What Does My Daughter Need for Her New College Laptop?

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses various accessories and considerations for equipping a laptop for college use, particularly focusing on the needs of a high school graduate transitioning to college. Participants share their personal experiences and suggestions regarding essential items and potential gadgets.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions needing a printer and a protective carrier for the laptop, expressing uncertainty about other necessary items.
  • Another participant suggests that while many gadgets exist, only a lap desk or table might be essential for comfort and airflow.
  • One user shares their experience using a cooling rack to prevent overheating, indicating it has improved their laptop usage.
  • Another participant notes their preference for a wireless printer, highlighting the inconvenience of wired connections.
  • One participant shares that their son was able to print from the college network, suggesting that a printer might not be necessary for everyone.
  • Several users mention the utility of USB drives for file storage, with one noting that a number keypad could be beneficial for math-heavy courses.
  • One participant discusses the advantages of using an external monitor for better visibility and comfort while working on a laptop.
  • Another participant expresses a desire to purchase a mouse for their daughter, based on their own experience with laptop touchpads.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of a lap desk for airflow and comfort. However, views differ on the necessity of a printer, with some suggesting alternatives like network printing and USB drives.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and preferences regarding laptop accessories, reflecting a range of needs based on individual usage and college environments.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for parents of high school graduates preparing for college, as well as new college students seeking advice on laptop accessories.

itsjustCarla
itsjustCarla
Messages
648
My daughter is graduating high school in a few months and we got a really great deal on a Dell laptop for her to take to college (for my Dave Ramsey friends, we had set money aside and paid cash - woo hoo!!).

Anyway.......I've only had desktops, so I have no clue what she's going to need....besides a printer and a protective carrier. Can anyone help me??


thanks!!
 
That's pretty much it. You will find TONS of gadgets and accessories for laptops but they aren't really necessary.
Is she going to be in a dorm? You may want to get her a "lap desk" or table that will reach over her bead if she isn't going to have a desk. I usually have my computer on my lap, but you shouldn't have it directly on your lap, it needs to be on a hard surface so it can vent.
 
I am using one of our cooling racks right now with mine. It lets airflow under it so it doesn't over heat, I can sit in my chair, set up the legs on it and use it as a riser to lift it up for easy typing! I learned this tip on here! I use to have problems all of the time with my laptop overheating, but since I started using the stackable cooling rack.

For my laptop at work, I have the extra mouse and 10-key pad, but honestly, I never use them. They are just a waste of money to me.
 
I got my Dell almost a year ago...I have a printer that's connected to my desktop and I have to plug this in if I want to print anything. I'm hoping that one will quit working so that I can get a new one....and I want one that is wireless! That would be the best! No cable hookup. I, like Andrea, don't use my mouse that my husband got me. I thought I might use it at shows, but I never remember to hook it up. I just use the pad like always.
 
I got our son a laptop for his college use and he was able to link to the network with the college and print, so your daughter may not need a printer. We never got him one. If he needed to print something and couldn't get access to the network he would save his file to his thumb drive and take it to the computer lab. You may want to get her a good thumb drive so she can save files easily.

DS uses a mouse with his laptop, but he likes a mouse, so I think its a personal preference. I prefer to use a mouse as well, as my fingers tend to cramp with the pad.
 
Sounds like you got all she needs. I think the lap-pad is essential since with the laptop, you don't tend to sit at a desk! LOL!
 
I agree that a lap pad for air flow is a good idea if she'll use it. I really like my Dell.
 
The only NEEDS are maybe some USB drives for storage and a carrying case. I would not have wanted a computer without a printer at school---sometimes the printers at computers labs are too back-logged and you need a paper when you NEED a paper. If the computer doesnt have a normal number bar on the side and she is taking a lot of math and sciences, finances etc....a number keypad that attaches through a USB cord would be very beneficial!
 
One thing that I just got was a 10 key pad for my lap top. I'm horrible at using the top numbers. But she will only need one if she uses the numbers alot. Otherwise it doesn't matter.
 
I use a laptop for portability but I hook it up to an external monitor for working -- really helps with post-processing photos. It's not a NEED at all, but if you have an extra monitor from an old computer or can pick one up on Craigslist or at a garage sale, it can be handy to have... esp. if you have a laptop with a smaller screen. Helps with eyestrain. Of course, I am twice as old as the average college student lol, so my eyes are a bit needier! I also hate using the touchpad so I have an external mouse.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
I wanted to thank all of you for your advice. I opened the laptop yesterday and played around with it.....got it all set up and ready for her and even wrote her a mushy little note in her documents for when she gets it. I fell in love with that computer and would LOVE one of my own. LOL. I did find myself reaching for the mouse - so I will probably get her one to go with it.....at least until she gets used to it. Thank you especially for the advice on the table/tray. I would have never thought of getting her one of those.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
Ok........one more question........does anyone know what I need for the laptop in order to use WIFI??
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential software programs my daughter needs for her college laptop?

Your daughter will need a good word processor, such as Microsoft Office or Google Docs, for writing papers and creating presentations. Additionally, she may benefit from spreadsheet software like Excel for data analysis, and presentation software like PowerPoint. Depending on her major, she might also need specialized software, such as programming tools or graphic design applications.

Should I invest in a laptop with a solid-state drive (SSD) or a hard disk drive (HDD)?

An SSD is recommended for college students because it offers faster boot times and quicker access to files, which can enhance productivity. While HDDs typically offer more storage for a lower price, the speed and reliability of an SSD can make a significant difference in a student's daily tasks.

How much RAM does my daughter need for her college laptop?

A minimum of 8GB of RAM is advisable for most college students, as it allows for smooth multitasking between applications. If your daughter plans to use resource-intensive software, such as video editing programs or virtual machines, consider opting for 16GB of RAM for better performance.

Is a touchscreen laptop worth it for college students?

A touchscreen laptop can be beneficial for students who prefer a more interactive experience, especially for note-taking or drawing. However, it may not be necessary for everyone. If your daughter is comfortable using a traditional keyboard and mouse, a non-touchscreen model may suffice and often comes at a lower price point.

What accessories should I consider purchasing for her new laptop?

Some useful accessories include a sturdy laptop case or sleeve for protection, an external mouse for ease of use, and a portable charger for on-the-go power. Additionally, consider getting a good pair of headphones for studying in noisy environments and a USB flash drive for easy file transfer and backup.

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