Going off to college is an exciting adventure. However, you'll need to make sure you have the right equipment. There are a few things you need to consider when buying a computer for college students. This article will give you a few tips.
Design
The first decision you need to make when choosing a computer for college students is the design. Your two main choices are a desktop and a laptop. Desktop computers typically offer more processing power. However, a laptop offers the most convenience since you can take it around with you.
Processor
You should also pay attention to how much processing power the computer offers. If you simply need a computer for word processing and other small tasks, then a computer up to 2.0 GHz should suit your needs. You'll need at least a 2.5 GHz processor if you'll mainly play intensive games or use the computer for animation or other intensive applications.
RAM
The amount of memory, or RAM, the computer has is almost as important as its processing power. You'll need at least 2GB if you tend to run multiple applications simultaneously. Gaming also requires more RAM.
Optical Drive
Whether you get a desktop or a laptop computer, you need to look at the optical drive. Most designs nowadays have a combination CD burner and DVD player so you can watch movies. If you want to burn your own movies, you'll need to ensure the drive is a DVD writer.
Screen
If you're thinking about investing in a laptop computer, then you'll have various screen size choices. Larger screens are easier to see, but they increase the overall weight of the laptop.
Networking
The networking setup of the computer is also important. A desktop has to come with a built-in network card so you can connect to the internet. A laptop usually has a wireless card so you won't be restrained by a cord. They're available for desktops too.
Hard drive
One of the final things to look at is the amount of storage space that the computer hard drive offers. Drives with 40-80 GB is usually sufficient for most users. However, if you record music or videos often, you'll need a much bigger drive to store all the data.
These are some of the things you should consider when buying a computer for college students. Make sure you make the right choice since having the right equipment is vital for your education.
Author Resource:
Edison Chase lives in Boston and writes about many things including those affecting college life like Cambridge computer stores and dating websites in Cambridge