supplies for do school

[eanisis78]

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this may sound stupid, but does anyone know what is necessary in terms of supplies for schools.
laptops?? pda's??? anything anyone can think of.. i'm trying to financially plan and wanted some input.
thanks!

 

[NRAI2001]

Lunch box.

 

[OSUdoc08]

this may sound stupid, but does anyone know what is necessary in terms of supplies for schools.
laptops?? pda's??? anything anyone can think of.. i'm trying to financially plan and wanted some input.
thanks!

You'll need a laptop from day 1.

You won't need a PDA until your 3rd year.

Wait until your school's orientation to buy anything else.

 

[Krazykritter]

DMU gives us laptops and PDAs. The laptops are great and I couldn't get along w/out mine. PDA is great for the first few weeks but I don't really use it much anymore and won't until late 2nd year when they start working us through what we will do w/ them in the hospitals. Everything runs on Outlook here though so it is great that your PDA automatically syncs and downloads your schedule...mine is pretty much a really expensive datebook now. PDA's are also great for required classes like med ethics where you can't have laptops open. They still you can waste your hour+ playing solitaire instead of listening to some lawyer or random speaker.

 

[medhacker]

Not all schools require you to have a Laptop


as advised wait for orientation 👍

 

[NRAI2001]

DMU gives us laptops and PDAs. The laptops are great and I couldn't get along w/out mine. PDA is great for the first few weeks but I don't really use it much anymore and won't until late 2nd year when they start working us through what we will do w/ them in the hospitals. Everything runs on Outlook here though so it is great that your PDA automatically syncs and downloads your schedule...mine is pretty much a really expensive datebook now. PDA's are also great for required classes like med ethics where you can't have laptops open. They still you can waste your hour+ playing solitaire instead of listening to some lawyer or random speaker.

Cheating in medical ethics class....you are bad

 

[Krazykritter]

Impossible to cheat in med ethics. We have absolutely no tests and getting credit in the class is based solely on attendance. That is why you need something to do during these mind numbing lectures.

 

[HunterGatherer]

From what I read regarding NYCOM:
1)you can get a laptop now or you can hold off. You can borrow laptops 3 hours at a time.
2)Don't buy books now since when you meet your big bro/sis they will give you tips on what books are helpful/unhelpful. I saw previous suggested booklists from NYCOM admin and it is all Ginormous textbooks!!
3)No need to buy stethescopes now since a medical school fair happens sometime in the first 3 months.
4)We get PDAs before the start of 3rd year.
5)maybe you can buy some scrubs for class if you are into that.

Personally the only thing I am getting before the start of school is a laptop and some board review books.

If you plan on using money from loans/fin aid from NYCOM please remember you will most likely NOT have your money until sometime after school starts. I think they said within 1st 10 days.

 

[eanisis78]

i was thinking of a laptop but didn't knwo how necessary it was!
but i guess i'm gonna get one. i wish i wasn't so electronically stupid. i have no idea what kind or what to look for. any suggestions?

 

[Spankete87]

i was thinking of a laptop but didn't knwo how necessary it was!
but i guess i'm gonna get one. i wish i wasn't so electronically stupid. i have no idea what kind or what to look for. any suggestions?

I know that LECOM gave us a computer specification sheet which basically told you the minimum requirements you had to have on your laptop, just not the brand. For instance they recommended Pentium IV or higher, 1.5 Mhz, 256 MB ram, 40 GB hard drive, wireless 802.11b or g, DVD/CD burner, Windows XP pro, Microsoft package, some sort of virus program (norton antivirus) and a ethernet network card. Having the fingerprint technology is also a plus, although not required - it's simply for security reasons. And they recommended getting more than a year warranty.

IBM and Dell are good brands to look at. 🙂

 

[nvshelat]

why exactly would you need a laptop as opposed to a desktop? it would seem difficult to take anatomy or biochem notes on a laptop, so wouldn't it be easier to take notes by hand?

 

[OSUdoc08]

why exactly would you need a laptop as opposed to a desktop? it would seem difficult to take anatomy or biochem notes on a laptop, so wouldn't it be easier to take notes by hand?

