Laptops at USAFA

A

Alexw079

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Jan 14, 2015
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I will be entering USAFA this June and am considering buying a new laptop to replace my current (but still capable) one. I know cadets are given a laptop there and that some people use their personal one after it is cleared for use on USAFA networks. Is it worth the effort to clear a personal laptop for use? Also what laptop will the class of 2020 be getting? How is it?
 
Why are you so eager to spend money.
1. You have a laptop you consider "Capable"
2. You will be given a brand new computer.

Why not get to the academy; use what they give you; see how it work for you. If after being there a while you decide you have money in your pocket that is burning a hole, and you simply must spend it; then do it then. There is very little that a new computer you could buy and bring with you, can do to make your life any better in and out of the classroom. In other words; with 2 laptops already; one being brand new and issued by the academy; don't be in such a rush to spend/waste money on something you have absolutely no need for.
 
My parents have allowed me to spend some money since I saved them a lot and didn't get anything for Christmas. I was thinking about a laptop because I would enjoy it and it might also help me with academics.
 
Save the money. Go on a trip before you report. Go do something fun instead. Or save the money, wait until you get to USAFA and then decide if the issued laptop isn't cutting it for you. If you are a Mac guy, then you might want to bring one with you. I am sure the issued laptop will do what you need for school. If you want more for something like gaming, that might be a different story. There are a million threads on here about computers. They will probably issue something very similar if not slightly more capable than last year's issue.
 
The recreational aspect of the laptop is part of the reason I want it. I don't doubt the ability of the provided laptop for school use though.
 
Alexw079 said:
The recreational aspect of the laptop is part of the reason I want it. I don't doubt the ability of the provided laptop for school use though.
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Alex, during your doolie year, you may not even be allowed to use the "recreational aspect" nor have the time to do so. Save your money until you know what you're allowed and what you need. I can tell you right now, internet speeds won't let you play any online games. The computer they give you will allow you to use Netflix (if your squadron allows you to do so.)

USAFA will provide you everything you need when you get there (except as indicated.) Honestly, only bring those things they tell you to bring. You'll be carrying A LOT of stuff that first day in your left hand ... while running everywhere.

If the money is really burning a hole in your pocket, then invest in more minutes for your phone.
 
I see.... I think I'll keep the money for a laptop later. Also, what is the policy for desktops there? I saw a junior with a desktop playing while I was there for a recruitment visit.
 
Alexw079 said:
I see.... I think I'll keep the money for a laptop later. Also, what is the policy for desktops there? I saw a junior with a desktop playing while I was there for a recruitment visit.
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Haha Alex once you enter doolie year count on the policy being "You're not allowed anything until after recognition". Typically speaking that is standard policy you can count on. Other than that things are very much done on a squadron to squadron basis. That being said you won't regain many privileges until you are a 1st or 2nd class cadet. Even 3rd class cadets are very limited it what they can and cannot have.
 
Video games in squad as a freshmen are a big no-no. Had a kid caught earlier this year using them and all the freshmen in squad paid dearly for his mistake. As someone who considers themselves a power user and gamer I would say it's not worth it, at least this year. If you have that much time for stuff like that you definitely aren't making the friends and going on adventures that make this place great especially as a 4 dig. Wait till the weekend at your sponsors or even till breaks :)
 
Thank you for the input. Let's say I bring something prohibited until recognition, what would happen to it? Do they just lock it up until R day?
 
Alexw079 said:
Thank you for the input. Let's say I bring something prohibited until recognition, what would happen to it? Do they just lock it up until R day?
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After they ask you, very politely of course (eh-hem), why you brought something prohibited (the correct answer is "No excuse sir/ma'am), they will lock it up.
 
Contraband is locked up during basic. All items will be returned to you after basic but then you should hand any contraband under the academic year rules over to your coach.
 
Remember that there is no public wi-fi for the cadets except in arnold hall. This means that you cannot connect to wi-fi on a device that has not been issued or has not been approved by USAFA. If your laptop requires wi-fi it may not be of much use. There are rumors that public internet is coming... but who knows when that will happen. You could use your money to buy a hot-spot, an ipad that has data included or a just save it for more data. My DD went from using 2 GB of data a month at home to over 10gb of data as USAFA.
 
I read electronics are not allowed in a Doolie's room. So no alarm clock with a radio?
 
SCAFWM said:
I read electronics are not allowed in a Doolie's room. So no alarm clock with a radio?
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Definitely not during basic training.

You're going to have a laptop computer issued to you so I don't know how they would expect you to have no electronics in your room. Generally as a freshman you are not allowed to have media. So a radio or speakers to play music from your computer would not be allowed, nor would an xbox or playstation.

An alarm clock after basic would be okay.
 
Alexw079 said:
My parents have allowed me to spend some money since I saved them a lot and didn't get anything for Christmas. I was thinking about a laptop because I would enjoy it and it might also help me with academics.
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Academics will be done on your issued computer. Personal computer is for stuff like this forum, FB, netflix -- none of which you really have time for anyway. Issued computers cannot be used for this type of stuff, and you cannot connect personal devices to USAFA network -- "open" wifi is only available in a couple of places, like Arnold Hall, but you won't get much time there either, at least until after recognition. Definitely do not bring on I-day. You will get a "what to bring" list. Bring that stuff, and nothing else. As you get privileges after Beast, you can get lots of care packages with anything you need/want then. You may also find that you re-define "want" and "need" and things like pop tarts become much more of a priority than x-box.
 
Alexw079 said:
Thank you for the input. Let's say I bring something prohibited until recognition, what would happen to it? Do they just lock it up until R day?
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Would not suggest even trying. 1st, you will have to carry it in your left hand or over your head all day on I-Day; 2nd, they will then take it from you; 3rd, if you try to hide it, then your entire Flight or Squad will be punished for it -- not a great way to make friends your first day. Beyond that, you are making a promise to follow those rules and everyone takes that promise seriously.
 
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