laptop for current tech students?

[aubunique]

My cousin, who has completed his high school work and will be taking only one class this spring in high school in order to be able to play high school baseball before enrolling at Tech this summer or fall on a baseball scholarship, needs a laptop. I want to tell his dad what people at tech are using and something about buying one on campus. I know arkansas students get theirs at the computer store on campus and get a discount on software and everything and link directly to the campus system.

Can someone please tell me what the deal is so that his dad can spend his money on the right equipment now rather than making some bad choice?

[Dawgpix]

get him a dell, dude.

[aubunique]

I assume they had some choices available on campus and want to make sure his dad doesn't get a lesser machine for more money or whatever. I have never actually seen a dell in person. Do you use one?

[Dawgpix]

2

[roughedge]

I agree with Dawgpix. Go with a Dell. Even the lower end models are top notch. See www.dell.com

I don't know of any computer sales on campus....he needs to bring one with him.

[aubunique]

That is disappointing. I just assumed there would be an emphasis on a certain brand and discount for students, faculty, etc. And everything on a laptop would be set up to go online to the tech system, etc.

Is tech going to join the alpha rail? E-corridor?

I guess the Louisiana politicians haven't figured a way to make money off a computer store on campus, so there isin't one!

Any specific suggestions on the laptop Dell or not?

Lauren and I use Macs because of her design work and my newspaper work. Everything is done on Macs for page design, graphics, etc. So we both feel akward with the backward controls, etc., on the windows machines. But the Macs are really expensive and Casey will need a computer that will stay at least adequate for four years!

[tech_dawg]

Tell them to go to BTG (Business Technology Group) in Ruston. It is owned by two Tech grads. After all everyone is always saying that we should get stuff from Tech supporters. BTG buys ads during sports events, so you should support them.

[firedog]

Tell them to go to BTG (Business Technology Group) in Ruston. It is owned by two Tech grads. After all everyone is always saying that we should get stuff from Tech supporters. BTG buys ads during sports events, so you should support them.

I think thats a good idea. I was reading on a post the other day about someone possibly making a website for businesses that support Tech, so i think it is a great idea to buy from them.

[aubunique]

Sounds like a good idea. Anyone else have suggestions?

[steltz]

Dell, you can't beat the quality or the price. Just be smart how you buy. Look for discounts You can save 25 to 50%.

[Dawg06]

look for the best deal. i got my toshiba at best buy with a $300 rebate, and it has been a good computer. dell, toshiba, and hp make quality computers at a good price. sony's are awesome but you probably have a pay an extra $250 just to get their name on the computer though. apples are awesome, but different because it doesnt come with windows. i know journalism, graphic design, and artsy majors require apples. i'd stay away from emachines, compaqs, and gateways. those are all of the brands i can think of off the top of my head. you're gonna want the computer to be wireless g not b, probably 512mb would be adequate, 60gb hard drive is plenty, and a cd rewritable drive would be convenient. as far as the screen size, it really doesn't matter, but in my opinion a lighter computer is better. i got a 15.4 widescreen that weighes over 8 lbs i think and wish it was lighter because i have to carry it to class. i know for sure that dell, hp, and apple give about a 10% discount to college students if you order it online, and a lot of technology stores have a lot of rebate offers. i bet all of the brands have some type of student discount, you just have to ask and find it on their website. just do the research and get the best deal. good luck!

[DallasDog]

Depending on his major Aub, tell him to look at the school that holds his major. I know some of the architecture, computer design, theater, and engineering schools require certain amounts of ram etc on their comps. I had a couple of friends that bought new laptops every other year while at Tech because their colleges and work load required certain specs.

Dell is a good machine for a good price especially when they are running sales.
Frisco ISD has a contract with them, and I have 2 at home because of the price breaks we get. Never had any trouble.

[DocMarvin362]

Also, at Dell, they have another website www.dellupgrades.com that you can buy some nice stuff for that exact computer and it's alot cheaper as well. If you or someone in the family is a employee of state or local government they get a little better discount as well

[duckbillplatty]

I went Gateway with my latest laptop. I've owned Dell from 99-02. I've owned 1 Compaq from sometime in 00-present and another for ~6 months. The Gateway I've had for four months.

They are all the same.

[ajs008]

Tell them to check www.edealinfo.com they have alot of dicounts and online couipons for Dells and other computers.