During the coming school year, portable computers with ethernet hardware will be able to connect to the Internet for doing research at the Halle Library. Eastern Michigan University supports both Macintosh and Windows systems for student use, and the best system for you to purchase will depend on what programs you need to run and what kind of things you need to accomplish. If you decide to buy your own computer, the best help for deciding what computer to purchase is the faculty in your major area. As you might guess, the needs of a student in graphic design are very different from those of a student in management information systems. No one computer fits all.
Computers vary widely in price, capability, and quality.
In addition to price and warranty coverage, you will want to look at expandability as most students find that they may need additional capabilities over time. A computer that can be easily upgraded will help avoid the need to purchase another computer too quickly. Consultants at the Learning Technologies Computer Store are trained to provide assistance in choosing a computer system. The staff at the nonprofit LT Computer Store are hired by the University and don't receive any commission for selling systems, so they can give advice unbiased by the need to make a sale. Students often purchase a computer that is cheap rather than one that is flexible and of high quality.