Purchasing the right computer can be confusing. Fortunately, our alliance with Gateway Computers makes the process fun and easy. Visit the Gateway Alliance Web Site Now! >>
Computer Purchase Advice
The College of Engineering strongly suggests that all students bring a laptop computer to campus. These can be used in class (note taking and working examples) and can be used in group work. The campus has extensive wireless and a laptop allows you to connect any time that you want. Laptops are the tools of engineers in all companies.
The College (and the University) has a strong relationship with Gateway Computing and suggests purchasing from the UA Gateway site. You can get to this site using (insert the link here). This site has our minimum system design embedded in the purchase process; however you will be permitted to specify a stronger machine if you desire. At this point, our suggested machines are the:
Gateway Tablet PC E295 (wide screen – very powerful - a bit heavier)
Or
Gateway Tablet PC M155 (normal screen – less powerful – lightweight)
The advantage of the Tablet PC is that you can annotate notes and MS Powerpoint decks using the “inking” features of the tablet. This will help you in the classroom and in sharing work and notes with other students.
If you purchase using the UA Gateway portal, then you can use the Gateway repair facility on campus (connected to the UA bookstore in the Union) for hardware problems. Also, the components in these computers are higher grade than the components used in “big box store” bulk purchases.
Regardless of where you purchase, you can use the OSCR help system to get help for software when needed. The campus bookstore has great prices on MSOffice.
The College of Engineering is part of the Microsoft Academic Alliance so our students can get all Microsoft Software (except MSOffice) for FREE. Also, we have College (or campus) licenses for:
· Sophos (free) – virus protection (this is a MUST!)
· Textpad (free) – text processing that is more advanced than notepad
· Labview (free) – software that allows you to do lab work and interact with data collection hardware. Key in the junior year and beyond courses
· MatLab (free) – math equation solving and MUCH MORE program. Extremely useful in sophomore, Junior and senior engineering and math classes.
· VPN (free) – this allows you to connect securely to the campus network
· We can also set up SolidWorks for your machine and have you connect to our “key server”
You are responsible for maintaining your own machine and we can help you. It is critical that you get a system that is not some piecemeal hodgepodge of components as these systems are difficult to maintain and keep running. This computer is supposed to last you 4 years!
Suggested Minimum Specifications
· Processor - Pentium® M, Intel® Core· Duo Processor
· Windows XP Pro or Vista Operating System
· MSOffice 2007 (can be bought on campus)
· 2 Gig RAM, 60GB (or greater) hard drive, CD/DVD
· 802.11g wireless Extended warranty (3 yr or 4 yr) (including screen replacement)
· 2 gig (or greater) USB Flash Drive
· Firewall and Anti-Virus software (UA has this for free!)
· Backpack to make it easy to carry your laptop while you are on campus.
· Ethernet cable to connect to a wired system that exists in study rooms and in the Residence Halls
· Long life battery (4 hour is the minimum).
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