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Sales > PRE-PURCHASE DISCUSSION
Back to Top Should I Buy a Computer? CUIT (Columbia Univeristy Information Technology) provides support for both Macintosh and Windows computers. Although Columbia does not require undergraduates to own computers, more and more classes use email as a conduit for assignment notifications and many find it desirable to do so. Several of the professional schools -- for example, Business, Law, and Health Sciences -- have their own specific requirements or recommendations. If you are a student or faculty member of any of these schools, speak to them for further information. For students who cannot acquire their own computer at this time, CUIT provides public computing facilities for your use and convenience. Further information for these is available at http://www.columbia.edu/acis/facilities/labs/. Note: Students must activate their computer accounts before using CUIT public facilities. If you have not, visit myUNI. Back to Top Which Computer Should I Buy? Some General Guidelines The most important question to ask yourself when selecting a computer is what you're going to use it for. Most personal computers at Columbia are used for five tasks:
Whatever your needs, we recommend you purchase as much memory (RAM) and hard drive space as you can comfortably afford. Processor speed has less of an impact on longevity and long-term usefulness than ample storage space and lots of RAM. A minimum for extended longevity would be 512MB of RAM. Increasing to 1GB of RAM will cost another $45-100. Hard drive storage space deemed adequate now (120GB) will run out as you find a use for it. Prices for hard drives continue to plummet (300GB drives cost $150-200). We are not suggesting that you purchase a computer with faculties beyond your need, but remember that your needs may change over time. We always recommend your computer has a CD-recording (CD-R, CD-RW) capability (700MB per disk), but it.s easy to find DVD-ROM drives that can also .burn. CDs ($40-100). DVD-recording drives are slightly more expensive ($70-130). DVD .burned. disks hold either 4-9GB of data, songs and videos. For those performing statistical analysis or writing computer programs, most programming and data analysis tools actually reside on Columbia's shared central computer systems. Your personal computer is simply used to access these tools, and does little actual processing. Extended Warranties You should consider getting an extended warranty with your computer as a hedge against future hardware or operating system issues. This is strongly suggested if you are buying a laptop or if the standard warranty period is one year or less. Please note: CUIT does not provide hardware repair support to students, and offers only limited operating system support inasmuch as they relate to specific programs used to access University online resources. If an issue falls outside of these parameters, it.s good to have an alternate to fall back on like a manufacturer.s extended warranty. Windows or Apple? The choice of platform (Windows, Mac, Linux) is essentially a matter of personal preference. If you are already familiar with one platform, there is no particular reason to switch. Your school may have more specific criteria so check with them before deciding. CUIT provides relevant applications, documentation and limited operating system support for Windows XP, 2000 and Apple OS X. No support is available for Linux. If you know you will need to use a particular software package which only runs on a specific platform, this should dictate your choice. Word processing and browsing the Internet are accomplished equally with either an Apple or a Windows computer. Most games, statistical analysis and programming tools are available solely for the Windows operating system. Audio/Video editing can be done on both platforms but Apple computers tend to have the edge in stability and functionality. Desktop or Laptop? Laptops have the advantage of being mobile and light. Desktops are usually cheaper, easier to repair/upgrade and harder to steal. There are many different types of laptops. Some are .ultraportables., designed to be as light as possible (less than 4 lbs). This results in increased cost, decreased durability and fewer capabilities (e.g., smaller screen, smaller hard drive, and shorter battery life). Other laptops are designed to be 'desktop replacements', in that they have most of the functionality and storage capacity of a desktop computer while still occupying significantly less surface area than a desktop PC's CPU, monitor, keyboard, speakers and mouse. Whichever you decide, both will do what you need if you first understand your priorities. A 4-6 pound laptop sounds like nothing but it.s heavier than it seems and it doesn.t factor in the additional weight and inconvenience of the power supply, laptop bag and possible extra battery. Many