First, ITS does not sell new computers, so you have the option to shop for the best system to suit your student's needs and your budget. Look at computer manufacturer websites for Student or Higher Education Discounts. If searching at a store, ask a salesperson if they offer any student discounts.
The sad reality is that our experience has shown "you get what you pay for." Every manufacturer sells both bad and good computers. It is less about who makes them and more about the quality and price of components. The following is a rough comparison of price ranges and performance based upon our own experiences.
- $500-800: What we typically see on main campus, can last 3-4 years if treated with care, e.g. not stepped on, dropped, spilled on, etc.
- Up to $500: Not uncommon to have these devices visit the ITS Help Desk 3-6 months into the semester with failing hardware, e.g. hard drives, keyboards, displays, etc.
- $800-$1,000+: Typically used by students in STEM majors if they want to use their own device for coursework.
When it comes to computer specs, it all depends on how your student will use the device. A tablet, like an iPad, or a Chromebook is good for taking notes, but won't be able to support most campus software. A laptop is a good, portable option with a full operating system that allows you use standard programs. However, students using their own devices to run STEM software like CAD applications, engineering simulations, and statistical packages will require more horsepower. If your student is in a STEM major, you may want to spend more money to get a more robust computer system. More details and recommended specifications are posted at
https://go.uwplatt.edu/its-nsr-faq.