Wireless Laptop Computer Platforms: PC or Mac?
Computer/Other Equipment
Please hold off acquiring a new computer until mid to late summer. We are evaluating the various options that are emerging and will make our recommendations then. The overview below still applies, but we may center on a particular version that gives you greater flexibility in your capacity and use. (April 23, 2008)
T.E.A.M. requires each student to own a laptop/portable computer that has wireless access. Whether one uses a Windows or a Macintosh based computer is not very important since the software we'll be using is available on both platforms. You should use as your computer in T.E.A.M. one that best fits your overall needs both at home and in school.
You may not need the very latest or most powerful laptop computer, but you will need one capable of doing the work in our program. This means a reasonably fast CPU (1.4 ghz, Intel Centrino or Core 2 Dual) or MacBook/MacBook Pro, a minimum of 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended), 80+ GB of hard drive capacity, and possibly firewire (1394) connectivity for importing video images although some cameras also support USB 2 formats now. Most newer laptops have wireless support built in - if not, you must add it to your system. Although the university is currently using 802.11b/g wireless services, over time we'll be adding the newer 802.11n capability. Be sure if you have a choice to choose a wireless adapter that supports b/g or all 3 protocols (b/g/n). Check with Dr. Byrne if you have any questions.
Pay special attention to the screen size and quality of image as well as the video card used. You need "real estate" or screen space to use many of our applications, so the higher the screen resolution and the larger the screen size, the more you will be able to see and use at any one time. Larger also means a heavier computer, however, so the choice is yours.
Almost all computers now come with optical drives that burn data & music CDs and DVDs. Be sure you have this option - usually referred to as CDRW (CD Read/Write and DVD-W). You want the capability to burn DVD discs, which have much greater storage than regular CDs. They also are used to create video CDs or DVDs.
Although not a requirement for T.E.A.M., most students pick up a digital camera as a basic tool. Certainly, if you take the summer nature and photography course, you'll need one. Check with us if you need recommendations for such a camera. Many also choose a mid-level digital camcorder for recording movies. The department has 7 that it uses for workshops and special events, so you can try out one before you buy if you choose to do so.
Direct any questions to Dr. Byrne.