Spring Break
Notebook Necessities
By: Jay slovacek
Issue date: 1/27/05 Section: Aggielife
Since the semester is beginning and you might be able to squeeze a few bucks out of Dad for a new computer, let's take a look at buying a notebook computer. In a marketing-driven environment, it can be difficult to isolate valuable features from fluff.
More than likely, you already own a computer. But, what you brought to college won't last your entire term. Computers and electronics just don't last the four, five or eight years it takes to get a bachelor's degree.
Unless you have a major involving video games or graphic design, a notebook will satisfy all your needs. However, finding a satisfactory system isn't easy. In fact, the seemingly endless (and pricey) options make it a complicated task.
Decide how the device will be used. Some basic categories are ultra-portable, desktop replacements and budget-conscious. These names make the system's intent pretty obvious. If this is going to be your only computer, a desktop replacement is your best bet.
Wireless Internet: Even if you don't have wireless Internet in your home or dorm, this is an absolute must in a notebook. Most study locations (such as coffee shops) have hourly wireless rates and some even offer it for free. Texas A&M is also offering wireless connections in a growing number of classrooms and eating areas. For information on these locations, visit tamulink.tamu.edu/locations.html. With wireless Internet, you can enjoy the fun of fact checking your professor on the spot.
When shopping, look for a system that has 802.11g wireless built into the notebook. Built-in wireless benefits from lower power consumption and better compatibility.
Bluetooth: Think of Bluetooth as a replacement for cables. Bluetooth will provide you a way to connect a mouse, a full-sized keyboard, a printer and many other things. It frees you from annoying wires, but more importantly preserves your scarce USB and Firewire ports for more data intensive things like MP3 players and digital cameras.
More than likely, you already own a computer. But, what you brought to college won't last your entire term. Computers and electronics just don't last the four, five or eight years it takes to get a bachelor's degree.
Unless you have a major involving video games or graphic design, a notebook will satisfy all your needs. However, finding a satisfactory system isn't easy. In fact, the seemingly endless (and pricey) options make it a complicated task.
Decide how the device will be used. Some basic categories are ultra-portable, desktop replacements and budget-conscious. These names make the system's intent pretty obvious. If this is going to be your only computer, a desktop replacement is your best bet.
Wireless Internet: Even if you don't have wireless Internet in your home or dorm, this is an absolute must in a notebook. Most study locations (such as coffee shops) have hourly wireless rates and some even offer it for free. Texas A&M is also offering wireless connections in a growing number of classrooms and eating areas. For information on these locations, visit tamulink.tamu.edu/locations.html. With wireless Internet, you can enjoy the fun of fact checking your professor on the spot.
When shopping, look for a system that has 802.11g wireless built into the notebook. Built-in wireless benefits from lower power consumption and better compatibility.
Bluetooth: Think of Bluetooth as a replacement for cables. Bluetooth will provide you a way to connect a mouse, a full-sized keyboard, a printer and many other things. It frees you from annoying wires, but more importantly preserves your scarce USB and Firewire ports for more data intensive things like MP3 players and digital cameras.
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