It has almost become a norm for students to buy and bring laptops to college because having a computer is the simplest way to survive in school. However, the future of computers in colleges is changing.

Laptops are the most convenient type of computer for students. They are portable, don’t take up much space, but still have a lot of power. Students can choose the laptop they want, for either aesthetic or computing reasons. Laptops are also thousands of dollars cheaper than desktop computers.

Another advantage of laptops is that students can take them to class. Although many classes will not require a laptop, some professors lecture too quickly for students to write notes with a pen and paper. The laptop is small and portable, which makes it perfect for taking to any college classes.

The Internet can also be accessed from most any point on campus. Colleges have become wireless hotspots in today’s technology-filled world, and campuses that do not have wireless Internet may as well be prehistoric.

College students are supposed to be spontaneous and take memorable road trips across the country. Laptops are ideal for the inevitable trips a college student might take. First of all, most motels aren’t going to have computers, but many have wireless Internet access for customers. Laptop owners can then check Facebook, upload pictures of the road trip step-by-step, and complete homework assignments too, of course.

On the other hand, some students feel more comfortable lugging a desktop computer to college. There are several reasons why students choose these computers over the sleeker laptop. One reason to choose the desktop computer over the laptop is that some majors may require the computing power of a desktop. Laptops are not as powerful as desktops. Computer Science or Engineering majors will most likely require a computer that has the ability to store gigabytes of information and run programs.

Other students may want a desktop computer for simpler reasons. Online video games are an emerging form of entertainment, and many of these games require gigabytes of hard drive space. In addition, a larger screen helps as well.

William Moy, a student at the University of California Santa Barbara brought a desktop computer to “play games and for the larger screen.”

An emerging fad is the netbook. The netbook is a miniature version of the laptop. Netbooks can range anywhere from seven to 10 inches in length. The netbook features only a keyboard and a ball for a mouse. Netbooks are perfect for students who have limited space; for instance, a young woman might want to keep her computer in her purse. The tiny laptop can surf the web.  However, it may not be as fast as regular laptops, and the hard drive space is not as large.

Money is tight, and even tighter for college students. Some students may even find themselves in a position where bringing any sort of computer costs too much money. It seems like computers are necessary in our technology-filled world. To an extent, they are necessary.

However, these students can check with their college about the availability of computer labs. Almost all universities have computer labs open to students. At the very least, students can type papers in the lab, if they cannot afford their own computer or their laptop is temporarily broken.

If a computer is broken, students can usually utilize college resources. Many residence halls have technology advisers who can mix broken and bugged computers free of charge. If all else fails, students can always call the manufacturer to get a new computer, if it’s under warranty, or pay for a repair.

Although laptops are significantly cheaper than desktops, they can still be pricey. Students who are having financial difficulty may want to check into some of the school benefits.

Emily Diehl, a second year at Azusa Pacific University, tells of APU’s laptop policy. “The student leases a laptop for a reduced price, and after two years the students gets a new one. After another two years, the students gets to keep the computer.”

Students should check for this type of laptop program at their university if they are in the market for a new computer.

There are many different types of computers, and students need to decide for themselves which one is right for them. Computer lovers who build computers may want their own desktop, while casual users will most likely purchase a pre-built laptop. Students who want a computer that is extremely portable and useful in classes may want to think about the netbook. No matter what decision you make, take good care of the computer, because it will (hopefully) last throughout the college years.