Student Laptop Survey - Winter 2007

 

Survey Interpretation
Survey Text
Survey Results
Other Surveys

Survey Interpretation

Laptop ownership is very high among students.  However, in general students don't appear to bring their computers to campus.  Question 4 shows that students would like to bring their laptops to campus more.   However, the major impediments appear to be:

  • Lack of wireless network coverage
  • Lack of power outlets
  • Physical setup of lecture halls - it can be inconvenient to use a laptop in a lecture hall
  • Laptops are just too heavy to carry around campus
  • General hassle of carrying a laptop - many students feel it's easier to wait in line in the computer rooms than to bring their laptop.

We realize that these results seem very odd to many faculty and staff at UCDavis who use their laptop computers frequently.  However, we believe that the current campus infrastructure is just not very laptop friendly for most students.  The following experiment allows faculty and staff to simulate the experience that the average student has with their laptop.  Once you use your laptop with the limitations students face you can see why they generally don't bring their laptops to campus a lot.

  • Don't use a docking station or attach a keyboard, mouse, or monitor to your laptop.
  • Carry the laptop with you at all time - either on your person or in sight.  This means you need to take to and from campus every day, to lunch, to the bathroom, etc.  For a more realistic experience also carry one or two 200+ page hardbound books, a couple notebooks, a cell phone, and perhaps an iPod. Students generally bike, drive or bus into campus in the morning and stay most of the day.  They don't have anywhere safe to store a laptop, so they have to carry it with them everywhere.
  • When in your office or at a meeting use the laptop on your lap.  Don't use it on a desk or table.  Most classrooms and lecture halls have desks too small to hold a laptop.  So students have to use them on their laps.
  • Don't stay in any one place for more than two hours. Move to another campus building, preferably at least a 10-minute walk away. Even if it is raining.
  • Only charge the laptop for 2 to 3 hours per day when on campus.  You can charge it as much as you like at home.  There a limited power outlets available on campus.  So most students can only recharge their laptops for limited periods of time.

It is unclear if or when the issues limiting laptop use on campus can be resolved. 

  • The wireless coverage issue is being addressed and we can reasonably expect it to be resolved. 
  • Modifying the classrooms and lecture halls to support laptops by installing power and larger desks is less likely.  The project would be very expensive, time consuming, and would likely reduce the number of seats in some lecture halls.  So it may not be feasible.
  • It might be more likely that changes in laptop technology can address the problems.  Tablet computers should be more useable with the existing lecture hall desks, since they would fit on the desks and allow students to take notes with a stylus. It is possible that battery life would increase substantially in the future.  If there was a light tablet computer with long battery life it might meet students needs.  However, such a computer doesn't really exist now and we can't say for sure when it will become available. 
  • One possible way to encourge laptop use is to provide lockers with power somewhere on campus. Then students could store their laptop somewhere safe and charge it at the same time.
  • A complicating factor is that students generally have just the one laptop.  So many students would likely buy the most powerful laptop they can to play computer games.  But such laptops are quite heavy which would limit the likelihood that the student would want to carry it to campus.

Some other interesting facts:

  • The Library/24 hr reading room is the most used on-campus location.  If you sum "Daily", "Few times/wk" and "Weekly" percentages you get 29.1% for Library/24 hr reading room.  The other locations range from 7.4% to 21.7%.
  • Mac ownership is 19.4% among laptop owners compared to 13.9% in the general student computers.  So laptop buyers are more likely to purchase a Mac than desktop buyers.
  • 53% of the students were neutral regarding  wired network ports on campus.  This most likely means that students don't use the wired ports anymore.  It makes more sense to focus on wireless coverage now.
  • Wireless printing is seen as a valuable service and worked well for most of the students who tried it.  However, not many students have tried it yet.  So CLM needs to do a better job advertising Wireless Printing.

Survey Text

On March 8th, 2007 Computer Lab Management (CLM) sent the following survey 2000 students who had uses the campus computer rooms during Winter 2007.
Name (optional):
E-mail Address (optional):

1. Class Standing:

2. Do you own a notebook computer? (check all that apply)

I own a laptop computer
I own a tablet PC computer
I do not own a notebook computer. (if you marked this box, please )

2A. What operating system do you use on your notebook computer. If you own more than notebook computer, please respond for the one you use most often.

Operating system:

3A. Please mark how often you use your notebook computer in the following campus locations.

