The world has changed and the needs of the college student have changed as well. It used to be that plenty of paper, pencils, notebooks and highlighters were all that you needed to be prepared for college. But in today's fast paced technological world much more is needed to be successful.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Laptop Computer
Today's college student needs the portability of a laptop, the desktop just doesn't cut it anymore. But, many of the features included in a laptop are not absolutes and are negotiable. Different students will require different memory, graphics and accessories.
One feature that is negotiable is the memory. In most cases, the standard ram and hard drive will be more than sufficient for the average college student. However, if your major is in computer graphics or programming you might require a more advanced memory system. Call your advisor or someone in the department and ask about your computer needs.
The following are features that you definitely want to include in your system:
- DVD R/RW
- CD-RW
- Wireless
- 4 USB Ports
Preferred brands: Compaq, HP, Dell and Toshiba.
Recommended stores: Best Buy, Office Depot, Office Max, Circuit City and online.
Price Range: $499 - $1299
1 or 2 - 1GB USB jump drives 2.0
Although the USB jump drives don't have to be 1 GB, it's a nice size to begin with and having two will be very handy. The USB drives are going to be very useful for transferring data from one place to another and will allow you to take information without taking the whole computer.
Preferred brands: Lexar, PNY
Recommended stores: Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Office Depot, Office Max, and Circuit City.
Price Range: $39 - $79
MP3 Player
An mp3 player is one of the newest study tools and has many uses. The most important use is the ability to record lectures and then listen to them anywhere. You can also download music, data and videos. The possibilities are endless.
Preferred brands: Sansa, Apple iPod, Samsung, Phillips and Zune.
Recommended stores: Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Office Depot, Office Max, and Circuit City.
Price Range: $39 - $349
Note: If the budget can afford it, go for one that can download video.
Scientific Calculator
If you are going to study science, mathematics or pre-med you will need a scientific graphing calculator. Don't waste your time with plain calculators or other scientific calculators. You need a graphing calculator. The best graphing calculators for the money are the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus.
Recommended stores: Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Office Depot, Office Max, Staples and ebay.
Price Range: $79 - $199
The above items will also require certain accessories such as blank CD's and DVD's. You will want to get a good laptop case or carrier for transporting your computer. Also, you may want to get a laptop mouse if you have trouble using a touch pad.
Most of all get a computer and MP3 player that you will feel comfortable with and enjoy. These are major purchases and you will be using them for some time to come.
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