The Perfect Student PC
About to go on a shopping spree? Here's how to choose the right computer for your young scholar.Emru Townsend
After years of parent-teacher meetings, questionable fashion choices, bewildering math homework, and a seemingly endless string of teenage crushes, your kid is finally out of high school and on the way to college. Congratulations! Or perhaps your children are just entering high school--and you've got all that to look forward to. Good luck!
Either way, summer vacation is coming to an end, and you realize that your resident student is going to need his or her own computer. You need to get your child a machine that will make it through school (without costing an arm and a leg).
Don't visit manufacturers' Web sites or your local computer store just yet. If you listen only to what your kids ask for (depending on their interests), you'll probably be spending a fortune just so that they can play their favorite shoot-'em-ups with a fancy LCD monitor and surround sound, for instance, instead of cracking the books.
Now it's time to practice what you've been preaching: Do your homework. For colleges and universities, carefully look over curriculum requirements and visit the school's Web site for useful information that might help fine-tune your decisions. Howard University's School of Law in Washington, D.C., for example, lists recommended minimum PC specifications on its site, and it also provides some information on how to get a loan to help pay for the laptop.
You'll want to look over specific course necessities as well: An industrial design course, for example, may require a specific CAD program, in which case you'll have to make sure the computer you buy meets the software's minimum hardware requirements. Some high schools also have policies regarding laptops; check with school administrators (or the school's Web site, if it has one) for any recommended features.
With information about the school's prerequisites in hand, use this guide to help figure out what you need to know about different components. Remember also that many PC makers, including Dell and Gateway, offer refurbished (or remanufactured) systems. You can save a little money, although the pickings might be slim. For more information about the pros and cons, check out "Consumer Watch: Refurbished PCs--Sweet Deals or Lemons?"
If you'd rather build a PC yourself, see "Step-By-Step: Put Together a Custom PC." If you're thinking about upgrading an older PC, check out "The Upgrade Path to a Perfect Student PC." And for specific product recommendations, including PCs, sound systems, keyboards, MP3 players, and more, see "The Well-Equipped Student: Best High-Tech Gear."
Desktop Versus Notebook
Having fashioned an idea of the capabilities your child's new PC should have, the next question you should ask is: desktop or laptop? Desktops are generally cheaper than laptops, and it's easier to swap in new parts, if necessary. If you're on a tight budget and plan properly, you can skimp on less crucial components now and upgrade later. So if the graphics card goes south the day before an important project is due, for instance, replacing it with a new one should be relatively easy.
The obvious downside is that desktops take up a lot of room. If you want to set up a second desktop for your teenager at home, you might not have enough room (or outlets) in the den. Space is even more of an issue in a campus residence--enough to make a laptop an attractive option.
There once was a time when buying a laptop meant either compromising on power or emptying your bank account. Today's entry-level machines are faster, cheaper, and better equipped than their predecessors, often including goodies like DVD playback, CD burning, and wireless networking--or in some cases, like the Toshiba Satellite Pro 6100, you get all three.
The advantages of a laptop extend to more than just high-tech note-taking in class. Many universities have started to implement wired and wireless networks throughout their campuses and residences, providing access to the school's resources anywhere a student might go. The University of Denver, for example, has over 24,000 wired network ports in common areas, classrooms, and residences.
Tempting as laptops may be, bear in mind that their best feature--their portability--can also be their worst, as they're notoriously easy to lose and to steal. Kensington and Targus both sell a variety of anti-theft cables that are ideal for using in a dorm room. They range from $30 to $60. Kensington also offers the $30 SonicLock motion-detecting alarm.
Some colleges have programs for registering laptops with campus security, and--if you want to cover all your bases--can recommend companies that offer laptop insurance.
Components and Coursework
Desktop or laptop, there are several components you need to consider when purchasing a new computer: the central processing unit (CPU) or processor, memory (or RAM), the hard drive, the monitor, the graphics board, the sound card, and the optical drive. Each one has a range of possible specs, and there are usually low-end models, high-end models, and those somewhere in between. There's no rule that says you have to buy only low-end or high-end components. What you need is dependent on one thing: What will the computer be used for?
These days, you don't have to spend a lot for a system adequate for term papers, e-mail, and Web browsing (purely for academic research, of course). But for students in specialized fields like graphic design or film production, say, the requirements can go up considerably. The more important a component is to a given task, the more important it is to have a higher-end model. For example, a student majoring in video or television production will want a more advanced graphics card than someone who is only taking one or two video-related electives.
For links to a wide range of product reviews, including desktops, notebooks, hard drives, and graphics boards, check out our Top-Rated Products. For detailed advice on how to buy desktops, notebooks, and separate components discussed in this story, check out our Expert Buying Guides.