You don't take notes in medical school. They are typed up for you.

You cannot study at school with a desktop. (or at a bookstore, coffee shop, sports bar, restaurant)

If you buy a desktop, you are confined to your room, and it will be difficult to study in groups.

 

[nvshelat]

You don't take notes in medical school. They are typed up for you.
So you can print out the typed up notes...

You cannot study at school with a desktop. (or at a bookstore, coffee shop, sports bar, restaurant)
So you can print out the typed up notes and bring them to study...

If you buy a desktop, you are confined to your room, and it will be difficult to study in groups.

So you can print out the typed up notes to go study in a group...

Just curious bc lots of ppl seem hellbent on having a laptop. I have a laptop, but its big, more of a desktop replacement, and I don't feel like lugging it everywhere if I don't need to.

 

[JonnyG]

You don't need a labtop unless you really want one. Don't feel obligated to get one. Very few people in my class absolutely need it to study and such.

 

[PlasticMan]

So you can print out the typed up notes to go study in a group...

Just curious bc lots of ppl seem hellbent on having a laptop. I have a laptop, but its big, more of a desktop replacement, and I don't feel like lugging it everywhere if I don't need to.

Ah, but you cannot print out the streaming lectures 😛

 

[OSUdoc08]

So you can print out the typed up notes to go study in a group...

Just curious bc lots of ppl seem hellbent on having a laptop. I have a laptop, but its big, more of a desktop replacement, and I don't feel like lugging it everywhere if I don't need to.

The notes are already printed out for you and given to you either in class or in your locker.

The laptop is used to download and view the power point presentations available for download from class.

I'm currently at a coffee shop with free wireless internet, taking a study break. Good luck "lugging" a desktop here.

 

[nvshelat]

The notes are already printed out for you and given to you either in class or in your locker.

The laptop is used to download and view the power point presentations available for download from class.

I'm currently at a coffee shop with free wireless internet, taking a study break. Good luck "lugging" a desktop here.

So then I can just download the file and print out the notes, and bring them to the coffeshop. That way I don't have to lug a desktop there (anyway I don't even have one) I just have to lug a few pages of notes! Even better!

But Plasticman, you're right! Ah, those streaming lectures! Hmm - can we put them on iPods? I wonder what the quality of the audio/video is...

 

[PlasticMan]

So then I can just download the file and print out the notes, and bring them to the coffeshop. That way I don't have to lug a desktop there (anyway I don't even have one) I just have to lug a few pages of notes! Even better!

But Plasticman, you're right! Ah, those streaming lectures! Hmm - can we put them on iPods? I wonder what the quality of the audio/video is...

Perhaps we could request podcasts of lectures 😀

 

[FutureDocDO]

i was thinking of a laptop but didn't knwo how necessary it was!
but i guess i'm gonna get one. i wish i wasn't so electronically stupid. i have no idea what kind or what to look for. any suggestions?

notebookreview.com

 

[OSUdoc08]

So then I can just download the file and print out the notes, and bring them to the coffeshop. That way I don't have to lug a desktop there (anyway I don't even have one) I just have to lug a few pages of notes! Even better!

But Plasticman, you're right! Ah, those streaming lectures! Hmm - can we put them on iPods? I wonder what the quality of the audio/video is...

I suppose if you don't want to view the color images on the powerpoints or access online resources, then you may do that.

It would hinder your learning, however.

If you are so concerned about the weight of a laptop, then get a small one. Are you that lazy, anyway?

 

[NRAI2001]

You don't take notes in medical school. They are typed up for you.

You cannot study at school with a desktop. (or at a bookstore, coffee shop, sports bar, restaurant)

If you buy a desktop, you are confined to your room, and it will be difficult to study in groups.

They take your notes for you? Wow med school must be cake.

 

[OSUdoc08]

They take your notes for you? Wow med school must be cake.

No, they don't "take" notes for you. You are given printed copies of the class lecture and the powerpoints they use. The testable information is found in the written documents, thus making writing down additional information unnecessary.

