How stringent are schools with laptop requirements?

[CleverThought]

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So, today my PC took a nose dive and I'm now left without a computer. Unfortunately, this is a very inconvenient time for me to be in between computers.

I was looking into purchasing MacBook Pro, but I'm worried that because certain schools have laptop requirements that I'm going to make a big mistake in purchasing.

I really cannot go without a laptop right now, but don't know what to do.

Anyone have any insight in how strict schools are with laptop requirements? Will a MacBook Pro be sufficient?

Another option I was toying with was buying an iPad and getting the keyboard attachment and buying office 360, but I'm afraid that won't have the capabilities to function as a laptop that I need the remainder of the school year.

 

[Ionz]

So, today my PC took a nose dive and I'm now left without a computer. Unfortunately, this is a very inconvenient time for me to be in between computers.

I was looking into purchasing MacBook Pro, but I'm worried that because certain schools have laptop requirements that I'm going to make a big mistake in purchasing.

I really cannot go without a laptop right now, but don't know what to do.

Anyone have any insight in how strict schools are with laptop requirements? Will a MacBook Pro be sufficient?

Another option I was toying with was buying an iPad and getting the keyboard attachment and buying office 360, but I'm afraid that won't have the capabilities to function as a laptop that I need the remainder of the school year.

A MBP will be more than sufficient for all intents and purposes in dental school and beyond. You can dual boot Windows for Window-exclusive software that are necessary at some schools.

EDIT: *Spec-wise* 😛

 

[sacapuntas]

There are some schools that require you to buy specific laptops, some with pre-loaded software.

 

[Ionz]

There are some schools that require you to buy specific laptops, some with pre-loaded software.

Really?? Like from a specific brand? I thought adequate specs were all that matters..

 

[sgv]

My school just started making us buy a specific model with certain warranties. It's through Dell (8 gigs of ram, >3.0 ghz, ssd, a bunch of software that they download for us, ridiculous warranty where you get a replacement even if you spill coffee on it). Costing us like $1,500.

They post comp requirements online. Other schools probably arent as strict...

All 100 of us are gonna have the same laptop. Theyre also gonna administer exams thru these laptops.

If you really need a computer right now, buy a cheap refurbished thinkpad from newegg or tigerdirect for less than 300 bucks. Use it as a back up or just buy the macbook and if the school you get into makes you get a new one, sell the macbook.

 

[SicEm]

Maybe you could buy a used one on eBay to hold you over until you know which school you're going to and what their requirements are. Like others have said, some schools make you buy a specific model.

 

[dentalWorks]

Our laptops are Lenovo tablets cause we HAVE to have the pen... so the patients can sign all their paperwork electronically onto the PC chairside.

 

[sacapuntas]

Really?? Like from a specific brand? I thought adequate specs were all that matters..

Yep, from a specific brand. My school does this with apple, and you can see SGV and dentalworks schools do this as well with different brands.

 

[power5643]

vcu makes everyone buy same Dell laptop

 

[y3nd0]

Wow. I also assumed that as long as the specs were fitting, you can get any laptop brand you want. Dang. I just ordered a new laptop and am still waiting to get it in the mail. Looks like I will have to return it and wait until I get an acceptance to see the laptop requirements!

 

[ktran17]

When I was at western's interview, they listed their laptop requirements and it was pretty heavy duty.

i7, 8 gb ram, etc..

 

[paymaant]

Maryland requires all their students to purchase Lenovo laptops.