Laptops and the college student When a child goes away to school, there is often a debate whether to purchase a desktop computer or a laptop computer. There are pros and cons to both. The desktop computer often can be more inexpensive and you are able to receive more bang for your buck. The laptop computer offers more portability which is great due to the various demands placed upon it by the student. If you are headed towards college soon, it would be encouraged to look into purchasing a laptop computer over a desktop computer. With the development of technology and laptops, desktop computers do not have the advantage they once did. The laptop computer can be used at class, at study sessions with others, and generally used wherever it needs to be used. With the demands placed upon a college student today, it is necessary to have a computer of some sort. Most schools will have a computer lab or two but the number of computers is not equal to the number of students. Around finals or during busy times in the semester, it can be very difficult to find a computer in the computer lab. These computer labs may also have certain hours in which you can work there but may close during the night. This is not ideal if you had a deadline and need a computer throughout the night. It also puts you at a disadvantage as you must plan your schedule around when the computer lab happens to be open. A laptop will be perfect for a student because he or she can work when he or she has the available time and is able to go to the location where he or she can be most productive. The laptop can also be used during classes if a presentation has to be given when there is essential information such as a PowerPoint presentation on the laptop. Beyond school, a laptop can make a statement in the life of a student. With more and more students spending a great deal of time on the Internet, it is essential that he or she has a way to connect with his or her friends who may be at different colleges. It can allow the students to blog or download music as well as providing the option to share photos or any of a hundred different social activities which take place on the Internet. Prices on laptop have come down consistently during the years so that you now have many options available to you both on performance as well as what you're willing to spend on a computer. A laptop will allow the student to fit their computer and school work around their schedule instead of scheduling their school work and life around the computer. This is an important distinction which you should take into consideration when deciding between buying a laptop or a desktop for school.