Check college's specs for students' laptops

By BILL HUSTED

Cox News Service

May 18, 2008

I could tell the time of year even if I lived in a windowless cell. E-mail from my readers is the world's best calendar.

This is when many of you begin to think of buying a laptop for a son or daughter heading to college. I'm several years removed from that necessity, but readers keep me up-to-date. In more than one case, I've changed my recommendations based on what you've told me.

As is usually true with smart technology purchases, the most important work is done long before the credit card slip is signed.

The starting point is the college Web site. You leave yourself open to costly mistakes if this stop is skipped. Many colleges have specific requirements for student computers. Ignoring these requirements could mean you'd end up buying two computers — the one you select and the type specified by the college.

Also, some manufacturers offer significant discounts for students at certain colleges (but comparison shop to make sure it is indeed a bargain).

In Atlanta, Georgia Tech has definite ideas about computers. Here's a Web page that lists the requirements: http://www.sco.gatech.edu/req_hw.shtml.

You'll see on the same Web page that Tech has purchasing agreements with Apple, Dell and Lenovo. Another link shows you programs that need to be installed on the computer.

Since Georgia Tech is known for engineering and technology, it's not surprising its requirements are fairly specific. Other colleges may show more general requirements, or none at all. In that case, a call to the school may be prudent.

If you still have no guidance? Well, the specifications on the Georgia Tech site are an excellent start. Even if you end up paying a bit more to get the power called for, you probably will save money over time. That's because your goal should be to buy a laptop computer that will survive four years of college without replacement.

To boost the odds of computer survival, here are four things to keep in mind.

One: All computers are compromises. For instance, extremely light computers often cost more and may not be rugged enough. Powerful laptop computers can be too bulky to comfortably carry around. The compromise I favor for college use is durability.

One example (though not a recommendation) is the Panasonic Toughbook, made for the school of hard knocks. You can read about it here: http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/panasonic-toughbook-w7/4505-3121_7-32821066.html?tag=more

Two: Consider insurance and an extended warranty. That goes against my usual recommendation. But parents have told me of broken screens, dropped computers and theft. Make your own decision, but research this option. Some credit cards offer warranty extensions if used for a purchase, so check on that as well.

Three: A good carrying case can add to survivability. I favor an aluminum hard-shell case. If your student considers that impractical, make sure any soft-side case you buy has plenty of padding.

Four: Keep in mind that laptop computers make a tempting target for thieves. There are dozens of devices ranging from cable lock systems that secure a computer in a dorm room, to tracking devices that make it easier to find a stolen computer. For ideas do a Google on "laptop computer anti-theft" or similar words.

Finally, make the student part of the search process. Your young scholar needs to buy into the notion of protecting the laptop. And it's a good idea to cater to their biases when you make the purchase.

I'm sitting here at the keyboard smiling. I've been through this purchasing process twice. It's a wonderful feeling to know I've finally graduated from the college computer market.