first-time laptop buyers imagine carrying it everywhere, but this seldom happens. Expensive, ultra-portable laptops (less than 3 pounds) are available but can cost $1500-2500. Internet Access Before you access the network, you are required to have the latest updates for your Operating System, installed Symantec Anti-Virus software and updated it with the latest patches. For better overall security, you have the option of installing Pest Patrol (privacy/anti-spyware). WIRED Ethernet Network Access Standard with nearly all computers (up to 4 years ago) is an Ethernet network card. You will connect this to the wall network jack with an Ethernet network cable. It looks like a phone cord only with a larger jack head. WIRELESS Network Access To use the University wireless network, you will need a wireless networking card. Good brands to buy include Linksys and Netgear. Columbia University currently runs an 8.11b wireless network, so make sure your wireless card is compatible (8.11g and/or 8.11b). Important: Personal wireless routers in dormitory housing interfere with the University wireless network, and are prohibited. DIAL-UP Network Access While not recommended due to its extremely slow speeds, modem network service is available (number: 212-854-3100) when it.s your only option. The modem you use should be less than 6 years old (ensuring it supports the v.90 protocol). Be advised that not all computers have modems as part of their standard installation any more. Choosing a Display There are two common monitor types: CRT (TV-type) monitors . Sizes: 14.,15.,17.,19.,21., up to 32.; Weight: 20-100 lbs. Cost: $80-400. Average 17. monitor: $130, 35-40 lbs. LCD (flat-panel) monitor . Sizes: 13.,14.,15.,17.,19.,21.,23.,25.,27.,30. Weight: 5-30 lbs. Cost: $150-1000. Average 17. monitor: $300, 10 lbs. If your needs are word processing and Internet browsing, either one will suffice. If you use your computer for extensive desktop publishing, video editing or computer games, you might want to consider a larger (19"-21") CRT display. Fast-moving images on older LCD displays (>16ms refresh rates) may appear blurry. Laptop screens are LCD displays ranging between 10.5" and 17", and might still have the slower refresh rates. LCD screens are the most expensive component of a laptop so screen size will play a big part in how much you will pay for it. Final Advice: You will be spending many hours in front of your monitor. While most people want at least a 17. monitor, a high-quality 15" monitor is better for your eyes than a poor-quality 17", no matter what you do. Recommended Display Specifications
Back to Top Where Should I Buy My Computer? CUIT has negotiated discount arrangements with Apple, Dell and other vendors on behalf of the Columbia community. You are in no way obligated to purchase from these vendors if you prefer shopping elsewhere. We recommend you visit a store or showroom to examine a computer prior to purchase. What about a used computer? Buying a used computer can save money in the short-term. If you choose to do so, make sure you ask for the original operating system and restore CDs. Problems may occur down the line that require you to reinstall all software. Without the original CDs, you will need to pay for new licensed copies. You should also keep in mind that buying an older computer means you probably have an older operating system. Operating systems as they get older are less likely to be supported or compatible with more recent software. Bottom Line: We recommend any first-time or novice users purchase a new computer. Used computers bring reliability into question and purchasing from individuals leaves you with no recourse should you need help with hardware problems. A company selling refurbished computers is a more viable option as they often include a short warranty with each purchase. These can be found via a web search engine like google.com or in The Computer Shopper magazine. Back to Top What About a Printer? All students have a quota of pages they can print via the network printers. Network printers are available in many locations on-campus. This may not be enough for some students however, and many opt to get printers. The two common types are: Inkjet printers Less expensive ($50-250), produce many colors, may have more options (photo printing, USB ports for digital cameras, etc) but sometimes are less reliable. Requires two toner cartridges ($20-40 each) and lasts for hundreds of pages. Laser printers More expensive ($100-400, up to $1000) with fewer features, but usually very reliable. Toner cartridges cost $80-150, last for thousands of pages and can be recharged for $45-70. Laser printers costing $100-400 are text printers, while color laser printers have more expensive cartridges and can cost $400-1000. CUIT does not currently offer hardware repair support, including personal printers. |
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