Did I hear somewhere that plebes are issued laptops, which their monthly pay pays for?
I’m asking because I was considering buying one for my DS’ birthday.
There are several past threads about this - part of the pattern of appointment waves generating late winter-early spring “money and gear and stuff” questions.
If the pattern holds true, plebes will be issued a PC laptop, which are authorized to access the USNA system. WiFi is very limited or non-existent around the Yard, but I hope a current or recent mid updates us on that. He would not be able to take it to Plebe Summer, and it would be one more thing to deal with as he settles in with multiple roommates and associated uniforms, books, their issue laptops, at the start of his new crazed and busy life in the ac year.
I recommend holding off until he tells you what and when. Many of our sponsor mids got themselves a nice upgrade, quite often as they started 2/c year and celebrated taking on their service obligation.
The ACE Loan, which all mids get, is the chunk of money that covers all this stuff, and it is repaid from their pay. This enables any plebe to show up with empty pockets.
This link has been posted recently, but it never hurts to re-post, as the pre-report series of questions begins. Click on the Midshipmen Stipend and Budget Book link on this page:
https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Student-Life/General-Information-for-Midshipmen.php
The issue laptop will be mentioned. This link is updated for each new class.