Classrooms:
Coffee House:
Library/24 Hr Reading Room:
MU study lounge:
Other campus lounges:
ARC:
Residence Halls:
Quad:
Silo area:
Other:
Please indicate other on-campus locations here:

3B. Please mark how often you use your notebook computer in the following off-campus locations.

Home:
Apartment Lounge:
Friend's house:
Coffee Shop:
Other:
Please indicate other off-campus locations here:

4. Please indicate how much each statement applies to you.

My notebook computer is too heavy to carry with me.
There is sufficient wireless network coverage on campus.
There are sufficient power outlets available on campus.
There are sufficient wired network ports on campus.
I am concerned about theft or damage to my notebook computer when I bring it to campus.
It is convenient to use my laptop in campus lecture halls.
Why/Why not?
It is more convenient to use the campus computer rooms than my laptop.
Why/Why not?
I would like to use my notebook computer on campus more often.
I would use my notebook computer on campus more if...

5. Indicate how often you print from your notebook computer at home and in the campus computer rooms.

I print at home.
I print in the computer rooms by transferring files from my notebook computer.
I print in the computer rooms using the Wireless Printing service.

6. In question 5, if you answered that you transfer your work from your notebook computer to a campus computer, what transfer medium do you use?


If you said other, please specify:

7. What type of printer do you own?

8. Have you used the campus Wireless Printing service?

8A. If so, please rate the following:

The one-time setup was easy.
How often have you had problems when using the Wireless Printing service?
Please explain.
Wireless Printing is a valuable service.

9. Do you have other suggestions or comments regarding notebook computer use on campus or the Wireless Printing service?

Survey Results

There were 201 responses.  175 students owned either a laptop or Tablet PC.  The percentages listed in "Class Standing" and "Do you own a notebook computer?" are for all respondents.  All the other percentages are of those students who own a notebook computer.

Question 1. Class Standing

  Number Percentage
First year 36 17.9%
Second year 38 18.9%
Third year 42 20.9%
Fourth year 40 19.9%
Fifth or more year 21 10.4%
Masters candidate 8 4.0%
PhD candidate 12 6.0%
Professional School 0 0%
No answer 4 2.0%

Question 2. Do you own a notebook computer?

  Number   Percentage
Laptop 171 85.1%
Tablet PC 13 6.5%
Own both Laptop & Tablet 9 4.5%
Don't own 26 12.9%

Operating System:

  Number Percentage
Windows Vista 2 1.1%
Windows XP 124 70.9%
Windows 95 0 0%
Windows 98 0 0%
Windows NT 1 0.6%
Windows 2000 1 0.6%
Windows ME 0 0%
Windows 2003 1 0.6%
Windows - not sure 4 2.3%
Mac OS 9 0 0%
Mac OS X 34 19.4%
Mac - not sure 9 0%
Linux 0 0%
Other unix 0 0%
Other 0 0%
No answer 8 4.6%

Question 3A. Please mark how often you use your notebook computer in the following campus locations

Classrooms

  Number   Percentage
Daily 9 5.1%
Few times/wk 19 10.9%
Weekly 10 5.7%
Rarely 47 26.9%
Never 82 46.9%
No answer 8 4.6%

Coffee House

  Number   Percentage
Daily 0 0%
Few times/wk 15 8.6%
Weekly 17 9.7%
Rarely 40 22.9%
Never 89 50.9%
No answer 14 8%

Library/24 hr Reading Room

  Number   Percentage
Daily 6 3.4%
Few times/wk 16 9.1%
Weekly 29 16.6%
Rarely 58 33.1%
Never 60 34.3%
No answer 6 3.4%

MU study lounge

  Number   Percentage
Daily 2 1.1%
Few times/wk 8 4.6%
Weekly 11 6.3%
Rarely 47 26.9%
Never 97 55.4%
No answer 10 5.7%

Other campus lounges

  Number   Percentage
Daily 3 1.7%
Few times/wk 6 4.0%
Weekly 13 7.4%
Rarely 38 21.7%
Never 104 59.4%
No answer 10 5.7%

ARC

  Number   Percentage
Daily 2 1.1%
Few times/wk 5 2.9%
Weekly 6 3.4%
Rarely 24 13.7%
Never 128 73.1%
No answer 10 5.7%

Residence Halls

  Number   Percentage
Daily 33 18.9%
Few times/wk 0 0%
Weekly 1 0.6%
Rarely 12 6.9%
Never 117 66.9%
No answer 12 6.9%

