Computer Preference option

RLTW

15-Year Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2008
Messages
178
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!
 
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!

Thanks for the heads up. I haven't checked the portal in a while.

I am interested to hear the answer to the highlighted portion of your question. If USMA won't allow us to use technology such as that from home I think it is a must do. Even if they do, I still might do it, because all I have out of that package list is an external mouse and a surge suppressor.

Quick google search prices 21" monitor to be from $110-$385. Speakers could be from $15-$75. Haven't even talked about a printer and the special ink cartridges yet. Not to mention the convenience of not having to buy/ship/bring/piece together your own kit.

I'll probably do it. After all, The Army Knows Best :thumb:
 
wish it were a laser printer

Of all the stuff, one thing I wish were different is I wish it were a laser printer, you can get a fine one for $100, ink is spendy and laser printouts don't smear in humidity like ink output.

Secondly, I wish they had a UPS instead of just a surge protector but surge protection is still a good thing.

Mostly, I wish it stated they would support all the hardware in the package, that would make it a much more compelling package... really the tipping point.
 
Of all the stuff, one thing I wish were different is I wish it were a laser printer, you can get a fine one for $100, ink is spendy and laser printouts don't smear in humidity like ink output.

Secondly, I wish they had a UPS instead of just a surge protector but surge protection is still a good thing.

Mostly, I wish it stated they would support all the hardware in the package, that would make it a much more compelling package... really the tipping point.

You know what they say...you can wish in hand and crap in the other...one will fill up faster...

Honestly, what kind of support do you want? A cheap printer isn't economically repairable. They just get replaced. Same for an LCD monitor and a surge protector.

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

Once upon a time we paid top dollar for a Pentium III tower with a 5 GB hard drive and a CRT monitor. We took notes with pens and paper. Somehow we produced a Rhodes Scholar. Crazy. :thumb:
 
Indeed, that is simply the simple kind of support I would hope for, having the IT group repair/replace instead of having the cadet take care of the devices, that's about it. Not technically hard, just another time consuming task that's probably good to avoid if that's feasible.

Good to know there are printers available, too.

Thanks!
 
Indeed, that is simply the simple kind of support I would hope for, having the IT group repair/replace instead of having the cadet take care of the devices, that's about it. Not technically hard, just another time consuming task that's probably good to avoid if that's feasible.

Good to know there are printers available, too.

Thanks!

I guarantee you they'll replace a broken printer...for the price of a new one. I mean, let's be realistic. This is a military academy, not a welfare system. You can't expect to buy a printer in 2011 and get a free replacement from Goldcoats when it goes T/U in 2014. Printers are CHEAP. Like $70 cheap. Hard to justify paying anyone to fix it. If it crapped out under warranty, that'd be different.
 
Does it state how much each package costs? I've looked but I don't think it specifies..
 
Does it state how much each package costs? I've looked but I don't think it specifies..

All it says is that the first is package is mandatory and that the second will be about $500 (more, I assume, because it would be tough to get all that stuff plus the computer for 500)
 
OH NO!! This is all the stuff we generally purchased for Christmas during plebe year...whatever will the parents do??:wink:
 
Was this package offered last year?

Cadets, do you think we should pay the extra money?
 
From this list here:

• Docking station
• Surge suppressor
• USB external Mouse and Keyboard
• 21 inch Monitor
• Multi-function inkjet printer
• Speakers


I would only take the docking station and external monitor that you only really need.

I still have the laser printer we got issued when we came through beast, and its lasted me now almost 4 years. I would not recommend getting an inkjet printer, because you will be printing stuff all the time.

On the comment of having a company printer. Yes, there are company printers, and they have a rationed amount of paper.

Get a laser printer, the monitor, docking station, and maybe the external keyboard and mouse if you use those. Our desks we have right now barely fit those anyways.
 
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.
 
Am I confusing the different SA's or was it just company dependent on when plebes would be allowed to have an external monitor?
 
Am I the only one who was disappointed there wasn't a netflix subscription included in the optional computer package? They covered just about everything else....

It seems like the stuff they included will make technology and multimedia needs easier on us once the academic year starts.
 
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!

These are the items that my son bought little by little as he saw what he needed. He was issued a printer as part of his computer package. He bought a keyboard, mouse and large monitor on his own. Maybe WP figured since everybody is buying it anyway, they could get a better price in buying in bulk.
 
Checked my DD Candidate Portal and it has a 19 inch monitor. Not a 21 inch monitor. Anyone else being offered a smaller monitor and know why?
 
Yeah mine says 19 inch monitor too. But if we don't take the package, are we still issued a laser jet printer? And we for sure can buy our own stuff/bring our own peripherals?
 
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