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It isn't necessary to have your own computer in your room, although over 94% of students choose to do so. Other students find that the computers available for general use meet their needs. Lab computers are abundant, there is virtually no wait for lab computers, and lab hardware and software are kept up to date.
It really depends on your personal work style and preferences. This last year, over 88% of the students who had their own computers did have laptops, and that percentage increases every year. Students say they find a laptop easier to bring home during term breaks and summers, and they also appreciate the ability to take their laptop to the library or other locations to work. If you do consider a laptop, make it a good one -- laptops tend to misbehave more than desktop machines, so if you buy a cheapie, you'll probably have trouble. Laptop portability is a major factor in the selection process, make sure that the weight and dimensions will work for both you and any accessories you might have already purchased or are in the process of purchasing. Many major manufacturers, such as Dell or Apple, offer educational discounts to students. Some students find they dislike using a laptop keyboard for extended periods, or they don't like the smaller screen. These students tend to equip their laptops with external monitors and keyboards/mice that they use in their rooms.
Also, if you are considering a laptop, one valuable feature is wireless capability. Whitman's wireless network broadcasts a Wireless-B (802.11b) signal which any Wireless-G (802.11g) card can receive as well. We still recommend you have a regular wired ethernet port (see the info below about connecting to the network in your room), but all residence hall lounges have wireless, and Whitman is progressing each year toward making whole residence halls fully wireless (Jewett, Lyman, Anderson, and North Hall currently have full wireless coverage)! You can connect to the Internet wirelessly when you are working in the library, the campus center, Ankeny field, or any academic buildings. You can access your email, surf the Web, or use other network-based resources while sitting in a study room or even a comfy overstuffed chair!
Students have access to computers in the general computing labs in Olin and Maxey halls, the Hall of Science, and Penrose Library. These facilities house WindowsXP PCs, Intel Macs, black & white Laserjet printers, color printers, scanners, and even large-format color plotter printing (available in the Multimedia Development Lab). Laptops are also available for checkout and use within the Library, offered on a first come first served basis for a four hour checkout period. The Multimedia Development lab in Hunter Conservatory offers high-end multimedia Intel Mac Pro's, multimedia software, slide scanning, slide recording, flatbed scanning, DVD-Rs and video editing equipment. Several academic departments, including art, music, math, geology, and physics provide specialized computer facilities for their students as well.
Generally speaking, any new computer available from a major, well-known manufacturer will meet your needs, and any requirements for connecting to the Whitman network. For Windows operating systems, the Professional version is preferable to Home because of its networking features. "Home" is fine too, but will not provide quite as many advanced networking capabilities as will "Professional." You will also need a 10BaseT compatible ethernet network card installed and an RJ-45 network (aka Cat 5e) cable. Also, and this is important,, make sure to bring along your Windows CD(s) or DVD(s). It is not uncommon for your computer to ask you to insert your Windows disk(s) when you are configuring your network settings for connection to the Whitman network.
Any new Macintosh will be fine as well, All Macs already come with built-in ethernet, and all Mac laptops have both ethernet and wireless. Just bring an ethernet cable.
Whitman does not sell computers on campus, but you can receive educational discounts from many major manufacturers. For your convenience links to both the Apple and Dell educational sites have been provided below.
For Apple products, visit the Apple Store for Education.
For Dell products, visit the Dell Online Store. Locate the Higher Education heading, and follow the link labeled Faculty, Students, & Staff Personal Purchases. You do not need a special ID number, just follow the link provided for entering the Dell Store without an ID number.
If you are bringing a PC, you'll want to have at least a Pentium IV, 2GHz with 1GB RAM, running Windows XP.
If you're bringing a Macintosh, you'll want at least a Power Mac G4 with 1GB RAM, running OS X (at least version 10.4).
For more information, please contact WCTS.
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