Frequently Asked Questions for Hardware:Other

Ultimately, this is a matter or personal preference, but laptops tend to be better suited for campus life.  Desktops are usually less expensive, but laptops give you the flexibility to take notes in class or work in the library.  However, because of their size and utility, laptops are more susceptible to theft.

For more information about student comptuer recommendations, please view our article on "Student Computer Requirements and Recommendations"

Currently, eReaders are used on a class-by-class basis, as different publishers have different levels of support for electronic textbooks.  Check with your professor to see if text books are available electronically.  For universal access, USD recommends an iPad over other eReaders, as Amazon and other vendors often ship reader software for the iPad.  In addition, iPads and other iOS devices are fully supported on our 'usdsecure' wireless network, while Amazon Kindles are unable to use our secure wireless (and must log in to wireless each time before purchasing a book or synchronizing).

For more information on eReaders and electronic text books, you can contact Michael Goodrich, the Trade Buyer at the USD Torero Store.  His phone number is (619) 260-4605 and his email address is michael.goodrich@sandiego.edu.

Reinaldo Solares is the