Is a laptop computer necessary?

[captiv8ed]

I have survived undergrad without one, and many of my classes actively discouraged using one in class. I was planning to get a tablet for grad (if I get in!), but I wonder if they are even needed? I have a desktop at home, and I do a lot of my work at home. I don't mind using library or computer center computers. Is there a reason for them in grad school?

[joro]

You don't need a laptop and I think it would be more distracting to use in class. I think you should go through the first couple of weeks without it and decide if you really need it. Although, this probably all depends on your major.

If you do decide on a tablet and you're a Mac person, I think there's one being released later this year.

Edited January 14, 2010 by joro

[fancypants09]

I have survived undergrad without one, and many of my classes actively discouraged using one in class. I was planning to get a tablet for grad (if I get in!), but I wonder if they are even needed? I have a desktop at home, and I do a lot of my work at home. I don't mind using library or computer center computers. Is there a reason for them in grad school?

I think it's purely a matter of personal preference. I prefer a laptop because I can type faster on it and my hands hurt less (than from writing out notes by hand).

[fuzzylogician]

You might want to wait until you see where you're accepted. Most of the programs that accepted me provide students with desktop computers. Also, they tend to use handouts (which of course they finish preparing the morning-of, so it's not online prior to class), and with this teaching style you really don't need a laptop in class either. Other schools don't provide computers, but give students considerable discounts.

Really, it's all about personality, and what fits your needs and habits. Personally, I prefer a laptop. I don't like working at home, I prefer working outside - if the weather is nice then in a garden or square, otherwise in the library or in cafes. A laptop is obviously very convenient for that kind of studying.

[Venetia]

As fuzzylogician says, it's more about what you prefer than what is common. I never used my laptop in class, and was always too lazy to lug it to the library. But I do love working all over the house, on my couch, outside, even in bed! So I highly recommend getting one. Plus it will be a nice reward after all the application madness.

[Jennszoo]

I'm planning on getting a netbook for grad school, since it will be easier to carry around from home to class. I have a reg sized laptop (POS) at home and we have several desktops in case I need more than the netbook can provide, but I doubt I will.

[tarski]

...Also, they tend to use handouts...

I've been to some interdisciplinary conferences, and you can always tell when it's a linguist's turn (handouts!)

I agree with Venetia- I have a laptop myself, and never use it in class, but still find it useful to be able to work in slightly different places.

[fuzzylogician]

I've been to some interdisciplinary conferences, and you can always tell when it's a linguist's turn (handouts!)

Haha, that's sadly true. People are just now starting to use presentations, but I'm afraid it'll be a while before it becomes the norm

[johndiligent]

Oxygen is necessary. A laptop's just a good idea.

[captiv8ed]

Thanks everyone. I used to use a laptop and switched to a desktop when I started school because I was getting really bad carpal tunnel and neck pain from improper positioning. I was seriously thinking of the switch to laptop for grad school because I forgot about the pain (it has been four years now since I was using the laptop) but then last week my desktop was acting up so I started using my husband's laptop. After just a few hours, I was experiencing pain.

So, I was hoping that I could get away with not needing one, which will save money. And it sounds like I can.

[peppermint.beatnik]

I've been to some interdisciplinary conferences, and you can always tell when it's a linguist's turn (handouts!)

I agree with Venetia- I have a laptop myself, and never use it in class, but still find it useful to be able to work in slightly different places.

I have a lap top for the same reason. I use my desktop at home though--lap top too hard on my shoulder/elbow/wrist to use all the time (you can also get something to convert your lap top into a desktop)

[origin415]

I would definitely say they are not needed, but that comes from being a math major. Typing up math notes in real time is nigh impossible with the arcane notation we use, using typesetting software takes too long.

If you went through undergrad without one, there is no reason you can't continue without one.

[dzk]

I didn't have a laptop through undergrad, and it caused me all sorts of grief, so I bought one when my desktop couldn't be upgraded any further. It's really nice to be able to analyze data, work on a manuscript, etc. without having to keep shuttling files back and forth, and the desktops in my lab are in high demand because of single-PC licenses for software. It also opens up more locations for you to work when you need a computer.

I doubt I'll ever bring it to class, but for my research, it's invaluable. If you have the money for it, then I would definitely suggest a laptop if you are purchasing a new computer (and for ergonomic concerns, you can just buy a monitor, keyboard, and mouse for home).

[UnlikelyGrad]

I made do without one for years, but ended up wanting one once I got here. Of course, I'm in lab a lot, and it sure is handy to have a computer on hand to crunch your data on the spot. (Some of the high-tech instrumentation even has a USB port so I can transfer the data directly to my computer.)

Need? No, I could do without. But it sure makes my life a lot easier.

(Side note...before I bought my laptop I made do with computer lab/ library computers. But there wasn't always one available when I needed one. Also, the department theoretically provides computer access to grad students--but there's only one computer per office, so six grad students per computer.)

[rising_star]

I have a laptop, a netbook, an external keyboard and mouse, and will soon have a 21" monitor to hook the netbook up to. The netbook I got for fieldwork, because I work in places where theft is common. I'm using it right now. They keyboard works well for me, though the 10" screen is too small to write papers on. I use the laptop on campus, whether in my office or elsewhere. I might get a departmental computer soon but I prefer all the customization that I've done on my laptop (mostly EndNote).

Also, I work in coffee shops, at other people's houses, and outside when the weather is nice (which is like 6 months/year here) so the netbook is great for that.