However, some proprietary software may only be available on campus. Approximately 70 percent of our students have desktops and 30 percent have laptops. It is always a good idea to ask current medical students which machines they feel will be most helpful, now they have some experience with the web curriculum. Just like the campus web curriculum on campus, many resources will be changing off-campus. For example, many neighborhoods are now able to provide high-speed access to the internet by way of DSL lines or cable modems.
Laptops have important downsides.
First, they can be significantly more expensive than desktops. Secondly, laptops can be easily stolen. Keep in mind the theft of laptops is on the rise and UT Southwestern does not offer insurance, however your personal property insurance may cover computer theft. Finally, because of their portability, they will be more frequently dropped and damaged. We have asked our vendors to keep the recommended machines in a certain price range.