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Which computer is best for students?
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The Toronto Star- By Marc Saltzman
Like many university students heading back for a new academic year, George Parry has come to the realization his four-year-old computer simply can’t withstand another year. And so the 20 year-old Mississauga resident has to buy something new before returning to Carleton University in Ottawa to continue his degree in Communications.
Parry is considering a light PC made by Dell which has a 15.6-inch screen.
“I’m torn, because I want a laptop light enough to take between classes but also with a big screen to watch Netflix and YouTube,” says Parry. “Social networking, like Facebook and Twitter, is also critical, so it must have good Wi-Fi, plus a webcam is essential for Skyping and group chat on Google+,” he adds.
While the costs and choices associated with computer shopping could make for an overwhelming endeavour, Parry is doing the right thing by first assessing what he wants and what he can afford to pay. If you or a student in your home is in a similar situation, here are a few things to consider before buying a computer for school:
Form factor
Laptops (usually 13- to 18-inches) are often the best choice for high-school and post-secondary students as they offer portability and wireless connectivity. While netbooks (typically 7- to 12-inches) are smaller and more affordable, keep in mind they have limited power (multi-tasking is also tough), smaller keyboards and no optical (CD/DVD) drive. Stationary desktops might be more ideal for younger students as they’re generally more affordable, less prone to breaking and parents can better monitor where kids are going online.
Tablet talk
While trendy, tablets aren’t quite a laptop replacement. Sure, they do have many advantages: they’re thinner and lighter, power up right away, can last about 10 hours on a single charge and are conducive for reading digital textbooks. On the flip side, school software might not be supported, a physical keyboard might be more comfortable, and laptops typically have 10 times the capacity (such as 320 gigabytes opposed to 32GB). Some tablet owners, however, use a tablet for staying organized and taking notes on the touchscreen, but dock it with a keyboard accessory when in the dorm room or library.
Size matters
While shopping for a laptop, keep in mind the bigger the screen (e.g. 17-inches opposed to 12-inches), the bigger and heavier the laptop will likely be. While ideal for web browsing, gaming and videos, a larger screen also tends to drain the battery faster than smaller displays. This shouldn’t be as much of a concern for those whose laptop will be used as a desktop replacement, i.e. plugged into an AC outlet for its power, but could be an issue for students on the go (an ergonomic backpack is highly recommended).
OS wars
Deciding between a Windows PC or Mac can be difficult (and heated) discussion, but a lot of it boils down to familiarity and comfort — plus it’s key to figure out what operating system is supported if your courses require software. Windows 7 PCs are a lot more affordable, there’s greater selection and a lot more software that runs on it. But Macs are sleek and built solid; they enjoy a large trackpad for intuitive gestures; and are less prone to malware attacks. Today’s Macs can also run Windows (via Boot Camp or Parallels), but you’ll need to buy the secondary operating system.
Spec check
While different students at different ages will have different needs, the following minimum laptop specifications (“specs”) are a good place to start: a speedy dual-core processor (such as Intel’s second-generation Core i5 or AMD’s Phenom II), at least 4GB of system memory (RAM) and a minimum of 320GB hard drive. Integrated 802.11n wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) is a must, as is a decent graphics processor (especially for those who like to play games). Plus, you should look for multiple USB ports to plug in external devices and HDMI to connect to a big-screen television.
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