Quad

  Number   Percentage
Daily 0 0%
Few times/wk 7 4.0%
Weekly 15 8.6%
Rarely 39 22.3%
Never 105 60.0%
No answer 9 5.1%

Silo area

  Number   Percentage
Daily 0 0%
Few times/wk 7 4.0%
Weekly 20 11.4%
Rarely 44 25.1%
Never 94 53.7%
No answer 10 5.7%

Other

  Number   Percentage
Daily 13 7.4%
Few times/wk 6 3.4%
Weekly 12 6.9%
Rarely 18 10.3%
Never 78 44.6%
No answer 48 27.4%

Other locations given:

  • Any building I happen to be in.
  • at club meetings where i take minutes
  • Chemistry building
  • Engineering Building needs more reception on second floor
  • GBSF building
  • Hart computer lab
  • In My Dorm
  • In my office (7 responses) (Wellman Hall, Storer Hall mentioned as buildings)
  • In my office/lab (3 responses)
  • Kemper Comptuer Labs
  • Kemper Hall
  • Lab (2 responses)
  • Meyer Hall Graduate Cubicle area
  • Meyer Hall, Science lab building
  • Music Department Music Library
  • Olson spanish tutor room
  • Outside classroom buildings, Olson, Wellman, etc.
  • parking lot
  • Presentation rooms like in Life Science
  • South Hall and Wellman hall basements, Walker Hall Classroms, Unitrans bus garage
  • Teaching and research buildings
  • The Colleges
  • Women's Center

Combined listing

  Daily   Few times/wk   Weekly   Rarely   Never  
Classroom 5.1% 10.9% 5.7% 26.9% 46.9%
Coffee House 0% 8.6% 9.7% 22.9% 50.9%
Library/24 hr Reading Room 3.4% 9.1% 16.6% 33.1% 34.3%
MU study lounge 1.1% 4.6% 6.3% 26.9% 55.4%
Other campus lounges 1.7% 4.0% 7.4% 21.7% 59.4%
ARC 1.1% 2.9% 3.4% 13.7% 73.1%
Residence Hall 18.9% 0% 0.6% 6.9% 66.9%
Quad 0% 4.0% 8.6% 22.3% 60.0%
Silo area 0% 4.0% 11.4% 25.1% 53.7%

Question 3B. Please mark how often you use your notebook computer in the following off-campus locations.

Home

  Number   Percentage
Daily 143 81.7%
Few times/wk 9 5.1%
Weekly 4 2.3%
Rarely 4 2.3%
Never 6 3.4%
No answer 9 5.1%

Apartment Lounge

  Number   Percentage
Daily 20 11.4%
Few times/wk 8 4.6%
Weekly 2 1.1%
Rarely 22 12.6%
Never 100 57.1%
No answer 23 13.1%

Friend's house

  Number   Percentage
Daily 11 6.3%
Few times/wk 17 9.7%
Weekly 24 13.7%
Rarely 60 34.3%
Never 44 25.1%
No answer 19 10.9%

Coffee Shop

  Number   Percentage
Daily 5 2.9%
Few times/wk 10 5.7%
Weekly 14 8.0%
Rarely 43 24.6%
Never 89 50.9%
No answer 14 8.0%

Other

  Number   Percentage
Daily 4 2.3%
Few times/wk 6 3.4%
Weekly 1 0.6%
Rarely 12 6.9%
Never 77 44.0%
No answer 75 42.9%

Other locations given:

  • Band Practice
  • Central Park
  • Chipotle (free wireless)
  • Downtown Davis
  • Music Department Graduate Offices - University Mall
  • my clasrooms-I'm in the teaching credential/master's program
  • other universities; on conference trips
  • Parents home
  • starbucks
  • wireless internet cafe, hotels, offices, labs
  • Work (2 responses)

Combined listing

  Daily   Few times/wk   Weekly   Rarely   Never  
Home 81.7% 5.1% 2.3% 2.3% 3.4%
Apartment Lounge 11.4% 4.6% 1.1% 12.6% 57.1%
Friend's house 6.3% 9.7% 13.7% 34.3% 25.1%
Coffee Shop 2.9% 5.7% 8.0% 24.6% 50.9%

Question 4. Please indicate how much each statement applies to you.

My notebook computer is too heavy to carry with me.

  Number   Percentage
Strongly agree 27 15.4%
Agree 45 25.7%
Neutral 26 14.9%
Disagree 41 23.4%
Strongly disagree 29 16.6%
No answer 7 4.0%

There is sufficient wireless network coverage on campus.

