Laptop or desktop?

Tufts tour guides often offer opinions on the type of computer best suited for incoming freshmen. Desktops are cheaper and feature simpler expandability, while laptops provide complete portability.

Traditionally, laptops suffered from a primary downfall -- they still needed to be connected to a dorm or classroom wall to access the internet and other online services. But Tufts has indicated that it intends to expand a small, existing wireless network to reach most areas of the University.

To many students anticipating a truly wireless campus such as Carnegie Mellon, progress may seem excruciatingly slow, especially given the fast pace of today's technology. Some delay is certainly due to the prohibitive cost of implementing a wider system.

But credit Dean Wayne Bouchard for recognizing the potential of 802.11g, the new IEEE wireless standard looming on the horizon. With maximum speeds clocking in at more than five times the current wireless standard, it is reasonable to wait until the new technology is available.

In the meantime, current wireless access on campus is adequately improving. The Senate's recent successful push to include access points in the Campus Center demonstrates a sensible strategy in pursuing the most-utilized campus areas for wireless upgrades.

For any future freshmen still considering the college computer purchase, think twice about getting that laptop. Just make sure to get a wireless network card, too -- the spare ones here are going fast.