Required Laptops

[miedvied]

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I'm thinking of UMDNJ NJDS when I write this, though I imagine it applies to other schools:

Although laptops are "required" for their e-curriculum, are they really? It seems that all of the e-curric related BS is placed on a DVD (supplemental data, textbook pdfs, etc.) and that the laptop is just a mandatory laptop. I, like 99% of the population under the age of 30, already own a laptop, and am not interested in dropping a grand for a machine I do not want that does not perform any novel functions.

Do these schools *really* mandate you buy their BS laptops, or is it just strongly encouraged with a "we're not responsible if you can't access our digital media" attitude if your machine flops?

 

[Jennyollio]

They very well may mandate you get their laptop. At my school we all have to buy our laptops through the school so that it has all the same software, etc on it. Plus we pay an outrageous amount to get a four year warranty. And this is not an option. We also have to buy the DVD textbooks and pay for them every year, regardless of if we feel we use them or not. So don't be surprised if you don't have an option.

 

[Rommytowe]

Same here. I had to drop 1500 on a new mac. If we didn't they would hold our degree until we paid for the CD and the CD was designed to run on our new comps...BIG Expense but worth the investment

 

[musl85]

its really a shame, especially since all you need is like a $250 netbook for dental school. At least that is the trend at NYU.

I have no idea why schools recommend or require these expensive laptops when all you need to run is internet, office and maybe vital book.