Laptops

[HOCKEY]

Is it necessary to have ones own laptop at university? Or indeed,is there space in the rooms in halls for a PC?
Thanks very much.

[Eliot Wilson]

You don't need a computer of your own - there are plenty of computer labs - but it can be a hassle not having one. As for laptop vs. desktop, it really depends which hall you're in, as the available space can vary wildly.

[hr]Bill and Ted beat the Grim Reaper at Twister

Bill: "You played very well, Death, especially with your totally heavy Death robes."

Death: "Don't patronise me."

[iohannes]

I have a desktop and I have had no problems with space. However, certain halls insist you empty your room at ALL holidays. This can be very annoying if you have a big desktop. In that respect I would recommend a laptop, they are much more versatile and nowadays much cheaper and better value for money then they used to be.

[hr]That is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.

[Prophet Tenebrae]

Yes, I have to say that laptops are £ for £ much better value than they used to be. Although I'd say that unless you're in a shared room, a desktop is perfectly feasible and even then - it depends where you're sharing.

[hr]Ah, I hate how nothing changes. Such a peaceful Earth should just collapse...

[Midget]

I've survived the last two years without my own computer/laptop. But thats partly due to how few essays I've had to do. The hall computer rooms on the whole aren't bad and the computer labs are even better.

First year in a relaxed subject is fine without a computer. I'm definitely getting a computer/laptop for third year though.

I also find it easier to work away from my room so it depends on where you like working as to whether to get your own computer/laptop.

[naomi :)]

i've already got a laptop (lovely 18th bday pressie from my godparents who didn't need another one...) do i need any special stuff for using it on the uni network? Prehaps a network card or something? And how would that internet thing work?

[iohannes]

The internet doesn't work. It only makes you stupid.

[hr]That is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.

[Zombie Sheep]

[s]dunqn wrote on 14:08, 2nd Jun 2004:
Or, if you want to be a total ponce, get a desktop pc and a lightweight notebook, and you can go about your hall or even sit outside and use the internet


I did that. And then I bought a 30m cable so I could sit at the bottom of my garden and surf in the sun. And how many times did I use it? Once.

[hr]
http://www.savetheworld.co.uk - help stuff, win stuff.

[Pilmour Boy]

[s]Zombie Sheep wrote on 14:25, 4th Jun 2004:
[s]dunqn wrote on 14:08, 2nd Jun 2004:[i]
Or, if you want to be a total ponce, get a desktop pc and a lightweight notebook, and you can go about your hall or even sit outside and use the internet


I did that. And then I bought a 30m cable so I could sit at the bottom of my garden and surf in the sun. And how many times did I use it? Once.

[hr]
http://www.savetheworld.co.uk - help stuff, win stuff.
[/i]

I went down the wireless route. It's amazing how much of a difference it makes being able to surf without being bothered about the tether.

Oh, and also a plug for the union. The main bar will have wireless access from pretty soon.

[Pilmour Boy]

.11g, with access/encryption being controlled by your university login and password.

[Zombie Sheep]

I was (am) in a flat with dial-up, so to make it wireless was too expensive!

[hr]http://www.savetheworld.co.uk - help stuff, win stuff.

[Wong]

Naomi - you need to be able to connect via an ethernet cable. Every computer should have this, with the exception of my really dismal old laptop from about 1995.

Then it's just a matter of signing up with ResNet when you get here, and it should work, then crash horribly every other week, shakily work, crash, then go up again.

[hr]You would not feel sadness if you never tasted joy
That's the curse of humans - born in passion, you destroy