more models available, so it’s likely that you will find the look and system specs that you want. Because they run on Windows, the standard operating system, PCs run just about every program out there. Most businesses use PCs as well.
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Apple computers like the MacBook Pro are definitely popular among college students. These products are pricey and rarely go on sale, but you can get an educational discount and additional perks (like a free iPod) when you shop online. A lot of programs, like Microsoft Office, are making alternate versions for Mac OS X, but there are still a lot of programs that won’t run on a Mac.
To rectify this, there is software available to run Windows on a Mac. Macs have fewer issues with computer viruses. If you are going to a program related to graphics, audio, or video, a Mac is the better choice.
Laptop or Desktop?
Once you decide on an operating system, you need to narrow your choice down to a laptop or a desktop. For students studying online, a laptop makes more sense. You will be able to take your work with you on the go, even if “on the go” means cooking dinner in the kitchen and then moving to the couch.However, if you do not have a wireless internet connection or you feel like you work better while sitting at a desk, a desktop computer could be the better choice. Deciding how mobile you want to be will also affect what model of computer you buy. Models like the Macbook Air are extremely light, but you will also lose some features, like a DVD drive and other ports. A few extra pounds can make a huge difference depending on how often you plan on carrying the laptop around.
Important Features
The most important part of choosing a computer is looking at the specs (short for specifications), or the little numbers on the side of the box that a lot of people ignore. It is important to get a fast processor of at least 2.0 Ghz. However, don’t spend big bucks on small increases in speed because you will barely notice the difference.Higher RAM (at least 4 GB) means better performance for your computer. You should also check for a larger hard drive (you’ll likely need more memory since all of your work is completed and saved on the computer) and longer battery life.
Finally, make sure your computer has the extra features you want in the hardware. For online classes, you will need a webcam and microphone. You can buy one to add on, but it is much easier to have a laptop or desktop with the webcam built right in. You probably want several USB ports as well, especially if you want to add a mouse, external hard drive, etc. Double check with your school’s website to see if there are other requirements.
Whatever model you decide to go with, make sure you love your computer. You’ll be spending a lot of time with it.
Veronica MasonAbout the Guest Author:
Veronica Mason has worked as an academic adviser since graduating from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in education. She enjoys learning about innovations in education, particularly online classes.