Computer Preference Just Went Up! and question regarding Computers!

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USMA $WAG

5-Year Member
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Mar 1, 2013
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Hello all! Just wanted to let everyone know the computer preference section is now available. I also have a question regarding it. I own all the items in the "extra" section and am wondering if once classes start could my own monitor and printer be mailed to me or can I not use my own monitor and printer?
 
Computer Xtra Stuff

I would not recommend using your own computer, however your printer, mouse, monitor etc. can be mailed to you no later than the first day of class. Aug 19

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
I'm sorry to steal this thread, but I think it makes more sense to ask here rather than start another thread for my question, since it's related.

Included in the required computer package is an "external USB hard drive." Does anyone know how large it is? I was actually just about to buy my own external hard drive to keep all of my data from here at home, but I don't want to spend the money if I'm just going to get a large enough one there.

Thanks!
 
USMA $WAG said:
Hello all! Just wanted to let everyone know the computer preference section is now available. I also have a question regarding it. I own all the items in the "extra" section and am wondering if once classes start could my own monitor and printer be mailed to me or can I not use my own monitor and printer?
Click to expand...

DS did exactly this, and we brought it up on A-day. But before we left he decided he did not want the monitor. Others use theirs quite a bit. YMMV.

Or they can be shipped up during reorgy.

But yes, you can bring your own accessory items like that. DS ended buying the standard external drive, but for everything else provided his own.

If you don't have the majority of the items it's probably not worth trying to piece it together.
 
tug_boat said:
.......... can be mailed to you no later than the first day of class. Aug 19

Push Hard, Press Forward
Click to expand...

Why do you say this, tug boat? Is this in the instructions for cadet candidates? Why the cut-off date of August 19th?
 
19th

Aug 12th is March back the end of CBT, then 12 through the 18th is reorgy week and family visit time. The 19th is the first day of class. You don't want fall behind cause you computer is not up and running.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
No one has suggested not getting the computer. I don't even think that is an option. The base laptop will have what you need to be "running", so to speak.

But you'll want the lock and surge protector/outlet strip fairly quickly, etc.

By the way, there is no guarantee that buying the optional accessory pack gets you ready earlier... Hopefully it will, but we know of 2015 cadets that did not get their printers until a week or two after class started. DS had the only working printer on his floor the two weeks of his plebe AY because he supplied his own. It's the Army.... sometimes they run out of stuff. :smile: Get used to being flexible!! :thumb:

By the way, the external hard drive is critical..... if you have to take your laptop to the gold coats the most common fix is to reimage it and you lose any/all files. Including any assignments, or projects. It's a standing joke almost.
 
I also have a related questions,

If we get the extra package, does the $500 get tagged on to the $2000 initial deposit, or does it get taken from pay?

Sorry if I missed this somewhere.
 
From memory (DS is 2015) it was initial deposit, but I'd have to check.

Hopefully someone from 2016 can comment, and remember it can change from year to year.

What does the portal indicate?
 
I gathered nothing from the Portal (unless I am overlooking something). But, in the instructions for applicants offered admissions, it says that the initial deposit is not for the purchase of a cadet computer.

So, that answers that. But does anyone know how the $500 is payed/added to?

Thanks!
 
Turn28 said:
... But does anyone know how the $500 is payed/added to?
Click to expand...

A current Cadet will have a more specific answer, but I believe a portion of the cost is deducted monthly from your monthly pay - just like uniforms and other issued items. FYI, the $500 "package" shouldn't add that much to the overall monthly cost.
 
Hmm... that is what I thought. Thank you for the information - sorry for stealing the thread!
 
Current Cadet-Answered

2014 Cadet here let my try to answer all of this:

You are authorized any computer monitor that is under 22 inches across. I use an HDTV.

-The printers we were issued were black and white and most people threw them out because the ink was expensive to replace. Right now I use an HP printer that I bought at the college bookstore. There are no restrictions on printers as long as they are reasonable (i.e. no giant corporate copiers). During A- Day it would be easy to drive down to central valley or the PX and purchase the exact monitor and printer you want.

Any money you dont pay for electronics is taken from your cadet monthly pay. I did not pay for my laptop up front and did not notice. Cadet pay is taken and plebes only see a stipend. The rest goes in an account you can start touching yearling year.

-The Hard Drives we got were 500GB.

In short, if you like the stuff being offered in the package, get it. Otherwise purchase your own equipment that you like.
 
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