PC Purchase: Piece By Piece
This section takes you through the seven most important things to think about when shopping for a new PC. Of course, any PC is the sum of its parts, so you'll want to evaluate how the PC as a whole is assembled, while making sure that individual component requirements are met. Take advantage of PC makers' customization options, when available. And while you're at it, help prevent disaster from striking by buying a surge protector. Check out Product Finder's latest popular options.
Check out different manufacturer's offerings on PC World's Top 15 Desktops, Top 5 PCs Under $900, Top 5 Entertainment PCs, and Top 15 Notebook PCs charts.
Processor
If the computer will be used primarily for writing papers and Internet access, you can save some money by getting a PC with a Duron or Celeron processor clocked at around 1.6 GHz to 2 GHz. If the student expects to create video or audio projects, then you'll want to look at Athlon XP and Pentium 4 processors in the 2- to 2.4-GHz range. Three-GHz systems are available, but are overkill for most people.
Memory
The minimum requirement for memory is 128MB; naturally, 256MB is better. But if your scholar is considering intensive graphics projects, it makes sense to pile on as much RAM as possible--512MB is a good start, but 1GB isn't out of the question. This may seem excessive, but there's a good reason. Graphics--especially graphics that move--take up a lot of memory. When the PC runs out of memory, it uses a "swap file" on the hard drive as auxiliary memory, which results in the machine slowing down. How slow? Slow enough that your system would have been running faster if you had spent your money on more RAM.
Manufacturers sometimes list memory in a sea of alphabet soup and technical jargon, often plastered on spec sheets in the stores or on Web pages. For example, you might see something like "512MB of SDRAM." SDRAM stands for "synchronous dynamic random access memory"; the RAM part means memory you get to use, or simply, memory; the SD just says it's a certain type of memory. What you need to consider is the amount of memory--most users don't need to worry about the type.
Hard Drive
A basic configuration can get away with 20GB to 40GB of hard drive storage, but multimedia requires more--a lot more. If digital images can gobble up hard drive space, digital video is positively ravenous. Start at 60GB for basic multimedia needs; 80GB to 120GB would be better for video projects. If you think the computer will probably double as a stereo system, factor in hard drive space for music "ripped" (or copied) from CDs too--about 1 GB for every 20 discs.
You'll also notice that some drives are listed as having spin rates of 5400 rpm or 7200 rpm. The higher the spin rate, the faster the drive can get to data, which cuts down on the time required to save or access files. In short, you'll definitely want a 7200-rpm model--not only is the price difference slight, the speed increase is invaluable for video applications that constantly access the hard drive.
Monitor
A 17-inch (measured diagonally) CRT monitor, which generally yields about 16 inches, diagonally, of viewable screen image, is the bare minimum for anyone expecting to spend hours in front of the screen. CRT monitors use the same decades-old technology as your TV set, so they're bulky but fairly inexpensive. They're also usually the monitor of choice for hard-core graphics or video work.
Students will be especially thankful for a 15-inch or larger LCD monitor (unlike a CRT, the size of an LCD's viewable screen image is the same as its panel size). While newer LCD monitors cost more, they are brighter and easier on the eyes (very important for those all-nighters). And overall, their small size makes them ideal.
LCDs come in two flavors, analog and digital. Make sure that your monitor matches your graphics board; a VGA connector is used for analog, and a DVI connector is used for digital. Some monitors can handle both standards, as can some graphics boards. Digital allows for a much nicer display--it's worth making sure you can use a digital display.
Graphics Board
A lower-end AGP graphics board is fine for general-purpose computing. Alternately, you can shave $20 to $40 off the price tag by purchasing a system with the graphics functions integrated onto the motherboard (note that some systems with integrated graphics do not have an AGP slot, meaning you can not upgrade the system's graphics abilities). Heavy-duty multimedia work requires a higher-end card. Look for 4X AGP for occasional use, and 8X for the serious videographer.
Sound Card
As with graphics, you can stick with a low-end sound card, or opt for sound functions integrated onto the motherboard. For multimedia work--or if you've got a fussy audiophile on your hands--it's wiser to invest in a higher-end card like Creative Labs' Audigy 2 or M-Audio's Revolution 7.1.
Speakers can range wildly in price, from Creative's $19 pair of Sound Blaster SBS270 speakers (fine for occasional music listening) to Logitech's $299 six-piece Z680 5.1 system (for Dolby Digital and DTS audio--perfect for watching movies in surround sound). That said, you can do just fine with three-piece sets like Logitech's $50 Z340 speaker system or Creative's $50 Inspire 2500.
Optical Drives
CD technology is everywhere, but rewritable DVD standards are rapidly gaining ground for storage. Some CD-RW drive manufacturers offer CD-RW/DVD (combo) drives. LG Electronics, Samsung, and CenDyne all have this type of dual-purpose drive. That way, students have the option of seeing movies on the cheap--when they're not backing up their data--while scarfing down ramen noodles.
