needing new computer

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · Oct 31, 2013

I decided to go with a large screen desktop computer, I wanted something that didn't have a teeny tiny screen and would be good for paper writing etc at a desk to study...i find i take my lap top in front of the TV then get distracted LOL...I also have a tablet that's portable if I needed it. I haven't been accepted yet, but we needed new computers anyway so my husband got me the HP 23in all in one touch screen desktop...LOVE it!

IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Nov 1, 2013

So if I get accepted to FNP school I will be needing a new laptop.....any good suggestions? Should I just get a regular laptop or one of those laptop/tablet combos?

I would look I to a MacBook Air. Very portable, great battery power, reliable...

scarykarrey · Nov 4, 2013

If you have a preference for Windows machines, I would recommend Lenovo. They're the new name of IBM, and they're pretty bulletproof workhorse machines. You can get a great one with everything you'll need for school for under $500.

SandyRN1122 · Nov 5, 2013

Two monitors have been indispensable for me. I've constantly having more than one application open at a time.

curly65 · Nov 5, 2013

I had many other laptops, but Mac is by far the best, especially when it comes to saving documents, which I would recommend to do in this program. You always can download for free the upgrades, and is super fast, and can get the windows application for mac for the word, outlook, excel, and others. I have the MAc Pro air since two years ago and it works like brand new. I know is pricey, but you get what you paid for.

zmansc, ASN, RN · Nov 5, 2013

First, I would wait until you are accepted into a program before purchasing anything for that program. Different programs may have different requirements. My program for example does not support macs. Go that way and it would be a brick as several students have unfortunately learned.

Second, I would also agree with both the desktop and laptop option. IMO, whatever system you get you want to be able to take on the road (or at least to the couch on occasion) with you. So, a lightweight laptop like a macbook air if you prefer apple or ultrabook if you go windoze. But you ask, what about the desktop? Get a second monitor, a big one, and camp it out on your desk. That way when your at your desk you can use it and the laptop screen and you get the best of both worlds. A big monitor is cheap these days. I also have a wireless keyboard and mouse so I don't have to type on this puny keyboard all the time.

I sit at my desk for my exams, and cranking out volumes of words for ridiculously long papers. I also use it when I need to be away from the kids/wife/dogs/guests who occasion my study, er, living room. I have my desk in a 'study'. I strongly suggest a separate study room, preferably where you can not be disturbed. Mine is not ideal, it's actually a converted storage building in the back that I added heat/ac, wifi and electric to. Works well, absolutely no one is going to disturb me, but it also is a bit too out of the way. Since four of us live in a tiny house, it was the best I could do and I would not have made it this far without it.

BTW, there is a second reason I suggest you wait. After 30 years in IT, I have seen people buy early all to often because they are always disappointed that they didn't wait for the latest greatest thing to come out and/or what they bought dropped 50% in price between then and now.