What kind of laptop is required for dental school?

[gladiator8]

Hello everyone, I was just wondering what kind of laptop is required for dental school? Do the dental schools mandate any specific laptop or can you use any kind you want? Do you need a really high end laptop (i7 or i5) or is a basic computer (Pentium) enough? Basically, would a basic $300-400 laptop be sufficient to run the dental programs and needs of a dental student?

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[irishmom]

Any laptop will be fine. I plan on using an ipad becuse you can down load your books to it and that makes for an esier load to carry around.

 

[PointEstimate]

Any laptop will be fine. I plan on using an ipad becuse you can down load your books to it and that makes for an esier load to carry around.

Books? Ain't nobody got time to read that.

For the most part, all you'll really need your computer for is looking at the Powerpoints/PDFs professors pull up, internet browser for Wikipedia, and Word to type your notes/assignments. Some schools may load up fancy software and stuff (like Examsoft to take electronic exams and quizzes or Citrix to allow you to connect to the VPN and look up patient information) but your entry level beater will get you through.

 

[y3nd0]

It depends on the school. Some schools will require you to purchase specific laptops, others will specify only minimal specs. You should definitely contact the school in question and ask about it. For example, I remember Case requiring specific laptops, and ASDOH would be requiring iPads.

My school in particular lists specs. I'm using a PC laptop I purchased 5-6 years ago as a freshman in undergrad and am doing fine with it. You definitely don't need the latest and greatest.

 

[DentalDoge]

Some schools will also force you to buy one of their laptops.

My school also just post min specs. Which gives you alot more freedom in terms of brand and model.
The following is an example, you'll see that it is a very vague requirement.

• 2.0Ghz Core 2 Duo CPU
• 2 GB RAM
• 80GB HDD
• 802.11 a/g (laptop)
• Windows XP SP3

Personally I will be using a Surface Pro 3 for ppt's and note-taking. Then I have my powerhouse of a desktop for less mobile work.