  Number   Percentage
Strongly agree 12 6.9%
Agree 52 29.7%
Neutral 44 25.1%
Disagree 44 25.1%
Strongly disagree 17 9.7%
No answer 6 3.4%

There are sufficient power outlets available on campus.

  Number   Percentage
Strongly agree 4 2.3%
Agree 30 17.1%
Neutral 44 25.1%
Disagree 59 33.7%
Strongly disagree 27 15.4%
No answer 11 6.3%

There are sufficient wired network ports on campus.

  Number   Percentage
Strongly agree 2 1.1%
Agree 26 14.9%
Neutral 93 53.1%
Disagree 29 16.6%
Strongly disagree 12 6.9%
No answer 12 7.4%

I am concerned about theft or damage to my notebook computer when I bring it to campus.

  Number   Percentage
Strongly agree 42 24.0%
Agree 73 41.7%
Neutral 23 13.1%
Disagree 26 14.9%
Strongly disagree 5 2.9%
No answer 6 3.4%

It is convenient to use my laptop in campus lecture halls.

  Number   Percentage
Strongly agree 10 5.7%
Agree 31 17.7%
Neutral 62 35.4%
Disagree 54 30.9%
Strongly disagree 9 5.1%
No answer 9 5.1%

Why/Why not reasons given:

  • For "Strongly Agree"
    • often I can download lectures and/or research references while class is happening.
    • My laptop helps me take down notes a lot quicker.
    • If there are ppp lectures then i can take notes right on the slide.
    • I take notes faster on a computer and the work for all my classes is done on a computer.
    • I can look up the course webpage, view powerpoint slides instead of printing them, or take notes in a word processor.
    • I can get down notes faster and it saves papers.
    • easier to take notes.
    • because of its size
  • For "Agree"
    • Yes, because most have desks, however it might be inconvient for the shortage of outlets in some rooms *cough* Wellman.
    • To take notes from my laptop
    • to quickly write notes
    • There is usually enough space to use my laptop and this way I have neat notes quick.
    • There are few power outlets.
    • sometimes typing is faster than writing.
    • notes can be typed and saved, it's quicker to type down notes, instead of writing it down
    • Note keeping is easier on my laptop. But I would appreciate internet connection in lecture halls as well.
    • My tablet PC with OneNote makes it very easy to take notes, when there is wierelss in the class room I can google or wiki stuff I need more info on.
    • Would like to see more outlets. If my battery is low then I have to sit in the back of class.
    • It's great for note taking. But the bad part is there is no internet in any of the lecture halls!
    • It is most convenient in locations that receive a strong wireless connection, but I've never remembered to set my laptop up for DHCP connection.
    • Generally, lecturers do not have a problem with students using their laptops. Many, but not all lecture rooms get wireless coverage, which is helpful.
    • Only the lack of power outlets is a problem, but cords could be a trip hazard, and my battery is sufficient to last through classes.
    • Easy access to information. Never able to get Internet.
    • easier notes
    • because it's faster than writing
    • Because it's easy to take notes
  • For "Neutral"
    • would be convenient but my courses (math) require writing
    • Whenever I use my laptop on campus I have never had a problem with any of these.
    • not enough outlets
    • Not appliciable
    • not always able to keep charged. Very few outlets in classrooms, cord causes trippin hazard.
    • Not all lecture halls have access to the Internet.
    • my or may not get access to internet
    • my laptop is pretty wide, so its not really made to be brought about except when i really need it
    • Laptops provide unnecessary distraction when trying to focus.
    • In all of my classes, the instructors use powerpoint. So there is no point bringing the laptop to lectures.
    • I prefer not to use my laptop in lecture halls, and I am done taking classes.
    • I never tried so I don't know.
    • I learn better by writing than typing notes.
    • I just would rather write notes than type them.
    • I have an old IBM and it is heavy, large, and the battery only hold for 1hr. If I have a 12' laptop that was light I would take it everywhere
