Tayler
Should I get a laptop for college?
I know alot of students in college uses the computer for taking notes by putting it on vioce type. Which is really smart but the computer I have is really slow on take notes like that. So should I get a new one or should I keep the one I have? #college #computers #laptops #college-prep
9 answers
pranab ghosh
pranab’s Answer
Morgan Hopper
Morgan’s Answer
You will likely use your computer quite a bit in college. In addition to the answers above, would add to be to be sure that the device you choose fits the requirements for the degree you are planning to pursue. Many colleges recommend certain configurations and operating systems to run degree specific software so you might check into that before you make a purchase.
Eric Kroll
Eric’s Answer
Hi Weibo, Yes I would recommend getting a laptop for college. While having a desktop computer at home would work for word processing of assignments and online research, the portable aspect of having a laptop will be very useful in a variety of ways. It will allow you to take your computer to study groups and labs, facilitate presentations, and provide some travel flexibility. The laptop you get doesn't have to be very expensive but I would suggest getting a student version of Microsoft Office as it will have most of the tools you will need for your beginning coursework. Best of luck to you!
Tami Clevenger
Tami’s Answer
In today's world, a laptop would definitely be an asset for college. While I am sure there are computer labs and/or library computers available to students, a lap top would give you more flexibility to complete your assignments. A chrome book would be useful if you plan on taking notes in classes, but may not provide you the full capability to complete assignments.
Tami recommends the following next steps:
Bryce Cromer
Bryce’s Answer
The first question you need to ask yourself is do you like taking notes on a computer or handwriting notes. In my personal experiences I have done better learning information if I write it down versus typing it. If you plan on taking notes on a computer, then you want to make sure you have a reliable computer, so you may have to get a new one. If you just want to write down notes, then you should be fine with the one you have. In all honesty if you can still do your work on your computer outside of class, I would not foresee you needing to get a new one.
Samantha Secrest
Samantha’s Answer
Having a reliable laptop for school, especially in these times is quite important. The types of notes that you are talking about are nice but you have to decide if you want to take notes through your computer and only on your computer or take handwritten notes. I am a person that likes to take handwritten notes but use my computer to take more organized notes that I can refer back to at any time. If you do plan on getting a new computer for school I would look for sales, some stores like best buy and even microcenter (if there is one in your area) have really good deals around the holidays and especially around back to school time.
Best of luck!
Weibo He
Weibo’s Answer
The best way to take notes is with a pen and notebook. Keeping your laptop open during class introduces way too much distraction. Sit in any college classroom, you will see a decent number of the people with laptop open browsing facebook.
When you take notes with a pen, don't just write down everything your professor says(a lot of people do that to pretend to be paying attention). Process the information and write down the summary. Write down any question you might have to follow up with TA/professors later.
That said, you can get a Chromebook these days with less than 200 bucks. It easily meets all your classroom needs for college. Just keep it closed during class!
Tim McClung
Tim’s Answer
Yes. And there's great information found at http://www.tomsguide.com/answers/id-3083879/laptop-college.html
Ashley Santos
Ashley’s Answer
If I were to go back to school now, I would get an iPad Pro with a keyboard and stylus. You can get many textbooks directly to your iPad which can save a lot of money (sometimes even make up for the cost depending on the books you need). Also you can take notes directly on the iPad even using your handwriting using a stylus. You can get the software needed for word processing, spreadsheets, etc.
Keep in mind this is going to depend what you are going to school for. You may need a laptop as well for more computing power if you are taking programming or other computer-centric classes.
Hope this helps! Best wishes to you!
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