I'm putting together an order for my first laptop. It's easy to get carried away with options. I want a minimum system sufficient to get me through school; I'll buy something fancier later. How important is large storage, like a 400GB external drive? Do we need to download hundreds of histology slides, or are they available online or via 802.11? (BTW, what is the range of the 802.11? Does it reach to nearby housing?) Do I need a security cable? Do I need a color inkjet or a small laserjet? A floppy drive?

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Forum Moderator - Xavier Aruba

Wow, a 400GB hard drive will be able to hold anything that you want. You could put a library of movies onto that thing.

I'm running a 40GB hard drive and it is sufficient.

The wireless is limited to campus because of it's range from the library.

Floppy drives are obsolete now. You should get a 512mb pen drive.

Security cable is not required and you could bring your own printer if you wish to print personal stuff. The professors provide their own notes so you won't need to print these out.

All the histology materials needed will be provided to you. But if you have supplemental histo slides and or computer programs, it is recomemded that you bring them with you.
You should get a computer with computer with 802.11 wireless integrated. Internet services is provided by two local companies (Coral Cable internet and BTL DSL internet) at most apartments.
WOW!!! 400GB!!! that could probably hold Blockbuster movies. I have 60GB and it holds way more than I need.
You can bring a small printer if you have space but printing is provided by the school. The island also has places that provide printing services.