For the first time this year the Student Computer Initiative, through which students can purchase selected models of computers at discounted prices, did not include a desktop option. The narrowing of options was largely because of a lack of interest in desktops — less than 15 percent of those who purchased a computer through the SCI in 2000 opted for a desktop, according to the SCI webpage.
The number of students choosing laptops over desktops has steadily increased, concurrent with the expansion of wireless network access.
As laptops get smaller and more powerful, traditional limitations, such as less storage capacity, slower speeds and limited capacity for expansion, are being outweighed by the convenience and small desk footprint laptops require.
Perhaps the most important reason, though, is the ability to work with a familiar computer outside of one's room in the quiet of a library. Because of his laptop Tim Fuzesi '04 said, "I don't think that I've ever written a paper in my room."
Noting that over 70 percent of students with computers have laptops, Student Computing Services manager Leila Shahbender explained that, "OIT is happy to see this and encouraging it through mobile [ethernet] drops and wireless access."
OIT has also been increasingly friendly towards those students who want to connect on the go. Network access was recently given a major boost when the Frist Campus Center added wireless network capacity to Cafe Vivian, room 302 and the area including the South Lawn and Patio, according to Shahbender.
This is in addition to the more than 300 ethernet ports that are already scattered throughout Frist.
Students are also now able to check out wireless network cards, along with the requisite software, from the Welcome Desk free of charge.
The only requirements are an available PCMCIA slot and, for deposit, a University ID card.
Frist's new wireless capacity supplements the campus' existing Vapornet system that has been in place since Fall 2000.
The initial system has coverage areas that include Nassau Hall and parts of Alexander Beach and Firestone Plaza.
Leila Shahbender said, "This is a great thing for the University. Students have all the information they need at their fingertips."
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