According to a new study from EDUCAUSE (PDF, 921KB) on college students' ownership of technology, 98.4% of their 4,500 campus respondents own a computer. Of that number, 73.7% own a laptop, 60.6% own a desktop, and 35.7% own both a laptop and a desktop.
Fortunately, students looking for quality laptops and PCs at bargain prices have tremendous options. If you need to upgrade or replace your equipment, many computer manufacturers offer discounted prices to college students. Here are some examples:
- Apple: If you're a student, teacher, administrator, or staff member, you'll get special pricing on the full range of Macintosh computers, plus select third-party products. Buy for yourself or for your school.
- Dell: Learn about Dell University Student Discounts.
- Gateway: Learn about exclusive discounts available on Gateway products.
- HP: Check out their line-up that includes something for every need and every budget.
Decide what you really need now—and in the near future. Basic, stripped-down $400 laptops are certainly out there. However, your best bet is to combine a bargain price with a reliable, top-quality machine that can handle your school assignments, plus whatever else interests you: MP3 and movie downloads, presentations, spreadsheets, graphics, gaming, creating audio/video, wikis, whatever!
Some tips to save cash:
- If a new laptop or computer isn't in your budget, consider a refurbished one: www.tigerdirect.com.
- What about eBay? You can get wonderful deals on cheap, high quality laptops, but smart buyers check out both the seller and the product.
- Amazon.com sells new and used laptops at pretty competitive prices. With the holidays coming up, why not put a laptop on your Amazon Wishlist and alert your family. Maybe they can combine their gifts into one! Sure beats a reindeer sweater.
- When buying a computer from a vendor, don't forget to ask if there's a student discount (or any discount). It could get you a better price, an upgrade, or something thrown in. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
- Flat broke? Take advantage of your campus computer center, and see if your roommate might let you share his/her computer. See if friends or family have a discard they'd lend or give you.
Technology increases the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft—protect yourself!
Computer Do's
- Use up-to-date virus and security protection
- Use one credit card for Internet shopping
- Clean the hard drive of computers you discard
- Close your browser after online banking or shopping
Computer Don'ts
- Store personal information or passwords on your computer
- Store credit or bank card numbers on your computer
- Open or respond to unknown email, especially attachments
- Fall for "phishers"—scammers who send legitimate-looking email fishing for personal information
Tip: If discarding a computer, consider these programs to scrub your hard drive:
- Sure Delete www.wizard-industries.com
- Safeshred Free (for Macs) www.codetek.com
The FinMan program is provided by Nellie Mae. Learn more at www.nelliemae.com/FinMan