This also makes class attendance a personal preference, and not a requirement to do well.

 

[newbie04]

If you are so concerned about the weight of a laptop, then get a small one. Are you that lazy, anyway?

OSUdoc,

I thought med school would mellow you out, but I was wrong. Just as feisty as ever, and annoying for that matter. Priceless: turning every thread into some sort of semi-argument and belittling others.

This crap gets old man.

You need to find an outlet for your aggression, and I don't think the answer is to point out others mistakes and make every thread into a pissing contest.

Good luck with that.

newbie

 

[OSUdoc08]

OSUdoc,

I thought med school would mellow you out, but I was wrong. Just as feisty as ever, and annoying for that matter. Priceless: turning every thread into some sort of semi-argument and belittling others.

This crap gets old man.

You need to find an outlet for your aggression, and I don't think the answer is to point out others mistakes and make every thread into a pissing contest.

Good luck with that.

newbie

If you can't take it, then you won't survive in clerkship/internship/residency.

 

[newbie04]

If you can't take it, then you won't survive in clerkship/internship/residency.

Trust me, I can take it. I just feel sorry for your existence.

newbie

 

[OSUdoc08]

Trust me, I can take it. I just feel sorry for your existence.

newbie

Personal insults are not neccessary. You don't even know me.

 

[NRAI2001]

Mouth piece and boxing gloves may be necessary supplies in some cases. 😕

 

[PlasticMan]

OSUdoc,

I thought med school would mellow you out, but I was wrong. Just as feisty as ever, and annoying for that matter. Priceless: turning every thread into some sort of semi-argument and belittling others.

This crap gets old man.

You need to find an outlet for your aggression, and I don't think the answer is to point out others mistakes and make every thread into a pissing contest.

Good luck with that.

newbie

I usually find the posts by OSUdoc hilarious, unless he's making fun of me 🙁 He just says it how it is without sugarcoating it; he's like the Simon Cowell of SDN 😀

 

[HunterGatherer]

some people want to have a laptop, some people want to have a suitcase with rollers to carry their books, some people just want to say screw it all and stay home. To each his own.

 

[Taus]

Some students find a laptop to be a necessity, some dont. Talk to older students at YOUR school for the most informed opinion of what you will likely need. That goes for books too.

 

[medhacker]

Mouth piece and boxing gloves may be necessary supplies in some cases. 😕

hahaha

UMDNJ-SOM I think began requiring a Laptop and no printed handouts would be given - somebody correct me if that is not how it all worked out at the end there.

As much of an environmentalist that I am, I prefer getting my paper notes and writing my notes on them.

 

[NRAI2001]

some people want to have a laptop, some people want to have a suitcase with rollers to carry their books, some people just want to say screw it all and stay home. To each his own.

I always found those suitcase backpacks funny.

 

[nvshelat]

If you are so concerned about the weight of a laptop, then get a small one. Are you that lazy, anyway?

No, you're absolutely right. In fact, thats how I got into med school, by being lazy. And on buying a new computer, you're right again, I'll just go out and burn a thousand bucks. Hey, it's just a drop in the bucket compared to what I'm paying for MS anyway, right?
🙄

 

[Pox in a box]

If you can't take it, then you won't survive in clerkship/internship/residency.

Have you even been a student on a clerkship, an intern, or a resident? I keep hearing you giving advice on things you have yet to do. Your sig says you are a second year.

 

[Pox in a box]

You don't take notes in medical school. They are typed up for you.

Unless you're enrolled in every medical school, don't say things you can't back up. This is not true everywhere.

 

[OSUdoc08]

No, you're absolutely right. In fact, thats how I got into med school, by being lazy. And on buying a new computer, you're right again, I'll just go out and burn a thousand bucks. Hey, it's just a drop in the bucket compared to what I'm paying for MS anyway, right?
🙄

I know you're trying to be sarcastic, but the expense for a laptop is nil compared to what you will make in your first year as an attending. It won't be a big deal in the long run.

 

[OSUdoc08]

Unless you're enrolled in every medical school, don't say things you can't back up. This is not true everywhere.