    • i have a back injury so i cant carry alot of stuff, and my laptop is heavy to carry when I ahve other books to cart around too
    • i get distracted because i can access the web while the professor is lecturing.
    • I don't know because I don't normally do so.
  • For "Disagree"
    • too heavy to bring
    • Too cumbersome with the tight seating.
    • here's no internet in a lot of campus lecture halls
    • There is no point, I can take notes on paper and get other notes from ones the teacher has posted online
    • there is no outlets in some classrooms
    • There is hardly any room to move for myself much less my laptop.
    • There are very few power outlets. The outlets are on the side walls so I have to sit on an aisle seat, which are not always available, or extend my power cord in front of other students
    • The tables may not fit my laptop
    • the tables are too small and it is awkward to type in a small place
    • The seats are often so narrow and there isn't much space between them.
    • the overall accessablity of power outlets to use it in all lecutures throughout the day is not enough to keep my computer usable all day. ALso, the size of some of the desks and asiles in certain lecutre halls doesn't provide enough room to feel that my computer is stable and secure, especially if people have to pass me to get to other seats
    • The desks are too small. (4 responses)
    • The desks are so small, there's really not enough room. Also, I'd need to carry around an extra battery to use it in all my lectures on certain days.
    • some tables are too small to have a lap top on it. Or no power outlet.
    • some of the desks are small for the larger computers
    • Some halls have wireless and power access, others dont which makes it difficult to do work
    • small tables
    • size of tabletops
    • seats too close together, people bump it alot
    • Often, there is not sufficient wireless coverage, or not a convenient outlet.
    • not enough space in most of the large lecture halls. Classrooms have much more room per individual.
    • Not enough outlets: even if I sit near the edge, most of the time there aren't any outlets.
    • not enough desk space (2 responses)
    • my laptop is loud and has no battery.
    • Laptop too big and power would die
    • Laptop to heavy or no plugs to plug into.
    • Lack of outlets, small desks
    • It's just more to carry. Some lecture halls are also a little too cramped.
    • It's just easier to take notes by hand
    • in most lecture halls the desks are too small to hold a laptop as big as mine (Dell Inspiron 6000). Also, in most cases the only power outlets are in the back row.
    • I prefer to write my notes
    • I prefer taking written notes.
    • I never use my laptop during lectures because I can write faster than I can type
    • I don't use my laptop anywhere on campus.
    • i can never find an outlet
    • hassle
    • Don't want to carry it, faster and more convienient for me to take notes by hand
    • do not always get internet
    • Desks are usually not large enough to accommodate a laptop.
    • Desk too small, and my battery life can't make it through lecture
    • Cramped desks, lack of outlets
    • a lot of the time, especially in the smaller rooms, it is just so crowded that I do not want to deal with it
    • A lot of class lecture notes require me to draw out structures. I can't do that quickly on my laptop. It's much quicker for me to do it by hand.
  • For "Strongly disagree"
    • Wireless is iffy and there is not enough room.
    • Too much to carry, gets you easily distracted.
    • The desks in the majority of the lecture halls are much smaller than a piece of paper, let alone a computer. Also some desk tops (esp in Everson) randomly become unjammed, and fall, that would be fatal for a computer.
    • The desks are too small to fit a laptop on in most lecture halls.
    • no wireless internet
    • my laptop needs to be plugged in at all times. and it's too heavy to carry around with me
    • My laptop is rather large and the lecture hall desks are small and crowded.
    • laptop too loud and battery runs out too quickly
    • lack of power outlets

