What Kind of Computer Do I Need?
The Mechanical Engineering Department does not require students to purchase a computer, nor do we recommend any particular brand. The Department provides three 24-hour labs for ME student use. These labs provide PCs with over $100,000 worth of Math and Cad programs that are used in ME classes.
All students are free to obtain a personal computer if they choose to email, write reports, or do web research, etc. from their dorm room. Some computer software programs offer free or low-cost student versions that can be loaded onto a personal computer to allow studying in your dorm. For example Solid Works provides a free 150 day Educational version. If you choose to purchase a computer for dorm use, you may want to look into a PC instead of a MAC as there are more engineering software programs available for the PC. Cal Poly's El Corral Bookstore offers student discounts on computers and peripherals, however due to the constantly changing computer industry, competition, close-outs, sales tax, and shipping, it pays to shop around. Microsoft Office is available at El Corral Bookstore at an Educational discount and Symantec Anti Virus and WebRoot Spy-Sweeper can be downloaded free from the portal my.calpoly.edu The residence halls at Cal Poly are all wired with 10/100 Ethernet.
Laptop computers take up less space but you'll be paying a premium for portability and they are generally not as fast as full size computers. Also, laptops generally don't have the cad graphics capability offered by a full size computer. Here is a link to SolidWorks website with a list of notebooks certifid to run SolidWorks. Lessor machines will run SolidWorks but these have higher end graphics cards that have been tested and are certified to run SolidWorks. If you decide to purchase a laptop, be sure to get a locking cable for it for security purposes. There is 802.11G wireless available in the University Union, Library, Engineering Bldg. and other high traffic areas so you will be able to access wireless Internet. Click here for complete campus-wide wireless accessibility.
Consider the following recommendations when deciding on a personal computer:
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When you're down to deciding between two similar computers, go for one with more memory as opposed to a faster processor. For example, a 3 GHz computer with 2Gb ram would be better than a 3.3 GHz computer with 1 Gb ram (1 Gb ram is the minimum and 2G is recommended.) Avoid Celeron processors since they are slower. I suggest the newer Dual Core Technology.
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LCD monitors are better because they take up less space, are lighter in weight, and consume less energy.
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A combo DVD/CD writer will enable you to copy more of your larger files for backup and portability than just a CD burner.
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The storage of choice are USB "pen" drives. (put your name on it and don't forget to take it with you when you leave the lab).
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I suggeset that the computer be Vista compatiable, (we are not converting until we can test all of our engineering software).
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Most importantly, don't feel like you have to show up on the first day of school with a computer. The longer you wait the cheaper they become.