Do You Really Need a Laptop for College/University?

It's not a necessity, but they can be really useful. I think it depends a lot on your major as well. If you have to use various programs often like in engineering or computer science, it's much more convenient to have everything on your laptop.

Forgot to mention I'm taking computer science as well. I just remembered too, I love using Microsoft OneNote, so I can see how that'd actually be useful because you can organize them well and search for things easy which is miles better than looking through written notes. Damn, I didn't want to get a laptop but I can actually see it's usefullness now. Perhaps I will just get a netbook or something that will run it.brandontwb

For living on residence. People always tell me I should be getting one, but I don't see the point. Is there anything wrong with just bringing your desktop to residence? What are your experiences with this at college/univeristy? Is it worth to invest in one or just bring your desktop?

brandontwb

Well if you want something portable that you can carry with you, then it is ideal plus it doesn't take up as much space as a desktop would.

It really depends on the type of learner you are AND the courses you are taking. Some people can get by just listening and taking in the information while others require that they summarize a lecture and put it into their own words.

I personally found my laptop very useful in alot of my classes since several of my profs choose not to post any sort of lecture slides or notes during class. THey simply speak and the class listens. I can't write fast enough by hand to keep up with a speaker but I can however type fast enough.

Overall laptops are like most tools, they can simply a task, make it easier but is a laptop absolutely necessary to get by? I don't think so. Also, all universities will have computer labs available for students where you can get access without having to have to go back to your dorm.

I got by with just a desktop at home and using computer labs on campus. Engineering had their own, and pretty much just about every other department. Also, had more software available on the school computers, too, so it was better to just go to the labs and work there. That's not to say it wouldn't be extremely convenient to have had a laptop though. There were many times where I felt a laptop would've been very beneficial. You can get one cheap nowadays anyway, so might as well. Cost less than a semester's worth of books.

I would say that with each passing year, having a laptop for college becomes more necessary. Heck some colleges simply make it a requirement.

Personally I hate taking notes with pen and paper, but that's just me.

[QUOTE="BuryMe"]

[QUOTE="mrmusicman247"] That's strange :? But yes you can have your desktop. I prefer the laptop because I tend to write my essays in non-conventional places. hydralisk86

Starting in september, all first year students in my programme need to have a Macbook pro along with Final Cut Pro and the Adobe suite.

Laptops are more convenient for me when I have to do group projects with people.

I agree with what others have said here, you can get by without one, but it definitely helps.

I use my laptop all the time. I couldn't imagine having a desktop...But then again I study in the library mostly so a laptop is necessaryToriko42

Responding to the above posts, I tried taking digital notes my first semester of college..worst idea ever. It's not the same as writing notes down on a notebook. Not only that, but I found myself distracted with games, FB, etc..

To the OP though, I would still highly recommend a laptop. Although I didn't use it for taking notes in classes, I still took it everywhere and it was useful for pulling up online notes, or checking things through ANGEL (or whatever program your college uses for organizing classes online). Also, like mrmusicman said, it's also helpful if you want to go to a library/coffee shop/etc.. to study or write a paper...(Or get distracted..:P).

taj7575

Desktop are fine in fact good. But laptops do have some advantages like portability which is advantageous in projects etc.

Need? No. But it can make things convenient. I hand write my notes in classes. But I take my laptop to the library when I'm studying. On nice days sometimes I like to take my laptop outside to do my work. When I'm working in a group I can just take my laptop to their room or a cafe or wherever we are meeting. Sometimes I think if I sit in my room for one more second I may go insane (well, more insane than I already am). Having portability is nice. Not necessary, but still a big positive.

Not to mention I can use all the extra room in my room I can get, and a desktop takes up a bit of space.

A desktop is fine. A laptop is nice to have so you can bring it with you to class or the library to to kill time between classes but its not necessary.

As long as you have a desktop PC you'll be fine.