We get burned on PC hardware because the price goes down so fast. Warren admits the bookstore gets requests for PC computers all the time. A lot of people do want PCs. They're what they plan to use 'in the real world,' so we do get a lot of requests for them. The retail market accounts for about 44 percent of total computer sales, according to Knight-Ridder.
Most schools charge a fee for computer use.
Pundits would say because of the ease of use and accessibility. But local computer science departments and academic planners say they intend to offer a wide selection of computers for students who don't have their own. There is still a good mix of system types out there, primarily because of personal preferences and spending habits of individual colleges. As a school, we plan to support both formats for some time. Not everyone needs a high-powered computer in their dorm, said HSU's Theibault.