Back-to-school computer shopping

PCs are a standard part of college curriculums

By

JenniferInez Ward

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- When Robert Leonard attended college in the 1970s, computers were kept in frigid, air-conditioned rooms and used by science and engineering students.

"Now almost every student uses computers to gather research, debate academic points and in some cases, take university classes," said Leonard, an anthropology professor at the University of New Mexico.

When shopping for school supplies, college students regularly head down the personal computer isle to fine-tune what hardware is needed when they hit campus in the fall.

But it's not just about buying the most fancy system. Computers are supplementing reference books and becoming part of standard curriculum practices.

About 75 percent of undergraduate college students own personal computers, compared to 62 percent of U.S. households, according to Bejul Somaia, general manger of Edu.com, which sales tech equipment to students and universities.

"There isn't a discipline that doesn't need to use computers."
Robert Leonard,University of New Mexico

For many students, computers are portable encyclopedias, pen and paper and virtual classes.

"There isn't a discipline that doesn't need to use computers," said Leonard, who teaches a course online.

"Computers have transcended the math and science arena. Everyone from band members to art majors can use computers to enhance their college experience," he said.

University push

Many schools have responded to the computer culture by setting up labs on campus and in some cases, requiring or suggesting students have their own PCs. In addition, university libraries have put many of their resources online.

At Columbia University business school, a laptop computer is mandatory.

"Computer use is high among students," said Maria Graham, a university spokeswoman. "We also have a lot of Internet work going on in the classroom. So far, it's been a success."

Harvard University sends letters to its incoming freshman class outlining compatible systems to its network.

"We've been doing this for eight to nine years and we've had enormous computer ownership. We've never been below 92 percent and I believe it's at 99 percent now," said Franklin Steen, director of computer services in the Arts and Science Department at Harvard.

Computer literacy also helps students once they graduate and enter the corporate world.

"Students need to know the ends and outs of the Internet, how to build Web sites, like they know how to use typewriters," Leonard said.

Buying a PC

Students would be wise not to rush out and purchase the fancy high-end computer system, experts said. Before heading to a computer retailer, it's best to check out a nearby college store because they're more likely to have hardware that's compatible to university systems.

"Students need to understand what they are going to use their computers for," Somaia said.

"Most low-end machines are pretty powerful and you can save a lot of money."
Bejul Somaia, Edu.com

"If it's simple word processing, spread sheet and e-mail use you don't need a crazy amount of memory, you should get a simple machine. Most low-end machines are pretty powerful and you can save a lot of money."

And large student discounts on hardware is a thing of the past.

"Ten years ago there was a tremendous difference in the price of what a student could buy and what the general public paid. But that gap has eroded. I think it's because computers have become part of the general domain and the expectation is 'Hey, why can't we have prices in that range,'" said Keith McCann, director of Campus Computer Resale Alliance.

"Overall the savings range is going to be in the single digits -- 5 to 9 percent. There's not a huge delta these days," McCann said.

Two-thirds of computer purchases total $500 to $1,500, McCann said. A desktop can be $500 to $700 cheaper than a laptop.

Intraday Data provided by SIX Financial Information and subject to terms of use. Historical and current end-of-day data provided by SIX Financial Information. All quotes are in local exchange time. Real-time last sale data for U.S. stock quotes reflect trades reported through Nasdaq only. Intraday data delayed at least 15 minutes or per exchange requirements.