PC Recomendations

Many new students ask what computer they should purchase before coming to Dominican.  Below are some of our recommendations on what to purchase.

Looking for software: You can find some vendors who will give you a student discount. For example: www.campustech.com

• We recommend purchasing a laptop when this is financially viable.  Portable computers are more expensive, usually about $500 to $1,000 more for comparable hardware, but they can be brought to the library for work and if there are problems, they are easier to bring to a service center for repair than a desktop computer.
   
• We have found that Windows based computers are better for more students than Mac based computers.  More software is available for Windows than Macs and finding support is a bit easier.  If you are an art student, or working on a teaching credential, Macs are better as Macs are mostly used by graphic artists and elementary and high schools.  If you are not an artist or working on a teaching credential, a Windows PC is probably best for you.
   
• If you elect to go with a Windows based computer, we love Dell.  Dell's pricing is competitive and their service and support is consistently the best.  Additionally, you can receive a discount as a Dominican student that ranges between 2% and 12% depending upon the model and configuration.  The number to call is 1-800-695-8133.  Just mention to the salesperson that you are a student at Dominican University of California.  If you select Dell we recommend purchasing the 3 year warrantee.  Here is a link to Dell's website:  www.dell.com and as of Oct 6, 2004 Dell had a special on their Inspiron 700m's that is a good deal.
   
• If you decide upon a portable (laptop) computer make sure that it includes a wireless network card as well as a normal network port AND an internal modem.  Most portable computers now come with these by default but beware of any 'special deals'.  Such deals may often not include a wireless network card.  With the wireless network card you will be able to access the Internet from Dominican's various wireless access points.
   
• We STRONGLY recommend purchasing a computer with a CD burner.  With a CD burner you can backup your documents and school work so that when, not if, your computer dies your work is not lost!
   
• We STRONGLY recommend purchasing a USB drive.  Click here for more information on USB drives.
   
• If you select a Windows based computer, here are some of the technical specifications we recommend:
   
  • Make sure to get at least 512 MB of memory.  The more memory your computer has the nicer it will run.
     
  • Don't purchase the fastest CPU available.  The fastest computers usually have a $200 premium for a relatively small boost in performance.  We recommend getting the 2nd or 3rd fastest CPU for the computer model that you select.
     
  • If you do not plan on downloading music and using your computer as a stereo a 40 GB hard drive should be sufficient.  If you are doing graphic work or plan on playing a lot of music you should get an 80 GB hard drive.