Laptop debate for college. An 18 yr. old vs. parent's views.?

Question

We are having debate with our 18 yr. old son over a laptop for college.  He is exceptionally bright in math and majoring in physics,  CAD.  He's  considering $2,000 laptop (includes extended warranty,) model ASUS G1S.  No doubt a good unit, but we have  concerns.  This seems to be a LOT of money to tie up in a laptop for a freshman.  He won't even be taking physics 101 until next year, and really advanced classes for 2-3 years from now.  I'm thinking a $600 model would do all he needs for low level general education classes he's taking for the next two years.  He can THEN buy something better.  He's living in a dorm, and always chance of theft.  I assume thing will be dropped couple of times and wonder if Best Buy warranty will cover that repeatedly.  Finally, my fear is he mainly wants to play computer games with, and will do that instead of class work and flunk out. Almost happened in high school.  So buy expensive now, or cheaper now? His money, but no job to get more $$.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Oh tough decision... if you can convice him for the cheaper laptop then i would say thats a wiser choice... but then again... its his money so it makes it difficult. Theft is a possibility too! (unless your home contents insurance covers it)

At the end of the day... its his money... if he earned it fair and square then just let him buy what he wants... if it gets stolen then he cant say you guys didnt warn him.

rider200 · Answer

Go for the $600, Laptops in genral are not very upgadable, only upgade that can be done is memory.

If he goes on and needs a more powerful laptop in the following year then get one, sale the old one on eBay or the campus bulliten board.

The $600 computer will run all the programs he needs to have until the AutoCad class.

My youngest son used mom's computer all the way through, but he didn't take AutoCad, mostly Business classes.

Good luck and if you want to tweak the $600 to go faster have a look at the laptop section of my web site

anup · Answer

Is he going to stay at living house or on campus? At my college there is prompt cyber web in the process the full college, consequently there is not any value in case you reside their and have a computer. in case you are able to not get the internet and his college has a wireless he can do his artwork on an identical time as he's in college. And so some distance as getting wireless i'm surprisingly confident you want a prompt laptop card (a minimum of that's what I even have). He would desire to be waiting to speak to the school approximately all of this. some college's even have software for babies to purchase laptops for college. they have each and everything you want blanketed and the tend to be discounted. wish that helped slightly.

SouthernBelle · Answer

I think you already have your pros and cons listed here! lol I would like to bring up a point to ponder on. Have you considered which would be the best investment financially? Sometimes its easier to get your money back out of a higher grade laptop, because by the time you're ready to resell the cheap ones, they are so out of date.
You may want to threaten that if his grades start dropping, and you know its because of games, then you will take the laptop away. He can make it in school without one. It will be extremely difficult and inconvenient, with many trips to the school library. But this should be motivation for him to do well.
Also, explain to him that if he drops it, or breaks it, he's on his own if the warranty doesn't cover it. Keep in mind that he may be quick to neglect a cheap laptop, because he will know its only temporary.
When you give it to him, explain to him that it is a gift based on the trust you have for him to do well in school. If he breaks that trust, he'll have to make other arrangements to get his homework done. =)

liangonesearmy · Answer

i would say get something around $1-$1.2k that'll last 4 years, like a thinkpad T series, or Dell Latitude... best buy warranty's are not the best... game playing is a huge struggle at college... i've been through it and seen friends drop out cuz of it... hm... you can buy him a nice laptop but make sure it has a not so great graphics card. here's a laptop buying guide from a college student's perspective, written for college students that you might find helpful:

http://collegesoup.net/saving-money/laptop-buying-guide

Shelly · Answer

Well, technically, I don't guess you can stop him.  Unless, of course you have control over the dispersal of his money.  I agree with the idea of the cheaper model for now.  Does he really even need that?  Doesn't the school have a computer lab that is available for students?  Then he could get the computer when he actually needs it without any unnecessary expense now.

vishal g · Answer

respected sir, 
  its  not all about money that u r spending for buying a laptop for your son. according to me , you must confirm  upto what extent your son knows about laptops. see there is not much difference between a coastly laptop and a cheaper laptop. main differences are:- memory i.e hardisk capacity will be more , ram will be of 1gb instead of 512mb and processor will be a much more upgraded. as i too have a laptop of both ranges , according to me u must buy for him a cheaper laptop first, and if it comes in your notice that he is using the best from a laptop and he deserves something more then you can provide him a coastly laptop and at that time both of u will be satisfied with your decision.

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Laptop debate for college. An 18 yr. old vs. parent's views.?

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