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I Already Have My Own Device - Is It Up to the Task?Apple MacBooks and Windows Laptops For the most part, if you have a fully functional laptop running Windows or macOS, your machine should be just fine. If it can access the internet, load basic web-based software (e.g. Gmail, Netflix, etc.), and you are comfortable with its ability to perform productivity tasks (e.g. typing documents, building presentations, reading email, and accessing the web), you should be able to continue using your machine at Carleton. Devices running MacOS 13 "Vetura", MacOS 14 "Sonoma", or Windows 11 are most likely to be compatible. MacOS 12 "Monterey" will be supported for as long as Apple continues to release security updates. Chromebooks We have found that Chromebooks don't provide enough functionality or options to meet all the needs of a four year career at Carleton. While they can easily be used to check Moodle, email, chat sessions, etc. they are not always suited for curricular work. Chromebooks are incompatible with a lot of software packages commonly used on campus, such as Office, the stats suite "R", or Mathematica. Chromebooks can connect to the wireless and wired networks, as well as print to Carleton printers. However, if a Chromebook is your only option, depending on the classes that you take in any given term, you should expect to make liberal use of the public computer labs located across the campus. Tablets Tablets running a full-featured version of the Windows operating system, such as the Microsoft Surface Pro or Surface Go line of machines, can be great replacements for laptops. Even budget Windows devices that cost under $300 can provide a solid level of productivity since they can install full software applications in addition to basic functions such as checking Moodle, email, chat sessions, etc. (Note that less expensive machines will have a lower spec, which may mean they are incapable of running some of the more intensive software applications). However, devices that run iOS or Android often have severe drawbacks. They can, in most cases, connect to the Carleton network. They often cannot print or install important software. Similar to Chromebooks, if your personal machine is a tablet expect to make liberal use of the public computer labs. ____ I'm Not Bringing a Device - Is That Going to be OK?These days, there is an expectation among faculty and some support staff that students will own their own personal computers. It is technically possible to succeed at Carleton without a personal computer, but it is becoming much harder and some work may be more difficult. Homework and class assignments are often easier when they can be done on the students' own schedule, and from the comfort of their dorm room (or favorite work space). There are also a handful of classes where faculty prefer students bring their own laptops (though some of these take place in classroom labs where school computers are available for use). It is therefore generally recommended that students bring a laptop of their own if at all possible. Financial assistance is available through the college. Public and Departmental Computer Labs Accidents happen, computers sometimes fail, and there are occasions when a larger screen or very specific software is required for an assignment. In these cases, there are two options available to students.
____ I'm Getting a New Device - Are There Recommendations?Yes there are. We have recommendations for different specs (and price ranges), as well as a link to our partner vendor's website, in our Purchasing Guide. . |
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