I just pulled in from a fairly long journey setting up my daughter’s dorm room technology. Normally I fall into peoples’ requests and when I’m asked to do something I oblige. This weekend I used the excuse I’m three hours from her school to avoid lugging boxes up two flights of stairs.
Instead, I opted for the grueling task of connecting all the technology I discussed in last week’s article. I helped her open the TV, setup the printer, and connect the wireless speakers and other peripherals. All fairly heavy boxes someone else had the pleasure of carrying.
My goal for her dorm room was to interconnect everything to assure she could print and do her work with as few hang ups as possible. The goal of any of the installations I’ve done has been to walk away from a functioning office. My daughter’s room is nothing more than a small office.
The system I designed relied on an internal network. I did some research and found her school’s intranet supports individual wired routers. Each room is equipped with a wireless access point as well as hardwired CAT5 outlets for Ethernet cables.
Although the school’s network is adequate for most student applications, I decided tying her equipment into a wired router is the way to go. Network printers, for example, can be setup to allow all devices to queue print jobs over the network. Without reconnecting wires she can print from most computers and portable devices within her infrastructure.
A secondary benefit to using an internal network is the ability to synchronize files on all her devices without USB. Her mother made the decision (to my chagrin) of standardizing her on Apple products. As long as her gear is connected to the network the MacBook will sync with the iPod, iPhone, and iPad; reducing data loss.
Wires are always an issue so I decided to give her the option of a dedicated iPod dock or wireless speakers. She made the decision I probably would have and chose the wireless speakers. It doesn’t seem like huge technology, but to a kid cramped into a small room reducing clutter is a big deal. With a few clicks she can wirelessly connect her speakers to her iPod from across the room.
I was surprised at the technology given to the kids. I say ‘given’ in the loosest way of course. In addition to pretty fast internet she also has HD cable TV wired in her room. I mailed a television to her last week with the expectation of connecting both a NetFlix box and cable. She now has a choice through one TV.
I’m gambling schools today sell themselves as technologically equipped enough to handle every student 100% of the time. Last week I talked to a second year student while he was picking up his laptop. He told me as long as students don’t procrastinate there’s usually an available printer. He also told me there’s always a wait.
Walking the halls and peeking in open doors led me to believe most people are under the impression having only a laptop is adequate. Availability of resources makes learning much easier. I also believe having some diversions like NetFlix and TV isn’t half bad.
Perhaps my opinion is simply another interjection I shouldn’t make, but I believe students should be equipped with much more than the basics. Having a laptop or desktop computer is wonderful; however, having the ability to be completely autonomous is best. Hopefully I haven’t empowered my daughter to have too much fun.
(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. located at 509 Main St. in Gardner. You can text him directly at (978) 413-2840 or visit www.LocalComputerWiz.com.)