Is the "Computer Preference (Optional Package)" worth the $400?

birdwatcher4125

5-Year Member
Joined
May 28, 2018
Messages
108
Yesterday the "Computer Preference (Optional Package)" became available on the Candidate Portal, and I'm wondering if it's worth the $400?

I'm thinking that it probably is, and I'll do anything I'm able to make DS' time there easier & more productive.

However, I feel the need to due my due diligence on optional purchases.

Any thoughts will be appreciated.

1 NONE, I ONLY WISH TO PURCHASE THE REQUIRED COMPUTER PACKAGE CONSISTING OF THE FOLLOWING:
  • Mobile computer. The system chosen is highly competitive from a performance and feature perspective.
  • Portable Laptop Battery charger
  • Backpack (with padded sleeve and meeting uniform requirements)
  • Ethernet Cable
  • Computer locking cable
2 YES, IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIRED COMPUTER PACKAGE I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO PURCHASE THE OPTIONAL PERIPHERAL PACKAGE
  • Docking station (specific to the model)
  • Surge suppressor
  • USB External mouse and keyboard
  • Monitor
  • Muliti-function inkjet printer
  • USB hub
  • Estimated cost for this optional package is $400.00
  • PLEASE DO NOT SEND IN A PAYMENT. This charge will be reconciled from your cadet account
 
My son decided it was worth it and we committed to covering it so that he wasn't out the cost. We figured that it is one less thing he will need to scramble for later on if he decided he needs it.
 
Depends on your budget - if the $400 is not a budget buster, do it. While the optional items are not required, they will make life a bit easier - especially the printer.

You can probably save money by buying what you want on Amazon, but it is much easier to have the optional package ready and waiting with all of the other issued items.
 
We bought it but for the entire year so far only the mouse and the USB hub have been used. The local printer is handy, but the company barracks have network printers for use by the students. Anything that does not need to go onto the USMA network or pair with the student laptop can be shipped after the fact as a universal peripheral. Also, when shipping, Wal-Mart seems to consistently have the best on time two day shipping record. Amazon uses different shipping methods that sometimes slow thing up a bit.
 
If you want the mouse or monitor then I would get it since the convenience of the docking station will make it far more user friendly.
 
@ACatSLP There is no way for you to pay for it. You could always 'gift' your cadet the money early in the year or offer to use that money to pay for bus, train, or plane rides home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break (And if you are close enough...the occasional three day weekend.)
However, both of my cadets always had more than enough money even as Plebes. (Enough to start an IRA at the end of Plebe year--they just have to be able to show that they have earned more than the minimum amount each year.)
 
When it's allowed, I recommend a storage device to back-up your data; obviously you would want to lose that course-ending report minutes before emailing/printing it to the professor. USMA may have a server with storage for cadets although I would want my own if allowed. You know how it is, anything that can go wrong, will. Good Luck to your DS!
 
Yesterday the "Computer Preference (Optional Package)" became available on the Candidate Portal, and I'm wondering if it's worth the $400?

I'm thinking that it probably is, and I'll do anything I'm able to make DS' time there easier & more productive.

However, I feel the need to due my due diligence on optional purchases.

Any thoughts will be appreciated.

1 NONE, I ONLY WISH TO PURCHASE THE REQUIRED COMPUTER PACKAGE CONSISTING OF THE FOLLOWING:
  • Mobile computer. The system chosen is highly competitive from a performance and feature perspective.
  • Portable Laptop Battery charger
  • Backpack (with padded sleeve and meeting uniform requirements)
  • Ethernet Cable
  • Computer locking cable
2 YES, IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIRED COMPUTER PACKAGE I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO PURCHASE THE OPTIONAL PERIPHERAL PACKAGE
  • Docking station (specific to the model)
  • Surge suppressor
  • USB External mouse and keyboard
  • Monitor
  • Muliti-function inkjet printer
  • USB hub
  • Estimated cost for this optional package is $400.00
  • PLEASE DO NOT SEND IN A PAYMENT. This charge will be reconciled from your cadet account

I don’t use anything from the package. Some cadets do but many don’t. If you’re interested in playing video games or watching movies with a group, a lot of people like the monitor. I don’t think I’ve ever actually used mine, though.
 
It is so worth it.
It helps to work on projects with two screens, whether it be coding or sosh paper.
It is also nice to have a power strip to plug in all your fun electronics into and not have to fight roommates over electric socket space.
-Yuck
 
Our DS portal is still not showing computer information. Planing to wait for a week to see if it changes. Any suggestions?
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