Technology Purchasing Advice for New Whitman Students and Parents

 

Welcome to Whitman!

Buying technology for college can be a daunting task. You aren’t just buying a computer; you’re making an investment in your education at Whitman. A computer is an invaluable tool that should make learning easier, and we want to make sure you're informed before your first semester begins. Visit our Computer Recommendations and Specifications page to see our recommended devices and access Syracuse’s exclusive discount pricing through our SHI purchasing portal.

 

The Bottom Line
  • You should have a Windows computer; ideally, a business-class device with an SSD and a good warranty purchased directly from the manufacturer.
  • Whitman will, in most cases, be able to provide software for your student so they are prepared without having to spend additional money.
  • A Mac is not the best choice for a Whitman student.
  • An extended, comprehensive warranty is a must for any college student.

 

Needs

You should know immediately that you are best served by bringing a Windows-based laptop. This is something we cannot stress enough. The entirety of the curriculum you will be participating in relies on specific software that either won’t run on Mac OS or, if it can, creates files that are incompatible or feature-lacking compared to their Windows counterparts. Additionally, many instructors utilize this software in the classroom, so you should have a computer that can immediately address your in-classroom needs and allow you to follow along with lessons.

Any software required by the curriculum is generally provided either with your student’s textbook, by Syracuse University, or is available through Remote Desktop Services.


Software and services provided by Syracuse University:

  • All accounts necessary to utilize campus technology
  • Microsoft 365 for all your productivity needs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Software and services provided by Whitman:

  • Microsoft software titles, including Windows 11, Microsoft Project, and Microsoft Visio
  • Remote Desktop access to virtually all software installed in our lab computing environments

 

Wants

Our students should want a computer that will adequately serve their needs throughout their college careers. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Most students consider wants before needs when purchasing a computer, usually in relation to what their friends are buying and what is trendy. Apple computers are becoming increasingly popular, but as we mentioned, they are not a good choice for a Whitman student for the following reasons:

  • Compatibility
    Software compatibility and a student's ability to participate in classroom exercises are of paramount importance. Whitman prepares you for the business world, which runs predominantly on Windows-based devices.
  • Cost
    Macs are expensive to buy and far more expensive to repair than Windows computers. Apple does not offer Accidental Damage Protection, which is discussed under "Things to Look For," making out-of-warranty repairs extremely costly. Students frequently replace an Apple computer rather than pay to repair it.
  • Computing Safety
    Many reasons people prefer Apple computers are based on misconceptions. The idea that "Macs never get viruses" has never been true. Mac malware has existed since 1982 and is becoming increasingly common as Apple’s market share grows. The notion that Macs are inherently more secure than Windows is also outdated; Apple has historically had slower response times to security vulnerabilities, and as Macs become more prevalent, they are an increasingly attractive target for bad actors.
  • Perceived vs. Actual Need
    In many cases, students enrolled in more than one degree program at Syracuse University feel they need a Mac for one of those programs. Whitman has investigated with other colleges at Syracuse University to determine what circumstances would require a Whitman student to have a Mac for a dual-enrolled program, and we found none.

 

Things to Look For

 

  • Look for a Business-Class Laptop
    They are built tougher and are designed to withstand daily travel. A great example is the Lenovo ThinkPad, available through our Computer Recommendations and Specifications page.
  • Buy Directly From the Manufacturer
    You'll get better options and warranty coverage. Box stores offer a very limited selection, and any extended warranty is through the retailer, not the manufacturer.
  • Get the Best Warranty, Including Accidental Damage Protection
    Most major manufacturers offer extended accidental damage protection of at least three years, with some going up to five. College is a chaotic environment, and a good warranty ensures no unexpected costs during your student's academic career.
  • Look for an SSD
    SSDs are lighter, faster, and far more rugged than traditional spinning hard drives because they have no moving parts. All of our recommended devices include SSDs.
  • Look for Current Wi-Fi Standards
    Look for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or Wi-Fi 7 for the best experience on Syracuse University's high-speed wireless network.

 

 

Things to Avoid
  • Avoid Hard Drives
    Traditional spinning hard drives are failure-prone, have moving parts that don't tolerate being moved during operation, and are slower than SSDs in every meaningful way.
  • Avoid Buying from a Box Store
    They offer very little variety, and any extended warranty is through the retailer, not the manufacturer, which restricts the availability of warranty services.
  • Avoid Third-Party Warranties
    These are often overly complicated and restrictive, making the repair process longer and more difficult than it needs to be.
  • Avoid Consumer-Grade or Home-User-Grade Computers
    These are designed for light home use, not the demands of a college environment. Examples to avoid include the Dell Inspiron, HP Pavilion, and Lenovo IdeaPad.
  • Avoid Chromebooks
    These devices are intended for convenience, not power or capability. They are slow and restrictive, mostly suited for browsing the internet and checking email, and are not compatible with the software required at Whitman.
  • Avoid Macs and Mac OS
    For all the reasons outlined above, neither MacOS nor Mac computers are a good choice for Whitman students.

 

If you have any questions regarding any of the information you’ve just read, we encourage you to please email Whitman IT services at wsmhelp@syr.edu, visit the Student Technology Center in Whitman 210, or call 315-443-2342.