VMI laptop recommendations?

VMI2017+3

D-35k Pilot
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Well I have yet another question already. I scoured VMI's website as well as the New Cadet Handbook, and all it said was that I need a laptop or iPad. Do any of you know if there are requirements to how much RAM I need (as an ECE major) or any other constraints? Also, does VMI have any type of discounts with certain brands or something? I seem to remember someone at the open house mentioning Dell. I probably should have written that down.....woops.
Thanks guys.
 
We are wondering the same, although I did find this through VMI. Don't ask me how I got there because it was a lot of clicking, haha!

http://www.vmi.edu/about/offices-a-z/it/cadet-computing/computer-recommendations/

If you scroll down to the page you see this:

"The Dell laptop has a 4 year on-site warranty and Apple laptop has an AppleCare Protection Plan which is recommended by IT. With the Dell onsite coverage, the laptop can be worked on at VMI, by our certified Dell technician."

And there are links to the Dell and Apple websites, with the VMI recommendations.

We haven't bought one yet, I figured we'd wait another week or two and see if they send any more info via mail or email.
 
I would highly recommend you buy the computer through the VMI link. If you do, they then take care of all repairs and loaners on site. Especially helpful during Rat year.
 
For at least Rat-4/C year, any relatively recent, decently working laptop should be fine - if you can run a C/C++ editor and MATLAB on your laptop, you'll most likely be fine. None of the ECE or CIS guys I've known have run super advanced rigs for anything other than gaming/hobby purposes. If you need something super advanced later, you can purchase it on furlough or even on Amazon. That being said, new electronic toys are cool, and if you're looking for a new laptop for college, you can't go wrong with Dell, especially with thein-house support and (I think?) discount, but it's not crucial that you buy a specific brand, as long as it will support the software you'll need for your major. In the end, if you want/need to buy something, buy what will work for you and what fits your budget.
 
Makes sense, thanks everyone, and I love your username OptimisticPessimist
 
We got DS a Dell last year for HS graduation. We did not get tne recommemded as we (read DH) had it custom built so it would last all 4 years and we would not have to upgrade later. DS is a CE major.

That said DS did have an issue and the on site tech support still fixed it for him. However, they did tell him that the recommended models take priority so his repair could have taken longer if someone with a recommended model needed something taken care of.
 
I would highly recommend you buy the computer through the VMI link. If you do, they then take care of all repairs and loaners on site. Especially helpful during Rat year.
Great point! Applies to many other educational institutions as well, and as gokings pointed out, now qualifies as an expense on Section 529 college savings plans
 
DS is a first classmen ECE major. he states the recommended Dell doesn't have the power to make all 4 years of class load, he recommends 8gb of RAM.
ECE is a tough major with a history of people switching out of the major. his class started with 30 and is down to 9, the two classes before him had less than that by the time they started their first class year. teamwork is key. some folks are great at math, some are great at programming, some are good at building and troubleshooting circuits. play off each other's strengths and work as a team, no one is good at everything. the core of 9 has been working together since their Rat year. concentrate on good grades your Rat year, the courses are easier that year than the rest of the years and you'll need to pad your GPA for the future years.
 
Alright, related topic: where should we store our laptops/other valuables during STP? VMI states that theft has been a problem in the past, but also inform us that rooms in barracks are unlocked at all times and that the trunk room is not a good place.
 
If you have already purchased a lockbox you can keep smaller valuables in that. My son did not do STP, during the regular year he just left it in his room. I will ask some parents whose kids did STP what they did with them.
 
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