It is more convenient to use the campus computer rooms than my laptop.

  Number   Percentage
Strongly agree 34 19.4%
Agree 47 26.9%
Neutral 43 24.6%
Disagree 28 16.0%
Strongly disagree 16 9.1%
No answer 7 4.0%

Why/Why not reasons given:

  • For "Strongly Agree"
    • They have a printer and better internet access. I can use a flashdrive to print my files.
    • They are there, set up and ready to go. Plus I can print things out as I need them.
    • my laptop needs to be plugged in at all times. and it's too heavy to carry around with me
    • Printing
    • No waiting to use My computer, and I can use it anywhere there is wireless coverage. If I do have occasion to use a computer lab, the one provided by my department is less crowded. The new wireless printing is very handy too. Although I have only uesed it a few times I expect to use it much more.
    • no theft/damage
    • No need to carry heavy laptop.
    • My laptop is quite heavy and i don't use the computer all that often on campus.
    • my laptop doesn't recognize my wireless card for some reason....so i can't access my internet at home, have to use my roomates desktop to get internetand then load files to myspace and then print on campus because i am far too cheap to buy a printer and keep it supplied with ink
    • My laptop does not have wifi
    • more programs, faster computers
    • lap top is heavy nd I don't like t ride my bikewith it
    • I don't have to carry my laptop with me all day and I am usually on campus from 9am-8pm due to my classes and I commute.
    • I don't have to carry my computer all day when I really only need to use a computer for a few minutes.
    • I don't have to carry it around.
    • I do not have to carry them with me
    • Even though the lines are long, my computer is too heavy and fragile.
    • don't have to worry about breaking/ loosing my computer
    • don't have to lug my laptop around. campus computers are fast.
    • don't have to carry it with me
    • Don't have to carry extra weight, worry about saftey, have printer access
    • campus computer can print things out and my laptop is too heavy to take anywhere
    • because the computers are already there and set up and ready to go
    • Because I don't have to lug my laptop around all the time
    • Although I do use my own computer for many things, it is nice to know that there is another option available that doesn't require moving around my heavy laptop. Also, although wireless printing is now available, it is great to have access to the printers as I don't have a very good one in my office - especially for larger jobs.
    • All of my classes are held in computer labs and it is easier to have my own computer than to transfer files and re-setup menus in every computer program.
  • For "Agree"
    • weight, theft, sometimes I don't realize I need the internet until I'm already in campus
    • They are equipped with mymathlab.
    • There are enough to choose from and I don't have to worry about getting my laptop stolen. Also, don't really have much work to do on the computer that can't be done the night before at home.
    • then I don't have to carry it to school. very heavy.
    • The laptop is heavy. Besides, computer labs are everywhere on campus.
    • The already have a printer hooked up to it
    • that way i can leave my computer at home
    • Seems too complicated to print from my laptop
    • I have an old IBM and it is heavy, large, and the battery only hold for 1hr. If I have a 12' laptop that was light I would take it everywhere
    • no extra baggage to carry
    • My laptop is too heavy to bring to school, but it is annoying having to wait in lines for school computers...
    • Limited wireless access. Not enough power outlets.
    • its automatically connected to the printer
    • It has every program that you (academically) need
    • Internet
    • In a sense, it's better not to carry around my laptop; on the other hand, computer rooms fill up very fast.
    • I print all my work from the computer labs.
    • I have an iBook and there are some compatibility issues (and printing...)
    • I don't have to worry about carrying it or damaging my laptop.
    • I don't have to carry them or find an outlet. However, I often have to stand in line.
    • I don't have to carry my laptop around all day, every day. I can just use a flash drive instead.
    • I don't have to carry a computer around to use the internet.
    • I don't have to bring my laptop and worry about it getting broken or stolen.
    • i can access a printer when needed
    • I am able to print from the computer labs, but the printing limit Sucks.
    • heavy laptop
