Personal computer at the academies?

Alpineskier

5-Year Member
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Oct 30, 2012
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Hey i know they issue you a computer at the academies but can you bring your own personal computer if you want to and if you can can you bring it your 4th class year? And what type of computer do they issue you? Is it good, bad, ok? Thanks
 
Hey i know they issue you a computer at the academies but can you bring your own personal computer if you want to and if you can can you bring it your 4th class year? And what type of computer do they issue you? Is it good, bad, ok? Thanks

Yes, each cadet is issued a laptop at the end of Basic right before classes begin. The model of laptop can vary each year, but they are small tablet style laptops running Windows 7. Recent models include Lenovo (2015) and Fujitsu (2014 and 2016). Like computers at many civilian organizations and government agencies, they are not the newest models and are loaded down with security and other required applications. They are purchased to meet the needs of the organization not to provide a great entertainment experience. And they are expensive relative to what you would pay at Best Buy or www.newgg.com. I work at an internationally recognized pharmaceutical company and our computers are the same - overpriced, outdated and slow due to all the software which is still running on Windows XP.

Do not attempt to bring a personal computer with you to BCT as it will be confiscated as contraband. Once in your academic squadron after BCT, you will be briefed on what is allowed. Each squadron is different. DS's squadron allows personal computers so we brought him his latop at Parent's Weekend along with a 24 inch monitor and color printer as neither a printer or monitor is issued at USAFA unlike at some other SAs.
 
Same deal at USNA, except we are issued a printer. You may choose to buy a prepackaged monitor, keyboard, and mouse set towards the end of Plebe Summer from the Mid Store, but you can find much better deals online.

http://cabs.usna.edu/computerspecs.asp

I personally think my issued laptop is a beautiful little monster of a machine.
 
My personal advice: don't bother with extra computers/monitors (ie. TVs)/video games. At least until you are comfortable with the pace of cadet life.

Do you need more distractions than facebook and the rest of the internet?

Some people can handle it, some people can't. It certainly isn't worth worrying about now. I never bought a TV, never got into video games, and certainly didn't have an extra computer.

Go to basketball games. Go to hockey games. Go hiking. Go skiing. Go to Haps/Back East/O'Malleys/Dublin House with your friends when you're 21. Explore Manitou. Much more rewarding distractions than an extra computer. I was able to fit that stuff in and double major. You'll spend enough time at the Zoo doing homework.
 
Ok thanks!! And thanks SilverBear thats a smart idea.... i just wanted an extra computer because im Apple fan but now i think I will wait at least a few months into the year
 
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