Advice on buying a student laptop

The personal laptop or computer has become a standard study requirement in recent years. Please keep the following in mind:

PC or laptop

More and more students prefer to work on their own laptop or PC. We recommend students to buy a laptop as this is the most versatile and flexible academic tool. Netbooks (mini laptops), tablets and iPads are also useful, but are less suited for daily academic use. Note that a large screen may be handy, but it adds to a laptop’s weight and bulk.

When buying a new laptop you should make sure you don’t get one that’s too heavy. While a big screen may be handy, it adds to a laptop’s weight and bulk. Don’t forget: you have to stay mobile, so make transportation criteria a priority.

A laptop is more susceptible to damage than a PC and repairs tend to be pricy. Most suppliers will offer an extended warranty of three to five years for a small fee. This service is certainly worthwhile considering.

UM standard

Most of the IT study facilities at MaastrichtUniversity are equipped with Microsoft products. A Windows laptop will therefore be the most compatible. In exceptional cases certain specific disciplines may use different software. Please ask your faculty about their specifications before buying a new laptop.

A laptop or PC for standard use within UM should have: •Windows 7 (Language: English) •Office 2010 (Language: English) •Microsoft Essentials (or similar updated virus scanner) •Latest Windows updates for laptop or PC

As a student, you are eligible for considerable discounts on software such as MS Windows 7, MS Office 2010 or virus scanners at www.surfspot.nl.

If you’re a Mac user, make sure you are well-versed in the Mac world because UM can only offer limited support for Apple products.

Questions?

If you have any questions or are unsure about whether to buy a laptop or a PC, feel free to stop by at the Front Offices of the ICT Services or contact your faculty

  • Front Offices opening hours ICTS
    • Inner City: Monday to Friday: 09.00 – 12.00 and 13.00 – 16.00
    • Randwyck: Monday to Thursday: 11.00 – 16.00

 

 

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