    • Don't have to carry it.
    • carrying my laptop is fairly heavy, and it wouldn't last the amount of time I use the campus labs.
    • Campus computer rooms have enough computers for me to use and they are convenient.
    • books plus laptop can be too much to carry
    • because they are connected directly to printers
  • For "Neutral"
    • with the campus computers i am very limited to the programs in which i want to use. on my laptop i'm able to do whatever i want.
    • They have printers.
    • There may be many people waiting in line for it. Sometimes, it takes me up to 30 minutes to wait for it.
      sometimes... when I am at a location outside of my residence, and I need to use a computer, then it is more covenient to use the campus computer rooms
    • Sometimes they are too far away to walk to.
    • Some campus computers have many restrictions.
    • Printing capabilities are limited with notebooks
    • Printing
    • not enough computers
    • It depends. Having to carry my laptop around if I'm out all day long is a hassle and the battery dies anyway so there's no point. Sometimes though the lab is really crowded and so it's easier to just have my own computer.
    • if i just want to play around on a break...then it's better. plus you can print more easily and always have internet access in a computer lab
    • I use labs for windows software
    • I use campus computer rooms to print lectures
    • I need everything on my computer, but sometimes I print from the computer rooms.
    • I always have a place to use my laptop in my lab, but I'd rather not haul it back and forth to/from home. But sometimes there's a wait to use campus computer rooms.
    • depends where and when because of crowding.
    • depends on the application required, if its just printing it maybe easier to just use the campus computer. However, for work that require microsoft applications such as word or excel using one's own laptop might be more convenient.
    • depending on how much time i have.
    • Computer rooms are mostly packed. It's more convenient for me to use my own laptop. But if there are bigger computer labs available, then I would rather use computers in a lab.
  • For "Disagree"
    • Too crowded.
    • There are many others in there.
    • not convenient to my office
    • My laptop can go anywhere I go
    • long lines
    • lines are too long
    • It is more convenient to use my laptop than to use the campus computer rooms because I don't have to stand in line to wait for a computer nor do I have to worry about time limit.
    • It is difficult to find campus computer rooms because there are few signs posted for them.
    • I'm almost always within a few yards of strong wireless connection anywhere on campus, and my laptop has all of my preferred software and settings.
    • i trust mine more.
    • I can use my laptop just about anywhere. I don't even know where campus computer rooms are, what their hours are, etc.
    • I can not take the computers with me, there are not always empty seats and sometimes I would like to sit and drink coffee while working
    • Computers are always occupied by other students.
    • Becuase of the noise and distratction, as well as waiting for a long term station.
    • Because I only use my laptop for taking notes.
  • For "Strongly disagree"
    • You have to wait in line, have limited time on the computer, have to email work to yourself, etc.
    • Too long of lines in computer rooms
    • The only thing I do is print in computer rooms since they are usually pretty full. I usually have to walk pretty far just to get to one. But I guess now you can print wirelessly to a severly limited number of computer rooms so once I get going with that I may not visit the computer rooms anymore.
    • Of course not. The laptop is portable, already has all my files on it, and does not have strange restrictions on the internet usage (and no, I am not referring to pornography).
    • No lines for my laptop. Although I use campus computers to print.
    • My laptop has everything i need and its easier since i can easily save my work.
    • I like my laptop, and I am already acustomed to my own things, instead of trying to remember all I need to do to access things in the computer rooms
    • I always prefer using my laptop to other computers.
    • Having to find campus computers that aren't being used.
    • During finals week, I prefer to use my laptop rather than wait in line at the computer labs
    • computer rooms are too crowded, if I need to type something up, I use my laptop or my Desktop PC
    • Campus computer rooms are always crowded with long waits
    • again it is convenient

