Follow up to Mac for son going to college

Once back in the dorm room - then bigger monitor? What else?

[Webwork]

Again, I'm out of my desktop element, so I need some guidance.

The 12 inch screen seems a bit small, maybe hard on the eyes. Should I opt right away to get him a desktop monitor to hook up to once he's in his dorm laboring away? Why or why not? Any particular one that works well with either the PowerBook or IPad?

What about an external - larger - keyboard?

Backup systems? Just burn to a DVD?

Any old printer is just fine for college use with an IPad or PowerBook?

Any other externals that you advise for dorm use or to make use in the library easier?

Security for when he's out and about? What? How?

Thanks again.

[buckworks]

The quality of Mac screens is great so there shouldn't be visual problems. The main problem with a small screen is the irritation of horizontal scrolling. Apple's flat screen monitors are great to look at, are energy efficient and have a small footprint on the desk.

External keyboard - gives more options for ergonomic tweaking at the desk. Get an external mouse while you're at it. They're not expensive.

Printer - Consider getting a laser printer; they cost more to start with but toner is cheaper than ink so over time the per-page cost will even out. For college use, print quality is likely more important than speed.

Miscellaneous accessories: This is overkill for around-campus use, but I have a grab-and-go kit for travelling.
- small optical mouse
- modem cord
- phone jack splitter
- power adapter
- gizmo that lets me plug in to a car battery
- extra extension cord
- LAN cable
- laptop lock/cable (Kensington)
- thumb drive
- USB-powered light
- earphones
- teeny USB hub (4 ports)
- power surge protector
- backup boot disk

Items with retractable cables make it a bit easier to stay organized.

A cosmetic bag with clear plastic sides works well for carrying odds and ends like the above.

[timster]

Regarding an external monitor and keyboard...

On my desk at work I've got a 20" Apple flatpanel, external keyboard and mouse, for my PB, and it sure makes things nicer.

The PB may be able to drive a bigger monitor (i.e., more pixels) than its internal monitor can display (that's the case with my Titanium here).

But I wouldn't spend the money until your son has a clear idea of his work habits. If he always goes to the library to study/work, the monitor and keyboard won't do him much good.

[mivox]

I wouldn't bother with the keyboard, unless he notices a problem with using the laptop keyboard. Personally, I've often wished I could hook my PowerBook up to act as the external keyboard for my office desktop.

An external mouse would be good, but have him try a bunch out and pick the most comfortable model. The trackpad is better than an uncomfortable mouse would be. Personally, I like two-button/scroll-wheel models.

I only wish I could afford to get an external flat-screen monitor, not because the text on the 12" PB strains my eyes, but just so I wouldn't have to zoom in on graphics so far in Photoshop. Do you want to adopt a child? I'd be happy to go back to college... ;)

[BwanaZulia]

I think the 15" is the sweet spot.

Get it with DVD burner and a .Mac account and that will back up most everything you need (off-site and DVD).

Most places (MacMall) give away printers when you buy a Mac. Also, check with the college/school because they should get discounts. Educational discounts role! :)

BZ

[drbrain]

The screen on the 12" powerbook is pleasant to look at in all lighting conditions (bright flourescents, dark rooms, etc.) Don't get a flat-panel if he's not going to use it.

The keyboards on the powerbooks are wonderful to use. The machine is light enough to put on your lap, but it can get warm, especially when charging. A spare keyboard would be not be particularly expensive.

[photon]

When I got my Powerbook I also got EZ-LAP from Cyberguys.

The EZLap(tm) raises your computer up about 3/4" and provides just enough space for air to circulate underneath, keeping it and you cooler. It is lightweight with non-slip/non-scratch pads on top and bottom.

I've checked the temperature with the internal sensor. It does run cooler. You can also flip it over to get a slightly inclined keyboard when you're working on a flat surface.

[aaronjf]

I would have to agree with the 15". I have a 15 and a friend has the 12. After a couple of weeks he was wishing he had gotten the 15. The only time it has made a real difference for him is in flight.

If you are going to go with the external keyboard and mouse, go with the Apple Wireless keyboard and mouse. They will sync up in the presence of one another. The cost is a little extra, but the benifits are worth it. I use one with my G5 at work and my iMac and PB at home.

Accessories.. that don't come with the PB:

1) A second power supply is always a good idea
2) LAN cable,
3) Crossover Cable (not a must, but comes in handy if you know how to use it),
4) USB 2.0 Micro Drive 128 or hire (I have had good luck with the Sony drives), If you don't have one you can't imagine how handy they are. If your kid is prone to loosing things, like most are, you may not want this. They are really easy to loose if you are careless.
5) .Mac account. They are great for backuping up your machine, managing your calender and contacts. For a college student it would be a great way to backup and store papers and be able to access them from any machine.