Your Child’s College Computer

College acceptance season has now come and “the choice” has been made.  You’ve probably already realized that choosing the college is just the first of many decisions that you will have to make (E.g. how to pay for college, which meal plan, how to coordinate your daughter’s decorating with her roommate’s, etc.)

One decision that needs to be made correctly is what type of computer should your child get?  A computer may not be a purchase that is required by your child’s school.  You may think “If I’m paying that much money for tuition, maybe I can save some money and not buy him/her a computer.  After all, the college has computer labs and computers available in the libraries.”  Resist that thinking!

Hundreds or thousands of college students may use the computer labs and library computers.  If your child is a procrastinator or there is just a small time window for some assignments, using “public” computers may set them up for failure.

So if you are going to buy him/her a new computer, here are some words of advice:

1. First, check with the computer department of the college.  They will have specifications for personal computers that they recommend.  If you buy a computer “on special” at a local electronics store, it may be a good financial deal.  However, if it doesn’t meet the college’s computer specs, it may not even be allowed on their network.
2. Don’t “fight city hall”.  The college has a very specific and complex computing infrastructure.  Their personal computer specifications dovetail with what hardware, software and networking exists at the school.  You may know a lot about your business’ network, but the college’s IT department is not going to support something new just for one new student.
3. It may be simpler (and even cheaper) to buy the computer through the college.  They have the advantage of offering good deals because they can buy in bulk.  As well, the computer you get that way will be a “college-approved” unit.
4. Think about paying for a repair plan.  A computer will break down, and usually at the worst time.  Paying out-of-pocket for emergency repairs just before finals can kill any finely-tuned budget.
5. Think ahead and get a more powerful computer (or one that can be easily upgraded).  Get extra memory, a better processor and a larger hard drive.  I know it will be more expensive, but look at it this way.  The computer will (hopefully) last through college.  As your child gets into more involved classes, they may need the power and storage to complete their assignments.  (Besides, it’s rare that spending a few hundred bucks can make you a hero to an 18-year-old.)

Good luck!