Laptop for grad school

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Specializes in ACNP-BC.

Hello again. :) Just wanted to see how many of you in grad school purchased lap tops and which types you have and if you think they are sufficient. I'm starting classes this week & am thinking of buying one online. I'm planning on also getting microsoft office to have word and powerpoint. Do you think there are other software packages that you think are also essential to purchase for grad school papers, projects, etc? Any tips you guys may have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!!!!

-Christine

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I have a Sony Vaio PCG-TR3A and I love it. It is small, has a 10 inch screen, integrated wireless and goes everywhere! Excellent screen resolution also. I have totally enjoyed having my own laptop and then don't have to worry about competition from family members.

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Specializes in Emergency, Cardiac, PAT/SPU, Urgent Care.

I bought a Dell Inspiron with MS Office prior to starting grad school. I also have a wireless router which allows me to do my work anywhere in the house - I love it and it was money well-spent. Check the Dell website - they usually have good deals a few times per month. Good luck!

http://www.dell.com

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I also bought a dell inspiron 710m. I think the usual programs are ok. If you are looking for deals try the website fatwallet.com. Sometime you can find internet coupons and information about what stores are having sales!

Happy hunting!

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I am wondering much the same thing...is it even necessary to get a laptop? My program is almost all online (I will be home and have two young kids). Is it better money spent to get a good desktop and a PDA with some good programs on it? Just curious...I just don't want to spend the extra money on a laptop that will sit in my house most of the time! Thanks

Chopper

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I am going for my master's online. I have a Dell XP Desk Top with a nice sized thin screen. It has all the requirements for the course. When I start practicals, I am going to buy a PDA. I think that will be important for me. I really don't see any reason for a laptop. But if you are on campus, you may need one. I would ask your advisor.

Krisssy

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/MICU/SICU/CTICU.

I have a hp pavillion. I got it for Christmas and my MSN program is entirely online. I mainly got it so that I wouldnt have to run my kids off the desktop, and to keep them from downloading things on my computer and risk me losing my papers and assignments.

I love mine. I too have a wireless router and can sit in the quiet of my bedroom and work on things.

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Specializes in CTICU.

I have a dell latitude and my favorite thing about it is the size (about 3 lbs). I take it to class and type my notes (since I type faster than I write).

I actually suggest that you wait until you get to school to buy it. My school has a discount purchasing program through dell so I got mine for about $700 less than if I had bought it on my own. And my school also has some deal with microsoft so I got office software for free. Your school might have something similar.

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

I have a Compaq Presario, and had to buy the Microsoft Office. If you have a student ID or something to prove you are a student, Office Depot will sell you the student edition, which is several hundred dollars cheaper than the regular office edition.

My school requires all papers in APA format, and for less than 30 dollars I bought software that I can type directly into (has to be supported by Office) that automatically formats papers and footnotes.

I like having a wireless laptop because I study anywhere and everywhere, and the desktop computer the kids use is too slow!

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Specializes in ACNP-BC.

Thank you everyone for responding. I ended up buying an HP Pavillion this week & I put microsoft word, excel, & powerpoint on there. :) Now I just have to get through this class! :)

-Christine

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

Laptop or not - I would highly recommend EndNote.

It downloads and keeps a database of your references from your library (or you can put them in), creates your bibliography as you type your papers and APA formats it for you.

When you are done typing your paper - your bib is finished, perfectly correct and already checked for accuracy and format - all ready to go - you don't have to do ANYTHING else!

http://www.endnote.com

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Laptop or not - I would highly recommend EndNote.

It downloads and keeps a database of your references from your library (or you can put them in), creates your bibliography as you type your papers and APA formats it for you.

When you are done typing your paper - your bib is finished, perfectly correct and already checked for accuracy and format - all ready to go - you don't have to do ANYTHING else!

http://www.endnote.com

I had Perrla downloaded into my computer to put my papers into APA format as I type including references. I think there are a lot of options on this. It truly lets you concentrate on your paper and not APA format. I love it.

Krisssy

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