It would suck to go to a school where that is not true.

 

[OSUdoc08]

Have you even been a student on a clerkship, an intern, or a resident? I keep hearing you giving advice on things you have yet to do. Your sig says you are a second year.

I guess I'm not allowed to talk to clerks, interns, and residents, and get their opinions, right?

😴

 

[dr.z]

No, you're absolutely right. In fact, thats how I got into med school, by being lazy. And on buying a new computer, you're right again, I'll just go out and burn a thousand bucks. Hey, it's just a drop in the bucket compared to what I'm paying for MS anyway, right?
🙄

Just remember, he is never wrong.

 

[eanisis78]

so since we have decided that a laptop may not be necessary but a nice thing go have, ddeso nayone know anything about what is good/bad?
brands.. what to buy???
i 'm thinking i would probably buy one.. i just don't know where to start

 

[HunterGatherer]

You're best bet is to find a cyber athlete friend to help you out. Try to get other opinions as some people have a strong preference for one brand. I've been lucky with Dell(mp3 player, PC, and PDA) and will stick with them. I've had no problems with their customer service. Every company has its detractors and champions so don't stress out on brands too much.

You may want to PM some NYCOM students on this as well. Check out the website someone posted earlier.

http://iris.nyit.edu/nycom/Orientation_2005.htm

the link for student handbook(pdf) shows computer recommendations by NYCOM. It's on page 24 of 33.

My comments:
-try to get at least 40GB for the hard drive. Personally I could not live with less than 80GB
-fast inkjet printer is fine. no need for a laser printer. I have not researched prices lately so maybe laser printers are cheap these days.
-you may want to set up a wireless router in your home and get high speed internet.
-you need to have some type of security(anti-virus and internet firewall) for your home router and your laptop. usually included.
-if you don't have a PC at home you may want your laptop drives to be CD/DVD R/RW
-insurance
-warranty. I never get warranties for anything. I'll probably get a 2 year warranty for a laptop though since they are tougher to repair on your own.
-firewire or cross-connect cable to backup/transfer data

Waiting until orientation may not be a bad idea. Maybe NYCOM has some deals or could set something up.

so since we have decided that a laptop may not be necessary but a nice thing go have, ddeso nayone know anything about what is good/bad?
brands.. what to buy???
i 'm thinking i would probably buy one.. i just don't know where to start

 

[laboholic]

Please tell me that it is absolutely necissary to get a Palm Treo. I want one, but need a reason to get it. 🙂

 

[eanisis78]

okay
what about brands/types/ect..??????????

 

[PlasticMan]

okay
what about brands/types/ect..??????????

I like Dell. Toshibas and Sony's are also nice I hear. The type depends on what you want to lug around / budget. You don't need top of the line power as almost any new laptop out there is going to be able to handle the applications you're gonna need for med school(web browsing, video, office apps,etc.); however, if you wanna play games on it, that is another story 😉 My advice is to get the nicest screen you can afford/willing to carry around weight-wise; you are going to be staring at it for countless hours.

 

[OSUdoc08]

Please tell me that it is absolutely necissary to get a Palm Treo. I want one, but need a reason to get it. 🙂

If you buy one now, it will be out of date when you start your clinical years. It will not be very useful until you begin your third year of medical school.

 

[BayesianDoc]

Please tell me that it is absolutely necissary to get a Palm Treo. I want one, but need a reason to get it. 🙂

Waste of money right now.

The three things you need are Guyton, Robbins, and Stobo.

 

[DragonWell]

-fast inkjet printer is fine. no need for a laser printer. I have not researched prices lately so maybe laser printers are cheap these days.

Definitely a personal decision, but B&W Laser Printers are dirt cheap these days and will quickly pay for themselves if you do even a moderate amount of printing, as the cost per page is <$.01. Ink jet companies give the printers away knowing they will make all their money on the ink. For the price of a couple ink jet cartridges (~$50) I got a Samsung laser printer and 6 months later am still on the first (free) cartridge. Super sharp text too.