You don’t mention what he’s going to be studying, which does make a big difference in recommendations. If it’s computer science, math, or lit, I’d suggest picking up a 904 or 1000 series Eee PC for $400. Buy a wireless keyboard/mouse for use in the dorm room, install Eeebuntu Base as the operating system, and use the included software to download and install OpenOffice, Firefox, Abiword, Amarok, Totem Player, Pidgin, and Skype. Keep $400 in reserve, in case he somehow nukes the laptop to buy a replacement, and give him the rest of the budget to buy an Xbox if he likes games, along with a netflix subscription for entertainment.
The little laptops are extremely portable, relatively durable, can use wifi or cell phone tethering, and has more than enough battery power to handle classes from 8am to 5pm, without plugging in.
As for building a laptop - sure, it’s possible, but usually it’s building a transportable, not an actual laptop, and honestly gives poorer performance than a commercially purchased product. Upgrading, on the other hand, is possible with laptops, and that might be what he was talking about.
And what happens when the student needs to use some proprietary Windows or Mac only software that the school requires?
The answer "just go to a campus computer lab" won't suffice because, here at Virginia, for example, computer labs are being eliminated due to budget cuts!
Our son will be studying plant dna/genetics. He was accepted to the Honors College at MSU and he has a professorial assistantship. He wants to be a scientist like they have at the Ames Laboratory in Iowa. (The lab that’s 14 stories underground)
We too wish we knew what sort of specs he will need. The flyer the univiersity sent gave very little info and when I thought we might build one I threw it away.
It mentioned that it was a Dell Latitude. I think 5400
The screen size was 15.4 and had anti glare
It had WIFI No modem was mentioned so I guess it didn’t have one.
My cousin was frustrated over the lack of info given.
I don’t understand why they are using Vista business.
I did a search and found what specs they listed in the flyer
Dell Laptop - bigger screen
* Dell Latitude E6500
* 2.40GHz Dual Core, Windows Vista Business (32 Bits)
* 2.0GB memory, 250GB hard drive, built in 8x DVD+/-RW
* firewire port, USB port. Intel wireless card
* 15.4” Wide aspect Screen, 5 lbs
That is what my cousin thought he might be doing.
Can you tell me if there is a larger chance of Hard Drive failure rates for HD’s over 250GB?