Tech Questions

[1dose]

Hey yall, I'll be going to sgu premed year 3 this august and I just had some questions, so if any of you could help me out I'd really appreciate it...


1. I am planning on bringing a desktop, i know blah blah blah laptops are mobile and everything but I don't plan on getting one till next next for SOM, premed I'll do with a desktop, plus im a desktop kinda lady. ANYWAYS my question is, in terms of size of flat screen LCD monitors, whats the best size? Bigger, smaller? 24 inches and below? is 28 inches possible.

2. Also a desktop question, my desktop does have a switch that converts to 110, 50 w cycles. But I would still like to get a really good transformers, does anyone have any suggestions for their own experiance.

3. For the Premeders out there, are the lectures recorded? If not, anyone record their own lectures?

4. Another premed question.... Are lectures provided in booklets or do u print out slides?


Thanks a bunch to who ever can help me out!

[kryptik]

1. 20 inch should be fine, enough screen size yet not too bulky
2. you dont need a transformer, what you need is a good surge protector
3. & 4. i dont go to sgu so dont know

[NYladoo]

Hey yall, I'll be going to sgu premed year 3 this august and I just had some questions, so if any of you could help me out I'd really appreciate it...


1. I am planning on bringing a desktop, i know blah blah blah laptops are mobile and everything but I don't plan on getting one till next next for SOM, premed I'll do with a desktop, plus im a desktop kinda lady. ANYWAYS my question is, in terms of size of flat screen LCD monitors, whats the best size? Bigger, smaller? 24 inches and below? is 28 inches possible.

2. Also a desktop question, my desktop does have a switch that converts to 110, 50 w cycles. But I would still like to get a really good transformers, does anyone have any suggestions for their own experiance.

3. For the Premeders out there, are the lectures recorded? If not, anyone record their own lectures?

4. Another premed question.... Are lectures provided in booklets or do u print out slides?


Thanks a bunch to who ever can help me out!

How do you plan to get that nice desktop with a beautiful LCD screen down to Grenada in one piece? What will you do with it between terms? Laptops are a necessity for many reasons, it maybe wise to make the investment now.

[NYladoo]

1. 20 inch should be fine, enough screen size yet not too bulky
2. you dont need a transformer, what you need is a good surge protector
3. & 4. i dont go to sgu so dont know

Read my post above, I attended SGU and graduated. I'm sure current students and alumni will agree.

[Kongakut]

I can only help with #2.

GND is 220, not 110.

The dorms do have both 110 and 220 so I wouldn't think you would need a transformer unless you live off campus (I'm not sure about Grand Anse dorms though). Off campus, some apts have both 110 and 220.

If you want one anyway, you can get a good transformer at the hardware store next to IGA in Grand Anse. I wouldn't try to get one in the states since they are very heavy (add to luggage allowance) and they are pretty plentiful in GND. You should also bring a surge protector / plug strip to plug into the transformer, so you can plug in other 110 items and protect your computer from surges.

[kryptik]

Read my post above, I attended SGU and graduated. I'm sure current students and alumni will agree.
i think my post was before yours, and i made it clear i dont go to sgu, i agree with you 100% a laptop is the way to go, but the op claimed to be a "desktop kinda lady" hence my post.

to the OP you should heed to the advice of those that have been there.;)

[jaywalk81]

stick with the laptop. remember about the storage situation between terms when there is NO AC in storage=electronics will mold and damaged by the moisture and heat

[1dose]

i appreciate your help Kryptik! As for all the laptop enthusiasts, I understand your excitement but I clearly stated I wasn't looking for a laptop vs desktop showdown. There are people who have desktops down in grenada so its not unheard of. Plus if you have seen the size of an HP slimline, you'd know that its not difficult to stick one in a suitcase and be on with it. I appreciate your advice, I will be getting a laptop when i enter SOM god willing, but right now I just want a desktop. Thanks kryptik for your help :)

[xentar]

putting electronics in checked luggage is a bad idea. just an fyi.

[kryptik]

^^true. If you are going with the desktop try to fit it in your carry on, or give it some serious padding, especially the monitor.

[jaywalk81]

i would just spend the xtra money and have it professionally shipped down using fedex and pony up the xtra tax and whatever. too risky to try to get it down yourself and have it break and stuff

[1dose]

thanks Jaywalk.

anyone know about the voice recorder question for premed students?

[EpiJunky]

bubble wrap, bubble wrap, Styrofoam, the some more bubble wrap, a prayer or two to god, maybe some extra Styrofoam just in case...

oh and did i mention bubble wrap? Luggage gets tossed around by baggage handlers like they were 2ft dwarfs - be wary...

[Coldfusion]

Why do you have a thing against laptops?

You can easily get a full sized keyboard, mouse, and even attach your laptop to a full size LCD monitor.

No need for a full desktop, regardless of size.

[1dose]

Why do you have a thing against laptops?

You can easily get a full sized keyboard, mouse, and even attach your laptop to a full size LCD monitor.

No need for a full desktop, regardless of size.


If you had clearly read all the previous posts you would have been more then aware that i dont have a "thing" against desktops..... im quoting myself below. Who has things against a laptop? Its a preferance, not an emotionally charged feeling. Also a Slim line is not very large and if i were to follow your advice of "get a full sized keyboard, mouse, and even attach your laptop to a full size LCD monitor" then really its not that far fetched to just get a desktop (HP slimline to be exact).


"I appreciate your advice, I will be getting a laptop when i enter SOM god willing, but right now I just want a desktop"

[kryptik]

yeh those suckers are really small, just make sure you properly protect them like posted and you should be fine.

[1dose]

oh im definitely gonna take the advice above, bubblewrap x 100

[shadyhtown]

If she wants a desktop, let her have a desktop, y'all. I understand where she's coming from, though - I was attached to my desktop and didn't wanna get a laptop for ages. Finally, when I did get one, it took some getting used to, but then I got hooked onto it, and can't live without one now.

[orthonut]

Some are recorded, some aren't (for instance I hear last term Dr D the biochem premed guy was FURIOUS when he found out at the final exam that his lectures weren't being recorded-he thought that the students were all watching them so his will be recorded in the future per him.) Some profs prohibit lectures from being recorded. Some dont' care if you record with voice yourself but you must ask the prof in advance

You might as well not bring a computer rather than bring a desktop.

You may indeed need a transformer, it depends on your computer (check the UL rating)

Be prepared to pay a higher tax at customs when you declare your desktop. Be prepared to be fined heavily if you don't declare your desktop

[PikachuMan]

- I wouldn't count on premed lectures being recorded, except for maybe the Year 3 courses. The year 1 and year 2 courses vary wildly in quality and structure (at least in my experience).

-I brought a 19" LCDTV from the US, to Trinidad, to Grenada in checked luggage no problem. I don't think a monitor would be any different, though as always, things can happen.

I would guess they will tax you for your desktop setup. Don't lowball them, but they will give you a little leeway for any sales taxes you paid, and it being "used" for a number of years.

Desktops are ridiculous cheap these days. I can't say I wasn't tempted to bring one down.