Tech Blog

[#1]

So you're headin' back to school and need the 'usual' stuff right? But, in this economic climate, you don't want to max out your spending the way you used to in better times.

What's a girl to do?
Well, I've got no advice regarding pencils, paper, or the uber-expensive textbook side of things. But, as far as the tech side of things is concerned, read on, gentle reader, read on...

Basic hardware
At this point, all you really need is something that will get you networked, and run your apps. You're not looking to play the latest and greatest FPS, that's something for in your first year of post-doc when you can justify the pumped up hardware to 'run microbiology sims' overnight.

Netbook or Ultrathin
These are the options avalable right now. You may find a netbook may be a bit underpowered, and you may find the screen size a bit tiny, but the price is right. Ultra-thin laptops are stylish, generally have more horsepower and a larger display, but are larger and more expensive due to the tech that keeps them thin. The choice depends on your needs really. The decision is yours, young Padawan.

OS what??
Sadly, the Operating System (OS) wars aren't over yet. But, frankly, if you're looking for the bare minimum to get you working, it' really doesn't matter. Apple, Linux, Windows, whatever. The most efficient way to work is to keep your information in the cloud. Pick whatever you're the most comfortable with. Apple's OSX Snow Leopard is about to storm onto the scene, followed by Microsoft's Windows 7. But if you're a bit of a non-conformist, consider Ubuntu Linux

All you need is the browser that comes with your computer. Firefox is my browser-of-choice. Then, using online applications like Google Docs, or Zoho applications, you can easily create your documents, presentations, spreadsheets, databases, whatevers and share them with most other common office applications.

Webcam
A must. Especially if you want to keep the social life hot and connect with the BF/GF back home. Hook that up with a nice and inexpensive headset and you've got the basics covered for online communications...oh, don't forget a free Skype account, IMHO it's the best way to do Internet voice chat. If it's good enough for Oprah it's good enough for you!

Printer / Scanner
Yes, sadly, you may have to kill a few trees. Take heart in the fact that paper is a renewable resource. I found a few entry-level printer / scanner units at the Future Shop webstore that, while basic, will meet your needs.

Ok, this could be a technology shopping list, but lets talk. This would work for me, but how about you...what fits into your 'back to school' lifestyle? Do you research your papers on your iPhone? Let me know!

Message Edited by ElizabethS on 09-10-2009 09:31 PM

[#2]

I must second the webcam + Skype combo.  I've got two friends who went down to Southern Ontario for university last year, and I talked to them via Skype as often as possible.  The quality of the calls were almost always great.  Sometimes we'd just turn on Skype and not chat much; instead we'd study and keep each other on task.

My current printer is an Epson Stylus 3-in-1 that I got free with mail-in rebate when I bought my first digital camera back on Boxing Day of 2005.  I almost forgot to send in the rebate, of course--that's how they get you--but got it in under the wire and now have a free printer.  Here's the catch: the printer is still going; the camera has been consigned to a trash bin.  Also, the good thing about printers is that you don't have to constantly upgrade like you might [want/need] to with other technological devices. Buy a good one now, and barring some form of evil driver obsoletion in the future, you're set for years to come.

Finally, I'd just like to send a shout-out to the Zotero extension, another reason to choose Firefox.  It's a must-have for citing online sources.

[#3]

@tachyondecay: For sure, the digital telecom alternative (skype) really makes it much easier over long distances. I love your idea of an online study session...just staying connected while you read or work on a paper is a great way to have that virtual-library-study-session.

Printers are always a hard issue for me. I just replaced an ancient HP LaserJet 4p with a spanky-new Lexmark all-in-one unit. It's even wi-fi. Less than $100 for it too. Though the replacement printer cartridges / print-heads are where the costs rise. But if I get a bunch of years out of it, I'll consider it even.

And thanks for the pointer to Zotero...it looks highly useful at first blush. Will have to dig into it more.