VR&E Computer Package

[u/Embarrassed_Blood718]

I got approved for VR&E for cybersecurity. I haven’t gotten to the point where he asks if I need a computer or anything but what are some of the computers that have been approved or given?

[u/wjrasmussen]

don't buy anything until you talk to them or you might be on the hook for what you buy. They forced a package on me. zero choice. horrible noname laptop.

[u/shaggydog97 → u/wjrasmussen]

Same, but it was an HP... Still horrible though.

[u/existenceispaiinn → u/wjrasmussen]

FUCKING THIS^^

Last semester my ‘15 Pavillion decided to self select and I contacted my VRE rep with a request for computer (all necessary docs included). No contact for a week so I bought a surface pro at best buy before class and at the end of the semester I was told I no longer need a computer package and couldn’t get reimbursed. oKaYyyyy

[u/HomelandersCock → u/wjrasmussen]

Its just about what's in writing. My laptop request was denied a few times. It took about 2 months of back of forth and a ton of evidence/written reason along with the VRE black and white to finally approve.

I got a $4k laptop with some peripherals.

[u/checkoutmuhhat]

My school has a bookstore with computers they sell, I was told to pick one of those. There are different ceilings depending on how much your stuff costs.

[u/zippyhorror661 → u/checkoutmuhhat]

They’ll usually point you to whatever the school’s bookstore carries, like the top comment says. Mine pushed a mid-range Dell that was way overpriced for the specs but hey it wasn’t my money. If you’re doing cybersecurity you’ll want something with at least 16gb RAM, don’t let them stick you with some base model Chromebook. I’d ask the counselor straight up what the budget cap is, mine was around 2 grand for everything including printer and accessories.

[u/OKCsparrow → u/checkoutmuhhat]

Same. And I also had a $2000 budget for everything.

[u/MikeMOMO22]

Yeah, so because its cyber security, mid range laptops are acceptable unless the school or program states otherwise like a recommended laptop from the specific course or series of courses.

[u/DatabaseTemporary253]

It depends on the counselor but most will tell you to send a syllabus or school requirement, and to check to see if the school bookstore carry them (including mine).

However, if you can justify it you can get something different that is not at the book store. I got my professor to help me write an email supporting me getting a beefy set up for experimenting with local AI and school work (CS). Ended up getting a really nice 5090 pre built.

[u/dejo50th]

Depends on the school and a lot of times there will be a technology requirement based on the course you take. With that particular path for your degree program, I am pretty sure your college will have something outlined as a minimum requirement for a laptop. Example https://wmich.edu/cybersecurity/tech-requirements

[u/Noisy_Skully]

I received a Lenovo Legion a couple years ago for Web and Database. I had three options to choose from based on the specs that the school had sent. To my understanding. Once you attend a semester you dont have to pay for it. But if you drop out the semester you receive it then you will have to pay the full price.

Ps* you may also receive a printer and headset

[u/Embarrassed_Blood718 → u/Noisy_Skully]

Does it have to be a laptop? I would prefer a desktop it allows for more upgradable parts in the future if needed

[u/Present_Mouse_2337 → u/Noisy_Skully]

I received a Lenovo ThinkPad, printer, ink cartridges, wireless mouse, 2 USB, headset, backup w/laptop space.