Some students enjoy the portability of laptops, but at this time, they are not required. Wireless network access is widely available across campus, including most classrooms and residence halls. All of the residence halls on main campus (except College Inn) have wired networking available in each room and many have wireless.

If you want to work on your computer outside of your room, then a laptop is the best option. However, desktop computers are usually less expensive and are less likely to walk out of a room if they are left alone.

It really depends on what your needs are. And before you start attending Marlboro, it is hard to predict what your needs will be. Laptops are obviously smaller but they are typically more expensive, not as powerful, and more prone to breaking. However, if you want mobility, don't want a computer taking up space in your dorm room, and generally use your computer for email, web-browsing, and word processing, a laptop will be a good match.

MIT recommends a laptop as generally more useful for its students. It is mobile and allows you to use it in a variety of contexts, such as classrooms, labs, and study groups. However, depending on your needs or circumstances a desktop may also be a good choice. One thing to keep in mind regardless of your choice is that computers are theft targets. If you purchase a computer, you should invest in a cable or similar lock for it.

Yes, if you have one. If not, no problem, we are also renting laptops so that 2 students share one. (See also "What to bring" below).

Yes, it will be helpful for your studies, and your housing has no computer, but you will need a converter and adapter.

Yes, several of our rooms have data ports (ethernet) to enable you to send your digital pictures home and have full internet access. Our Tree-Top Cafe also has internet access and the Jungle Lodge is a wireless hotspot.

Download and install the latest version of NYC on your laptop/new computer. Run the new version on your laptop/new computer and use File... Upgrade... to bring over/upgrade user files (including registration info, cookbooks, user lists, etc.) over your network from the NYC folder on your desktop/old computer. Download and install the latest version of NYC on your laptop. Then run your desktop NYC and zip up your cookbooks using File... Zip Cookbook.

Laptops and wireless network access can expand your academic experience by offering the opportunity to work together in study groups, access the network from many locations on campus and beyond, take your computer on field trips, home on weekends or other travels, and use in compact living quarters. About 70% of UW-Madison students own laptops, and some colleges and schools (e.g., Business and Engineering) encourage their use.

Yes! Wireless high-speed Internet is available in your room, as well as a phone line at your bedside (dial 8 for an outside line). (Nov. 2006)