Information to help you decide what computer to get:

• A laptop can be brought on road trips and to the library. This makes a laptop the prefered choice for a student.
• A laptop is more likely to be stolen or damaged (have a regular backup/duplicate procedure in place).
• Laptops are more expensive than desktops (usually about 50% more).

• Look at your environment - who are you going to interact with and who are you going to ask for help.
• What are you going to do. Example: Author music or video means Mac. Everything else could go either way.
• A Windows-based system has a much wider array of software and support, than a Mac-based system.
• A Windows-based system is the target of over 95% of the ad and virus attacks.
• Both environments have school needs covered.

• For Laptops, you need wireless.
• Many of the buildings on campus have wireless access ("AirBears").
• Most Dorms are hard-wired for internet access. Some are getting wireless.
• Many hotels provide wireless access; if not, then they usually provide hard-wired access.

Hardware Recommendations:

• Even a low-end system offered by all major manufacturers is more than adequate.
• Desktop: The Scholars WorkStation has both Dell and Apple systems at good prices. Examples: Apple iMac 20" - 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo for less than $1200; Dell Vostro or Insprion models are in the under $600 range (no monitor).
• Desktop Monitor: 17" Flat Panel (LCD) minimum.
• Laptop: The Scholars WorkStation has 3 MacBooks from $1000 - $1400 that would be excellent for a student. The MacBook Pros have a bigger screen (15" vs 13"), but the steeper price ($1800 - $2600) is hard to justify.
• Printer: A monochrome (black only) Laserjet is ultimately a better value over inkjets. HP and Brother make personal models for around $100 (HP P1005 and HL-2040).

Software Recommendations:

• Word Processor and such: Teacher/Student version of Microsoft Office ($150).
OR) Download OpenOffice from openoffice.org ($0).
• Internet Access, Security and such: Connecting-At-Berkeley ($FREE). It has all the stuff to get connected.

Other Resources:

• The Scholars WorkStation sometimes has great prices on computers. They also are the place to ask technical questions.
• AirBears is the campus wireless network: airbears.berkeley.edu
  Here is a map of the campus highlighting the AirBears locations: http://airbears.berkeley.edu/map/
• Computer Labs for student athletes: Chavez Student Center, Haas Pavilion.

Any questions, contact Richard DeShong.