Computer Preference option

[America's Finest]

haha I can't afford $500 sadly. Can't you bring up any external accessories such as mouse, speakers (the laptop has speakers built in already so...), etc? I'm sure the library and, as mentioned, company printers are available. What is the use for another monitor? Docking station would be nice, but I'll just keep the computer plugged in.

You can bring your own stuff after A-Day. An external monitor is very convinient since it allows you to have 2 pages open (and viewable) at once. Imagine having one monitor with a document you're reading and the other with word document do you don't have to switch back and forth as you type your paper.

Am I confusing the different SA's or was it just company dependent on when plebes would be allowed to have an external monitor?

Yes, it is company dependant.

 

[jasondavid92]

Okay I am taking the extra package. My dad suggested it because all of it will be new, matching with the laptop and all, and will be there when I get there. Plus the price isn't a bad deal

 

[simeon.gay]

JCraft, I am in the same boat as you. The deal is great, but another $500 right away is something I couldn't afford.

Don't worry .....they will take from cadet account.

sprtzm, I got the impression that this was separate from the cadet account. How did you find out this is otherwise?

Thanks,

Simeon E. Gay

 

[JCraft]

I doubt I'll need to external monitor right away because I'm bringing my current lappy up than can function as another monitor.

I'll just make it work as best I can. It wouldn't be optional if it was absolutely necessary

 

[BigNick]

Extra Computer Equipment

I would trust West Point and buy the extra equipment. I do not think they would provide the option unless it was helpful for the Cadets.
My suggestion - Do not overthink all the information from West Point- take West Point's leads and suggestions.

 

[HeloPilot_2015]

They're offering us 19" monitors, whereas 2014 got 22" ones. They're offering us inkjet printers; 2014 got laserjets. Also, did previous classes pay extra for these peripherals? I hope the laptop we're issued isn't a step backward, too...

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I just don't quite understand the logic behind these decisions.

 

[BOK]

I believe the class of 2015 will be very happy, but you will need plenty of 5.25 floppy disks
http://oldcomputers.net/osborne.html

 

[2BoyzMom]

They're offering us 19" monitors, whereas 2014 got 22" ones. They're offering us inkjet printers; 2014 got laserjets. Also, did previous classes pay extra for these peripherals? I hope the laptop we're issued isn't a step backward, too...

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I just don't quite understand the logic behind these decisions.

Yes, they had to go out and buy them on their own if they wanted them. They did not have the option of purchasing an "optional package".

And as stated before. since the purchase of the initial computer package comes out of cadet funds (as does everything else you are issued), I would imagine if you chose this package, it would come out of your cadet funds as well.

As for logic.........remember your joining the army. Not all is revealed up front............

 

[afupgrade]

They're offering us 19" monitors, whereas 2014 got 22" ones. They're offering us inkjet printers; 2014 got laserjets. Also, did previous classes pay extra for these peripherals? I hope the laptop we're issued isn't a step backward, too...

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I just don't quite understand the logic behind these decisions.

are we really even being issued printers at all if we don't get the optional package? a printer (inkjet or otherwise) isn't even listed in the mandatory package. anyone know?

 

[America's Finest]

Yes, they had to go out and buy them on their own if they wanted them. They did not have the option of purchasing an "optional package".

And as stated before. since the purchase of the initial computer package comes out of cadet funds (as does everything else you are issued), I would imagine if you chose this package, it would come out of your cadet funds as well.

As for logic.........remember your joining the army. Not all is revealed up front............

Actually, most of that optional package was included in our main package. External monitors, mouse, and printer for example. The speakers we needed to get on our own though.

 

[Lee2015]

So, what is a docking station? And does "mulit-function inkjet printer" mean copy/scan/print?

We will most likely just opt in for the additional package--just one less thing to worry about.

Thanks!

 

[synapse]

http://www.geek.com/laptop-docking-station/

Docking stations and port replicators are accessories that you keep at your desk. Your laptop fits snugly into them and receives additional functionality, making it more like a desktop computer when it’s used at your desk.

Basically, your docking station will be hooked up to everything at your desk (printer, speakers, mouse, keyboard, monitor, etc) so you can easily use those things by just docking your laptop, and not having to bother connecting/disconnecting/reconnecting them to your laptop every time you have to leave the room. I think it's really a convenience/ease of use benefit more than anything else. For what it's worth, I'm planning on getting it.

 

[TheKnight]

I found out today that there is an option on the candidate portal that I hadn't noticed before: COMPUTER PREFERENCE. If you haven't seen it yet, you are asked whether you want the basic computer package (not much detail given) or if you want an optional accessory package:

• Docking station
• Surge suppressor
• USB external Mouse and Keyboard
• 21 inch Monitor
• Multi-function inkjet printer
• Speakers
• Approximate Package Cost: $500.00[/FONT]

Makes me wonder a couple of things:
1. Will USMA support these accessories in the same way they support the PCs, such that if they provide the gear they support it but they don't support stuff brought in from home?

2. Will USMA even let a plebe bring all these accessories from home, if they already have them? Esp. plebe year, which I hear may have a different set of freedoms than upper classman.

Anyone checked on this, or have experience with it?

What are other Class-of-2015 appointees thinking on this option, in terms of take it or leave it?

Thanks!

The Corps has.... <<Sarcasm

We didn't have the option of getting any of this stuff but we were issued all of that stuff minus the speakers, plus we were issued an external harddrive, a keyboard, and a mouse.

Secondly, cadets don't NEED a printer. They have company printers.

In all honesty, we really do need printers...Company printers are notorious for never working. And even more notorious for never being fixed.

Although I admit that may not be the case for every company.

Was this package offered last year?

Cadets, do you think we should pay the extra money?

2014 wasn't offered a choice of what they wanted, but we were issued all of those things (minus speakers) during re-orgy week.

Also we were issued an external HDD, a keyboard and a mouse.

So, what is a docking station? And does "mulit-function inkjet printer" mean copy/scan/print?

A docking station is a thing that basically allows you to connect a bunch more things to your computer. 2014 were all issued one. It comes in handy.

Ultimately, it's a good idea to opt for the additional package, especially if it comes out of your Cadet account. If have you have to drop $500 of your own money then I'd shop for your own stuff because you can probably find all that stuff for cheaper than $500.

 

[jasondavid92]

So, what is a docking station? And does "mulit-function inkjet printer" mean copy/scan/print?

We will most likely just opt in for the additional package--just one less thing to worry about.

Thanks!

Multi-function does mean copy, scan, and print with the added possibility of fax but I doubt they would have a four in one. Three in one is more likely

 

[Lumberjack]

I already have most of the items in the optional package (LCD monitor, usb keyboard and mouse, printer, etc.) minus the docking station.
Is it a viable option for me to bring these up with me at a later date? I would rather not drop $500 on something I already have, regardless of where the money comes from.

 

[CroatanMom]

I am sure that you could probably bring your own. I did confirm today with the treasurer at USMA that the $500 will indeed come out of the cadet account.

 

[simeon.gay]

I am sure that you could probably bring your own. I did confirm today with the treasurer at USMA that the $500 will indeed come out of the cadet account.

That's great that you called the treasurer. I was worried about that. After I read this post I went and clicked yes on my cadet portal; I didn't have the extra money. Thanks for sharing,