There are a couple of trends that parents will have to cope with and accept. Modern youngsters depend on their computers for everything. Therefore, their needs are a bit higher than the average business computer. The current generation of techno-enabled scholars don’t watch TV (with the exception of live sporting events). They use video sites like Hulu.com, Youtube.com, and even the network TV channel’s respective websites to stream TV shows. They also download them either legally though iTunes and Amazon.com, or not-so-legally through sites like thepiratebay.org. They take thousands of pictures and store them on their computer and/or cell phone. They have digital music libraries that make your CD or Vinyl collection look quite minuscule. They also read digital books on their computers and iPods. So when it is time to buy that new computer for junior, you’ll want one that will be future proof without breaking the bank (and by future proof, I mean 3-4 years).
The first machine I want to talk about is the Apple MacBook. As of this writing, the Apple rumor sites are flooded with rumors of new versions of Apple’s laptop offerings within the next month or so. If you have time to wait around for that to happen, then you might want to skip this. Otherwise, the current lineup of MacBooks have been around for a while and the design is tried and true.
There are multiple price points for the MacBook. For the average student, the mid-grade priced MacBook, priced at $1,199.00 for students is the way to go. I would upgrade the hard drive to the 250GB option for an extra $90.00 and add the AppleCare extended warranty to the package for another $183.00. AppleCare will ensure that your child’s laptop will be free from defects for 3 years, which is a must, as well as access to Apple’s phone support techs. Unfortunately, Apple does not offer any accidental damage plan, but you may want to look into insurance to cover drops and theft. Apple is also currently running a promotion for students to receive a free 8GB iPod Touch or Nano with the purchase of a laptop. That is a $300.00 value!
Total price before tax for this configuration: $1,472.00
There are a couple of Dell laptops I currently favor. The first one is the new kid in the Dell line-up called the Studio 15. The base model is very attractive and almost fully-loaded. The only customizations I would make are to bump the processor up to the Intel Core 2 Duo T5850 2.16 GHz model for $50.00 and add a spare AC adapter for $26.00. This machine includes a 1 year warranty, but with students, it is wise to invest in a good warranty. The 3 year warranty is an added $190.00, and includes 24×7 phone support. Dell fortunately offers accidental damage and theft protection for another $119.00 on top of the extended warranty.
Total price before tax for this configuration: $1,184.00
The next Dell I like is aimed at the budget-conscious student. I’ll skip the extended warranties on this one to keep the price as low as possible. This laptop is actually only available through the business store, so you will have to state the name of your business when checking out. They don’t require any type of proof that you are a business and will deliver to a residential address, so don’t worry if you don’t think you qualify to order from this section of their website.
The Dell Vostro 1000 is a no-frills workhorse that has a base price of $399.00. I wouldn’t recommend it at that configuration though, so here is what you need to add to it when you choose the customize button on their website: First, change the processor to the AMD AthlonTM 64 X2 Dual Core processor TK-57 for $25.00. Second, change the operating system to Vista Home premium for 29.00. Next, change the memory to 2GB of RAM for $25.00. Then, you’ll want to select the 120GB hard drive option for $15.00. You will also have to choose the 8X DVD+/-RW w/Double-layer DVD+R Write Capability optical drive for $15.00. Finally, select the 6-cell battery for $50, because a 4 cell battery will barely make it through a lecture. It sounds like we added a lot, but the price is still half of the other laptops I’ve suggested.
Total price before tax for this configuration: $558.00
You will notice that there are no desktops in the above computer recommendations. The reason is that you can’t fit your desktop rig into your backpack to take notes during class. I understand the reasoning of why a lot of parents don’t want their kids to use laptops at college, but it is pretty much a necessity to have a laptop at college these days, so if you are buying a new computer for your child, don’t make him or her suffer!
The next item I would suggest is a good old laptop sleeve. These are usually made out of a good protective fabric such as neoprene and truly assist in transport of laptops from class to class in addition to a good laptop-ready backpack. You can find these at anyplace that sells laptops cases. My absolute favorite is from Waterfield Designs. They run about $40.00 and last forever.
As for laptop bags, I like the swiss army bags you see at Best Buy for about $50. For the more fashion conscious, Crumpler is the way to go, but it will cost a bit more.
Another necessity is printing. There are plenty of options available, and you will have to talk to your student about their needs. If they will only need to print out black and white text documents like reports and such, a good laser printer will save a lot of money over the course of the school year as the toner yield a lot more printed pages for your dollar. You can get an HP LaserJet P1005 CB410A from Newegg.com for $49.99 plus $9.99 in shipping. The toner is also $49.99, but it is rated at 1,500 pages. That should last them through the school year and then some.
If they need color, and the ability to scan or copy, there are plenty of multifunction options out there. The HP Photosmart C5280 Q8330A is a popular item that offers color printing, scanning, and copying. The ink will cost about $60.00 for both the black and color high-yield cartridges and will get you about 750 pages.
A great item to consider is the iPod Touch, which makes a great PDA, and comes with the MacBook if you are a student. This is a great alternative to use as a to-do pad as well as listen to audio-books and run a scientific calculator. An iPhone is an even better investment if it is within the budget, as you child will have access to email and the internet even when not within range of a wi-fi network. There are cheaper smart phones such as the Palm Centro, which will do most of the same things as an iPhone, and the Blackberry Pearl or Curve is also very useful for today’s student.
The final thing to consider is a laptop lock. It is basically like a bicycle chain for you laptop, and will help deter a casual thief from taking advantage of an unwatched laptop.
Hopefully these suggestions will help get your back-to-school computer shopping done quickly and with a piece of mind that you made a good choice. Now go to the beach and enjoy the rest of the summer!
***Please keep in mind that prices and availability of all of these items are subject to change at any moment***