Rewritable DVD drives are dropping in price, but are still two to four times as expensive as a good CD-RW drive. Students in art, design, or production programs will likely benefit from the extra space on rewritable DVDs for backups, but otherwise, most users should stick with a CD-RW drive and wait on a rewritable DVD drive until prices drop further.
Keep Up With the Times
Specs change constantly, so you'll want to build in some protection against obsolescence. If you think you (or your student) might want to add faster components later, find out whether you could upgrade your new desktop's CPU (many motherboards can handle a range of different speeds) or add memory at a later date. If a desktop has on-board graphics or sound functions, make sure you can override them if you decide to install a more powerful graphics card or sound card later.
You can usually find this information on the manufacturer's Web site (sometimes by downloading an online version of the manual), but the information might be a little confusing for first-time do-it-yourselfers. If you're buying from a mail order company like Dell or Gateway, try asking your salesperson. Or you may want to ask a techie friend to check the specs for you.
Laptops are not as expandable as desktops; at best, you can upgrade memory or hard drive capacity. You can usually find this information on the manufacturer's Web site.
You'll also want to keep a close eye on expansion ports, which let you connect external gadgets like printers, MP3 players, and scanners. High-speed USB 2.0 ports are increasingly common on desktops, and are slowly catching on in laptops. At least one FireWire port (also known as IEEE 1394 and I.Link) is a necessity for digital video--that's where you connect digital camcorders to either capture raw footage or record your finished masterpiece.
The Extras
After you've planned your computer configuration, you'll want to think about other devices. Once again, carefully consider how the computer will actually be used.
Printer
A printer is probably one of the most useful things a student can own. Not only is it great for printing term papers and homework, but it can also be used to make hard copies of information posted online.
There are three types of printers: ink jet, laser, and photo printers. Ink jet and photo printers spray ink from cartridges directly onto the paper, while laser printers use a toner mechanism like a photocopier. Ink jet printers are a popular way to print color documents; laser printers are best for sharper text and graphics; and photo printers are for creating high-quality prints from digital photos. No matter what type of printer you buy, be prepared for ongoing costs (replacement cartridges, and so on). Note that many conventional ink jet printers do a fine job with photos, and photo printers can also print documents. Don't forget to ask for print samples at the store; sometimes what you see belies the manufacturers' claims.
Network Card
Network interface cards are cheaper than your average textbook ($10 to $40). Consider getting one in your student's computer. Many university residences have ethernet (also known as RJ-45) network ports in dorm rooms or are at least planning to install them, so it's a worthwhile investment. Most laptops, and even most desktops nowadays, have an ethernet port built in.
If the campus has wireless networks open to students, check if the computer you're buying has a wireless adapter included. Otherwise, factor in the cost of a separate adapter card, which costs $40 and up.
The established standard for wireless networking, or Wi-Fi, is called 802.11b. A newer, faster standard is 802.11g. The two standards are compatible, but any connection between two computers using different formats will necessarily operate at the slower 802.11b speed.
At the time of this writing, the 802.11g standard had recently been finalized, although 802.11g products had already been on the shelves for several months. By the time you read this, wireless equipment packages on the market should fit the finalized spec for 802.11g. For more details about the new specification, see "Faster Wireless Standard Approved," and for the latest news about security concerns, see "Better 802.11 Security."
Minimum Specs List
Need a starting point for your shopping list? While your student's computing needs may evolve over time, you can build from this basic configuration:
1.67-GHz Celeron or Athlon processor: Ensure that you can upgrade the processor later. For demanding graphics or video, move up to at least a 2-GHz Pentium 4 or Athlon.
128MB of memory: The more, the merrier. If you have to choose between upgrading RAM or the processor, lean toward RAM. Graphics-intensive projects require at least 512MB.
20GB to 40GB hard drive: Music maniacs should build in room for an MP3 collection. Graphics and video work also require more space. Much more.
15-inch LCD monitor: LCDs will cost a little more, but they're lighter, slimmer, and brighter. LCDs are the way to go for most people.
32MB AGP graphics board or on-board graphics functions: If you go with graphics integrated onto the motherboard, you may want a motherboard that has an AGP slot so you can add a standalone graphics board later.
Sound Blaster 128 sound card or on-board sound functions: Sound cards deliver better sound than typical integrated sound circuitry. As with the graphics system, be sure you can upgrade your sound by adding a separate sound card in the future.
2.1 speaker set (stereo speakers and subwoofer): Picky listeners should consider shopping at stereo stores as well as computer stores for good speakers.
Optical drive: rewritable DVD drive or CD-RW drive: Rewritable DVD drive prices are falling, but unless you're making movies or archiving gigabytes of data, you can wait it out with a CD-RW drive.