If you are trying to choose a computer for your collegiate years, you really have a lot of research to do. Ideally, you want to choose a computer with a lot of memory and a lot of portability. If you can’t take your computer to class to jot down notes and write papers in the quad, you probably want to keep looking for the right computer. When it comes down to it, there are a number of important factors to consider. Whether you are going to Northwestern University or Boston University, your computer will be a close companion, so you want to weigh on these factors heavily when you are shopping. If you don’t, you could risk spending too much money or not purchasing the right computer. Here are some factors to consider when purchasing a new computer for college.
Your Budget
One important factor – maybe the most important – is your budget. Computers are expensive and they just keep getting more expensive if you add on more extras. If you are on a tight budget – like a lot of students are on – you probably want to take this into consideration when you are shopping for a computer. Of course, you can get financing on a new computer, but you have to make sure the terms are favorable.
Computing Needs
Different college students have different computing needs. For instance, if you are getting USC’s GIS certificate, you may need a computer that can handle lengthy daily use. Online courses require a lot of computing power. If you are only using the computer here and there to take notes, you probably don’t need a workhorse. However, if you are editing photos or video, you will need something with power.
Memory
Speaking of power, if you need a computer with a lot of processing power, you will need something with a lot of memory. If you know that you will keep multiple documents open, and programs open, at once – you want the most memory. When looking for a computer, you want to ask about memory capabilities. The last thing you want is for your computer to keep crashing on you, which can happen if your computer doesn’t have the right power.
Screen Size
Screen size is important, because you want to be able to see everything that’s happening on your screen – you don’t want to keep moving windows around or documents around, just to get things done. With a larger screen, you can have more of a view of your desktop and the projects you are working on. Of course, laptops don’t have the biggest screens, but you want to look for the widest option.
Looks
On top of everything, you may want to purchase a computer that has a sleek, modern design. Some computers can be quite bulky and not very attractive. You will be looking at your computer, and using your computer, on a daily basis, so shouldn’t it be beautiful? In the end, looks aren’t everything, but with something like a computer, it’s an important factor to consider.
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