Wingate University School of Pharmacy Laptop Computers

2010-2011 School Year

The full document can be downloaded in PDF format here.

The following is a list of configuration recommendations for laptops for the 2009-2010 School Year.  We can not endorse a particular brand, however, any system you choose must be a Microsoft Windows based system. (Apple/Macintosh systems will not support the software required for the Pharmacy Lab).

Each item below is a link to a pop-up with information for why that option is important and some things to consider when making your decisions.

• Processor - Centrino 1.8 or higher (Intel Core 2 Duo is recommended)

• RAM - 512MB - 1024MB (1GB) or higher

• Hard Drive - 60GB - 80GB or higher

• 802.11b/g Wireless NIC (Integrated or External (PCMCIA) if integrated not available)

• CD/DVD or DVD/CD Burner drive

• Microsoft Windows XP SP2 32 bit required (Professional recommended)

• Microsoft Windows Vista 32 bit required (See printer section below)

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Power Point required)

• Antivirus Software

• Service Plan

STANDARD LAPTOP vs. TABLET PC

Laptop computers are also available as tablet PC's, a hybrid of a laptop and a digital notepad. If you are not familiar with the tablet PC's, some of the features that made them popular with the students who purchased them include:

• In tablet mode, notes can be made from handwriting recognition using the pen-like stylus instead of a keyboard.  This feature might be useful for those that could find the transition to taking notes with a computer difficult.

• Presentations that are illustrated with graphics and diagrams can be annotated directly like a paper hand-out could (Lecture notes for courses are often uploaded to the site as the Power Point presentation itself.  Adding text notes to these presentations is still possible with a standard laptop).

• Microsoft OneNote records and synchronizes lectures as you make notes.  Playback of a specific portion of a lecture can be achieved by highlighting the notes you took at that moment in time.  A similar feature will highlight the notes as you playback the entire lecture.  Some Tablets include the software, if not, it is available for purchase separately with student pricing. (NOTE: Microsoft OneNote does work on standard laptops as well.  The ability to make drawings is severely limited, and an inexpensive microphone may need to be purchased separately)

• Tablet PC's are equipped with keyboards for normal laptop use as well.  Switching between modes is quick and easy.

• Tablet PC's use the Windows XP Tablet Edition which meets the School of Pharmacy operating system requirements.

• Tablet PC's cost a little more than standard laptops because of the enhanced functions.

Additional Considerations:

We asked students what accessories/features they were glad they purchased, or wished that they had purchased.  The following were the most popular responses.
 
Printer: Most assignments are submitted electronically via the Student Information Center, but some will require printed documents be submitted.  There are printers available for use on campus for a fee.  We require student's laptops to be 32 bit. Any other version would not be able to print on campus.
Spare Power Cord:  There are power outlets built into all of the lecture hall desks enabling batteries to remain charged during class.  In the event the cord has been forgotten, as has happened frequently, you may or may not be able to borrow one. Having one designated for home and one for school might alleviate that situation.
Spare and/or better Battery:  Laptop batteries vary in longevity depending on how the laptop is being used (word processing can be fairly light on the battery, where as audio/video require more power).  8, 9 or 12 cell Lithium-Ion (li-ion) batteries will hold a longer charge than the 6 cell (extended times and availability vary by brand).  Keep in mind that Intel's Centrino Mobile Technology involves a processor that is designed to maximize battery life. 
Backpack/Bag:  Mutual Drug provide the School of Pharmacy students with a backpack that is designed for use with a laptop.  If you do not already have your ideal bag picked out, you should consider waiting until orientation week to see if the donated backpack will suit your needs.  The majority of students have favored using the backpack they received.
USB Memory Key:  Even if you do purchase a CD burner a USB Memory key is a wise investment.  It's ultra-portable and inexpensive.  If you need to move documents too large for a floppy disk, especially if can't burn them to CD, this is an ideal solution. (Some courses involve giving presentations using the computers in the lecture halls and you will need a way to get the documents to them).
Internet at home:  It has been suggested by students that a DSL or cable modem connection to the internet will be beneficial if it is financially feasible.  For Dial-up, the laptop will need to have a 56K modem.  For DSL or Cable, a 10/100 Ethernet connection will be required if a wireless router is not used.

The most common advice that students offered to their incoming classmates was: "Familiarize yourself, as much as you can, with how the laptop works. If you have never used Power Point to build a presentation, take the time to make some dummy presentations."

Purchasing Resources

GHA-Technologies http://www.gha-associates.com/ or by phone at 704-447-7268

cNet has a lot of information regarding the different brands and features of laptops.  If you can't decide between certain models, the site contains a useful feature to compare the models side-by-side.  cNet's reviews are based on extensive product testing and are highly regarded in the IT industry. 

Wingate University and the School of Pharmacy do not endorse or take responsibility for any content that may be accessed directly or indirectly from the links provided here.  These links are provided only for your convenience.