Computers for incoming 4C students?

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cga_dad

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Feb 13, 2023
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Hello.

My son will be leaving for CGA class of 2027 this summer. My wife and I were wondering what the computer situation is for the incoming 4Cs? Both for academic use and for personal use? Are the students issued a computer, such as a laptop or a desktop for their dorm for academic use? If so, are they allowed to bring a laptop or desktop computer for their dorm for personal use? If they aren't issued one, then obviously it makes sense that they are allowed to bring a computer to use, but is there some strict situation where they aren't issued a computer but aren't allowed a personal one and are expected to dl all class work requiring computers in a computer lab or something? What's the situation on all of this?
 
They are issued a laptop and monitor over swab summer. The laptop is usually a high-end model Dell. I personally really like my issued laptop. You are certainly allowed a personal laptop/device at CGA and I know some cadets with iPad tablets for personal and/or academic use. Swabs cannot use personal laptops/devices during swab summer...theoretically could bring with them on day 1 but then it would sit in a pile of civilian personal items and would be returned after the summer. If your cadet really wanted a personal laptop/device, it would be better to send after swab summer. However, for the most part cadets use their issued laptops/monitors for all 4 years. The issued laptops can connect to the cadet wifi network and are able to access all of the required military sites (have a CAC reader, etc.). The issued laptops can receive maintenance from the IT help desk (e.g. I just got a new battery installed by the IT help desk for my laptop free of charge). Non-issued cannot (or usually don't) receive IT help desk services. My own opinion is that a personal laptop/device is not needed at CGA.
 
Offshore said:
They are issued a laptop and monitor over swab summer. The laptop is usually a high-end model Dell. I personally really like my issued laptop. You are certainly allowed a personal laptop/device at CGA and I know some cadets with iPad tablets for personal and/or academic use. Swabs cannot use personal laptops/devices during swab summer...theoretically could bring with them on day 1 but then it would sit in a pile of civilian personal items and would be returned after the summer. If your cadet really wanted a personal laptop/device, it would be better to send after swab summer. However, for the most part cadets use their issued laptops/monitors for all 4 years. The issued laptops can connect to the cadet wifi network and are able to access all of the required military sites (have a CAC reader, etc.). The issued laptops can receive maintenance from the IT help desk (e.g. I just got a new battery installed by the IT help desk for my laptop free of charge). Non-issued cannot (or usually don't) receive IT help desk services. My own opinion is that a personal laptop/device is not needed at CGA.
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Thanks for that! I'm wondering, in this day and age it seems like almost every kid that age is a gamer and uses their PC for watching movies or recreational gaming from time to time. Are recreational activities allowed on those issued computers? Obviously, time and privileges vary especially for lower classmen....but surely some cadets still do that?
 
cga_dad said:
Thanks for that! I'm wondering, in this day and age it seems like almost every kid that age is a gamer and uses their PC for watching movies or recreational gaming from time to time. Are recreational activities allowed on those issued computers? Obviously, time and privileges vary especially for lower classmen....but surely some cadets still do that?
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My cadet told me there are 4/C who have PS4s in their room. They need to ask and be approved first, but I was very surprised this was allowed for new cadets. (doesn't really answer your initial question, I know. sorry.)
 
My DD has been an iPad kid since middle school and still uses one for her in-class note taking. For her older siblings we bought laptops for college, but for her we just Amazon-ed up a blue iPad pro at the start of 4C year and it's been great. You have to use your issued machine for a lot of tasks, but the wifi on campus hasn't posed any problems for other devices.
 
Yes you can use the issued laptop to stream movies, just no adult sites.
Also, the USCGA laptops come with the premier Dell 4 year warranty. They service them on site. Many cadets have got replacement batteries, mother boards etc. for free under the warranty. They also have loaners if yours goes down until the parts arrive.

Bottom line: Laptops and support are good. Internet service depends on what room you get in Chase hall, but is good in the classrooms.
 
I’d recommend waiting until after swab summer to see if your son Wants anything additional. At Labor Day my son mentioned a printer would be nice, so we Amazon’d one to him. In the fall he literally didn’t have a minute of free time for anything outside of school work, military obligations and sports. I think gaming is something they earn once everyone passes boards- I’m sure someone can correct me if I’m wrong on this. Passing boards usually happens in March. This is when they can also earn social media back etc.
 
My cadet was not issued a monitor, but I believe they issue them now. He did purchase 2 external monitors as the laptops are pretty small and having 2 large screens makes assignments much easier. They don't have to print things too often, and there are company printers, but they don't always work. My cadet also has his own printer.
 
They started issuing a monitor along with the laptop beginning with the class of 2025. My son uses that monitor and so far hasn’t wanted a second, preferring to have more desk space instead. He did ask us to get him a printer during the 2nd semester of his 4C year, though.
 
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