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Laptops Required for Freshmen
An anonymous reader writes "Indiana State University will become the first public university in the state to require all students to have notebook computers, beginning with incoming freshmen in fall 2007. Guess which laptop is the preferred one..." I started bringing laptops to class around my Junior year. I'm unconvinced that they helped me with my grades.
And in breaking news, laptop computer theft suddenly surpasses bicycle theft at the university. Details at eleven.
"It's the height of ridiculousness to say for those 9 lines you get hundreds of millions."
Requiring a laptop will not help a student get better grades. Far too often people don't realize that a computer is just a tool which enables you to do something else more efficient. It is not the end all solution to every problem. Unless the computer is needed in the class or you suck at hand-writing notes there is no need for it (and no, IM the cute girl one row over doesn't count as a need). I've had quite a few college classes and I am willing to say less than 5% need a laptop as a course requirement. This seems more like the school is saying we are on the cutting edge because every student uses a laptop. Big whip, show me where this is definately improving grades, quality of work or anything else.
Quality Hosting e3 Servers
Err, yes PowerBooks switch networks automatically just like the Thinkpad does. You still have to enter the network keys and any other required information to set things up. After that the prefered network gets used. I've configured wireless networking on both of the systems in question. There really isn't anything magical or special about either. Thus I have to label your statement as pointless Mac Fanboy Babble.
My guess is that there's probably a deal in there somewhere (as you mentioned, Lenovo) that takes advantage of the ignorance of parents who are basically footing the bill anyhow. I imagine that either mom or dad will say, "The school recommends a ThinkPad, and that's what were getting you. I don't want my little Nancy/Johnny to be behind any of the other students because we got them a computer that might not work. What's that honey? You say you like your Powerbook better? Nonsense, this new computer will work MUCH better, it says so right here in the information."
Or perhaps you have a student who doesn't currently have a laptop. What are they thinking? "Dude, yeah I'm getting a laptop. What kind? Hell if I know. All I know is that I've gotta have it for class, and the folks are payin' for it. I'm totally going to download porn while I'm in class. Yeah, sweet huh! High-Five, dude!"
Hades, PoD: Official Advocate
Why is this necessary?
About 15 minutes ago, I left my weekly project status meeting here at work. About 25% of the attendees are actively USING their laptop in the meeting. A couple of weeks ago, I saw a project leader playing Tetris during this meeting. So, if nothing else, playing games on the laptop in class will prepare the class of 2007 for their future life in the real world.
"Cheapest Ford: $11,000
Cheapest Porsche: $45,000
That's $34,000. Go away.
Don't spout numbers without comparing Specs."
But if all you need to do is drive to and from class, what's the point of spending another $34,000?
Just like there is no point in spending an extra $1000 on a laptop when all you need is a web browser and an office suite.
Specs:
Can travel at the maximum legal limit in all states:
Ford: YES
Porsche: YES
Refuelable at all gas stations in the US
Ford: YES
Porsche: YES (but requires "special" premium gas at extra cost)
Passenger capacity
Ford: 4
Porsche: 2
Legal on all roads in US
Ford: YES
Porsche: YES
Servicable at most local service stations and dealers
Ford: Yes, extensive dealer network in almost every city
Porsche: No, limited dealer network, hard to find parts
Tell me again about those specs? Just like apple... except the macs can't fuel up with "standard" gas--- need special software.
Link: The Carolina Computing Initiative.
-Will
"Interesting side note: as a head without a body, I envy the dead."