Technology at usma.. laptop, calculator etc.

I was just thinking music and stories and stuff. That is all I really have on the computer.
 
I was just saying that is the only kind of stuff I would put on there. And if you will look at the username, I am not even close to being a plebe. I am just trying to figure all of this out, because my mom tends to ask a lot of questions about expenses, and I like learning how it all works.
 
USMA2020 said:
I was just saying that is the only kind of stuff I would put on there. And if you will look at the username, I am not even close to being a plebe. I am just trying to figure all of this out, because my mom tends to ask a lot of questions about expenses, and I like learning how it all works.
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Sorry for neglecting to pay attetntion to your specific username. Good luck in your futre USMA endevours. It's always good to start early.
 
Oh, please don't worry about it. I just hope it didn't sound frustrated, I was just explaining. Thanks. I am trying. Waiting on a call from an FFR who volunteered to help me right now and have already talked to admissions (last semester, but need to again, I have a lot of questions). And congratulations to you for getting in.
 
USMA2020 said:
Oh, please don't worry about it. I just hope it didn't sound frustrated, I was just explaining. Thanks. I am trying. Waiting on a call from an FFR who volunteered to help me right now and have already talked to admissions (last semester, but need to again, I have a lot of questions). And congratulations to you for getting in.
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Thank you. It's fine I was once where you are, heck I'm still there. Somtimes it may feel like you're grasping for straws but eventually you'll get in contact with some great people that will make the journey so much easier. Starting early like you are now will help so much. I didn't start until the end of my Junior year and I've felt realy rushed trying to go through te process and I had no real idea of what classes,sports, and clubs would be appropriate (somehow my course load,grades, clubs, and sports have sufficed). Just worry about being a well rounded individual because hving singular interests might not get you points. Once again good luck!
 
kinnem said:
I don't know this, but I'm quite confident you are not allowed to install just anything on a USMA compliant laptop. Security issues.
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USMA2020 said:
I was just thinking music and stories and stuff. That is all I really have on the computer.
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You can transfer stuff like pictures, movies, and music on an external hard drive. And yes, there is plenty of time for that as a plebe.
 
About the calculator part
"The computers issued to the Class of 2017 will contain a Computer Algebra System and other soft- ware. Cadets will also be issued TI30-IIS scientific calculators for basic calculations. Candidates who already have a TI-83 Plus Silver Edition, TI-89, or equivalent calculator may wish to bring their current calculator for personal use."
 
BigBear said:
Validating pretty much anything except math just helps you skip a semester of high-school level busy work and will open up your schedule for things like double majoring, study abroad, etc.
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Even Math can be worth validating, but you will just pull forward classes. Only Chemistry seems to be mixed blessing, with some loving advanced, others not so much.

You'll take a full load as a plebe no matter what. As a yearling you will see benefit of validation with opportunity for dbl major, etc, and then as a cow/firstie it really opens you up.

The validation/placement tests also help get you "sectioned" properly, with a class of similar capability. Just reduces the chance of being "resectioned" mid-semester.
 
BigBear said:
You can transfer stuff like pictures, movies, and music on an external hard drive. And yes, there is plenty of time for that as a plebe.
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Just keep it legal!!!! :thumb: Only stuff you own free and clear, and no inappropriate content (as some cadets found out)

As to games, I know multiple cadets who get their gaming fix quite well on the issue laptops. Steam works, etc.

One big advantage of having that kind of stuff on laptops is it does not look out of place during ESP. (Just don't let it be a distraction). And your company rules may vary.
 
Would it be considered suspicious if I brought my own, personal laptop after A Day, with the wireless hotspot etc? I was planning on using two separate computers to make sure I can always differentiate between work and not-work XD I wouldn't have anything inappropriate on my "play" computer, I plan to just use it for Netflix, Steam, iTunes, Facebook etc.
 
Do you know or know of a place where I can find out the specs for the computers that WP are issuing?? For example graphics card, etc.. Like are the computers good enough for gaming?

I live in Cali and I won't be able to fly back home every break we get so I need something to distract me during breaks. Thanks
 
wnal0311 said:
Do you know or know of a place where I can find out the specs for the computers that WP are issuing?? For example graphics card, etc.. Like are the computers good enough for gaming?

I live in Cali and I won't be able to fly back home every break we get so I need something to distract me during breaks. Thanks
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West Point uses Dell products. The incoming class gets the newest laptop model, but you could ask a current plebe about their model. Also in your rooms you have two monitors and you can transfer stuff and multitask between those two monitors, which is pretty cool. Gaming on them should be pretty dope too.
 
wnal0311 said:
Do you know or know of a place where I can find out the specs for the computers that WP are issuing?? For example graphics card, etc.. Like are the computers good enough for gaming?

I live in Cali and I won't be able to fly back home every break we get so I need something to distract me during breaks. Thanks
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The computers obviously are not at the same level as an alienware or custom build, but they can handle steam, etc. the bigger problem is the internet connection. it's outdated, which makes it incredibly slow unless you are up at 3 in the morning
 
wnal0311 said:
I live in Cali and I won't be able to fly back home every break we get so I need something to distract me during breaks. Thanks
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I personally know cadets successfully playing many Steam games on the laptops. CPU's are fast, good memory, nominal accellerated graphics. (Not super fast, but not bad)

But you may be overplanning. If you can't fly home for breaks, you'll likely be:

- Hanging out with sponsor or friend's sponsor
- Headed into NYC or similar
- Using a company Xbox (if company has/allows)
- OCF or similar retreat/event
- Learning to bowl and enjoy BK or subway on post. Or even Highland falls
- Go see a friend that is also at a NE school
- Head home with a friend, teammate, or roomie to their parents (common if they live the NE)
- Trip section with your club (yes, you'll want to be in one. Your best opportunity as a plebe to get off post.)

If not a slug, you'll get performance passes in addition to your normal passes. So you'll have opportunities to leave post for 3 day and even 2 day weekends if not otherwise committed.

You don't want to sit in your room on breaks playing games.... you're not scheduled to do that until your cynical yuk phase. :smile: And even then it's not recommended, but does appear to be common.
 
Plus you'll have home football games, SAMI's, parades, and a myriad of other opportunities for mandatory fun on the weekends!
 
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