When choosing a student laptop, consider the student’s experience and subject area, the school’s IT setting, academic and non-academic uses, and features such as screen size, processor speed, and warranty. Also consider software availability and the school’s recommendations.
To choose the best student laptop, use the following questions as a guide.
First, you might ask questions about the student: What is the student’s computer experience? Has he already had a student laptop? Is the student comfortable using the computer? Is he familiar with one or more operating systems: Windows, Vista, Mac or Linux? Does he have a preference for a particular operating system?
Next, you might ask questions about the student’s probable subject area: What subject area are students interested in? What special IT needs do these subject areas have? For example: writing papers may require a word processing program, writing lab reports may require a graphics program, arts subjects may require advanced graphics programs, music composition may require a music notation program. Also consider if there is software for the particular topic available for only one platform. If it’s Windows software, could it be handled by the Mac’s ability to run Windows? Does the school or a school department require special software and a student laptop?
Thirdly, you should consider the information technology (IT) setting of the school: how many computers are there on campus? Where are they? In what situations is the student likely to use their own laptop rather than a school-provided computer? What requirements do these situations suggest? Does the school’s IT department specialize in the operating system/type of computer you are considering? Will they be able to provide technical support for this?
It’s also worth finding out if the school sells computers at an academic discount. If yes, what are their offers? Does the school have a license for some software that makes it available free for registered students to put on their computers? What recommendations does the school give about computers? Do they recommend a particular platform?
You should also consider the non-academic uses the student might have for the computer: what other than academic uses the student’s laptop will be put to, for example: instant messaging or video chat – you may need a microphone and/or a camera, which are built into some computer models; games: advanced graphics rendering card and high processor speed may be required; email and internet access: an internet connection is required via an internal or external device and/or a connection provided by the school; and other applications and uses that have special needs, such as audio recording, programming, etc.
Other items to consider among the variety of features student laptops provide include: screen size, processor speed, RAM, hard drive size, CD/DVD or Superdrive drive, USB ports, firewire ports, glossy or anti-glare screen, durability battery, graphics card, weight, display type, resolution choices, warranty and service agreement, full-size keyboard or small backlit display, additional display port, standard or backlit keyboard, included software, and wireless capabilities.
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