Purchasing a new computer?
Hi Everyone,
I sent this to the group last yaer, but I think it still applies.
If you happen to be purchasing a new computer for Pharmacy School (it certainly is not required though)…you might find the following information helpful.
(this is a response from one of our tech guys when asked about computer suggestions.)
Best Regards,
Heather
We have a lot of success with Dells. The HP’s and Thinkpads are pretty good too.
I would shoot for at least 2 GB of RAM. If an extended-life battery option is available, that might be useful. Most classrooms don’t have electrical outlets available to each desk. Would also come in handy working outside. I think most all come with built-in wireless standard.
If available I would look at the cost of extending the factory warranty. Note, not the warranties offered by Best Buy and Circuit City, but the warranties offered straight from the manufacturer if purchasing directly from them. Dell usually charges around $150 for the 2nd year and another $100-150 for the 3rd year, all on-site next day service. Usually I tell people they have to determine at what price the warranty is worth it. If spending over $1000 I would want to be covered for more than a year. A lot more can go wrong with a notebook than with a desktop, and notebooks are more difficult to fix and find replacement parts for. On the other hand, if they are getting a cheaper $500-700 notebook, then they might be better off not extending the warranty and just using it until something breaks.
Dell, HP, and Thinkpad offer various discounts to OSU students. An OSU name.n username is required to access the info, which is at: https://ibuy.osu.edu/article/40