On April 29, 2003, the Executive Curriculum Committee of the Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health adopted a computer ownership policy for incoming medical students. The policy requires that all students own a Windows-based laptop computer with wireless capability, have access to a broadband internet at home, access to a printer at home, and Microsoft Office software.
Minimum requirements:
Windows-based laptop with wireless capability
Apple/Mac computers are not supported by Information Services and may not interact well with the standard software programs of the College.
512 RAM, Pentium 1.3 or 1.6 processor, 40 to 80 GB hard drive
Ethernet for access to broadband
Broadband internet access for the student?s home or apartment
Any type of HP printer that fits the student?s budget
This recommendation is based on durability and compatibility with most computers.
Software -- Windows XP, Internet Explorer (not Netscape), Microsoft Office 2000
....just a sample, from The Ohio State University, which is deploying some sort of digital curriculum which will have wireless in-class activities and such. I plan on getting a Mac, anyway. MacOS X is just too cool, and I can integrate it into any environment I need to without their support.