I would like to use my notebook computer on campus more often.

  Number   Percentage
Strongly agree 33 18.9%
Agree 55 31.4%
Neutral 54 30.9%
Disagree 15 8.6%
Strongly disagree 4 2.3%
No answer 14 8.0%

I would use my notebook computer on campus more if...

  • wireless was available in all locations.
  • wireless is everywhere on campus, even outside the building or lecture halls.
  • wireless internet in more lecture rooms
  • Wireless connect is better.
  • wireles internet connection has more coverage area, and more available power outlets.
  • There were no computer rooms
  • There were more wireless printers and better wireless.
  • There were more wireless locations (3 responses)
  • there were more wireless areas and plugs to plug in my laptop.
  • there were more rooms reserved solely for laptop use, not just desktop use.
  • There were more power outlets to plug in to charge my laptop.
  • There were more places to use it (outlets) and if I could use it to take notes (this is not possible due to the kind of classes I take.
  • There were more places to sit and work.
  • there were more places to get internet! not just to play around either...it's nice to be able to get online notes during lectures and stuff like that.
  • there were more outlets in the classrooms, I had a second battery, or if my battery lasted longer than 2 hours.
  • there were more outlets are wireless class rooms
  • there were more outlets and the desks were more substancial.
  • There were better wireles coverage.
  • there was wireless everywhere, and if i needed it that often.
  • There was wireless access all throughout campus
  • there was more wireless security.
  • There was more wireless coverage such as in Olson classrooms.
  • there was more wireless access, all over campus. The moobile net doesn't have very strong coverage in my opinion.
  • There was more ubiquitous wireless access.
  • there was more accessible power, it wasn't so heavy, and i felt like i could have more room to use it in lectures without worrying it will break
  • There was better wireless connection in all places on campus.
  • there is stronger sufficient wireless network coverage
  • there are more power outlets and more lounges like king hall and the griffin lounge
  • The wireless internet connection was stronger in a lot more areas.
  • The wireless coverage in the library were better. There are many tables in the library (especially basement, second, and third floors) where the coverage is weak and insufficient.
  • the wireless connection were more reliable throughout the library
  • The were more wireless networks available.
  • the were better wireless connections all over campus
  • The oncampus wireless network weren't backed up.
  • the desks were more secure and larger, my computer was smaller/lighter
  • The desks were larger and it would fit on it.
  • the classrooms/ lecture halls are designed for laptop users. Strong wireless reception.
  • Outlets were more accessible.
  • my notebook were lighter.
  • my laptop wasn't so heavy.
  • my computer was smaller XD
  • My computer was smaller and therefore more portable and the desks in the lecture halls were bigger to fit laptops on.
  • More wireless network coverage were available
  • More wireless coverage in and out of classrooms, and more power outlets.
  • more wireless connections.
  • More power supply on campus and lecture halls
  • more outlets, especially in lecture halls!!!!
  • laptop weighless
  • it worked better, technical issues suck and are expensive.
  • it were not so big and heavy
  • It wasn't 17".
  • It was smaller and less expensive.
  • IT WAS NOT SO HEAVY
  • it was lighter. (2 responses)
  • it was lighter and not so old
  • It was lighter and I didn't live so close to campus. since I live close by I can just go home to work on my computer.
  • it was lighter and had an internal wireless card
  • Internet was more widely available.
  • if only my laptop wasn't so big and so heavy.
  • If my notebook were lighter, and if I had fewer textbooks to carry around
  • If I felt safer biking with it and leaving it overnight in my lab, and if my computer had a wireless card.
  • I wish that there were more computers available for graduate students. I would prefer to leave my laptop at home.
  • I wasn't worried about theft, and if there were more power outlets to plug my computer into.
  • I wasn't so worried about it getting stolen.
  • I was on campus more, without being in class.
  • I use to adequate amount at this point.
  • I use it whenever I need it already. If I use it any more, I'd be a cyborg
  • I spent more time on campus.
  • I needed to
  • I needed it to take notes in class more often.
  • i need.
  • i need to register classes
  • I knew I could print easily, find a place to sit, find a power cord. Also - if I didn't have a power cord, maybe a place to borrow one? The way that the Bike Barn lets students borrow tools! It would be less to carry around for me.
  • I had wireless access at work (in the South Hall basement and the Unitrans bus garage.)
  • i had wireless
  • I had wifi
  • I had to.
  • I had inet access in briggs and olson. it is really weak when i have tried
  • I had better wireless access and printing options.
  • I had a smaller computer
  • I had a small, light one
  • I got wireless at more places. It is quite frustrating that there are certain places in the library where I cannot get wireless access.
  • I got a carrying case to keep it safer.
  • i don't think i care to use my computer at school. there are ample labs on campus.
  • I don't know.
  • I could print from it
  • I could keep it charged easily during my lectures
  • I could get access anywhere on campus.
  • I could buy a better cover so that my notebook is not damaged in my backpack and if there were a place where I can store it for the day when I am not using it
  • I could access notes from MyUCDavis from my lecture halls.
  • I could access moobilnet everywhere/outside of my classes when I have an hour break
  • I already use my laptop pretty much all the time.
  • I already use my laptop just about as much as I possibly could. Any more and I'd have to be using while moving from one building to another.
  • I actually needed it to study or to do something for class
  • haring 2205 had wireless, along with all of the other lecture halls, & if I had an ultraportable
  • campus was a more comfortable and convenient place for me to work
  • Broader wireless area, more power outlets
  • better internet coverage...even in the library!
  • As above stated, it's not an issue for me, but I would still appreciate the freedom to do so if truly needed (such as signing up for classes on campus via laptop because of inconvenient pass time).
  • all the software I needed ran on OS X
     

Question 5. Indicate how often you print from your notebook computer at home and in the campus computer rooms.

I print at home.

  Number   Percentage
Daily 30 17.1%
Few times/wk 50 28.6%
Weekly 25 14.3%
Rarely 44 25.1%
Never 19 10.9%
No answer 7 4.0%

I print in the computer rooms by transferring files from my notebook computer.

  Number   Percentage
Daily 10 5.7%
Few times/wk 52 29.7%
Weekly 34 19.4%
Rarely 48 27.4%
Never 24 13.7%
No answer 7 4.0%

I print in the computer rooms using the Wireless Printing service.

  Number   Percentage
Daily 1 0.6%
Few times/wk 6 3.4%
Weekly 3 1.7%
Rarely 23 13.1%
Never 132 75.4%
No answer 10 5.7%

Question 6.  In question 5, if you answered that you transfer your work from your notebook computer to a campus computer, what transfer medium do you use?

  Number   Percentage
Floppy disk 0 0%
Zip disk 1 0.6%
mySpace (in myUCDavis) 18 10.3%
CD-RW 0 0%
USB flash drive 61 34.9%
Email file to myself 59 33.7%
FTP 1 0.6%
Other 0 0%
No answer 35 20.0%

Question 7. What type of printer do you own?

  Number   Percentage
None 23 13.1%
Ink Jet 116 66.3%
Laser 23 13.1%
Other 5 2.9%
No answer 8 4.6%

Question 8. Have you used the campus Wireless Printing service?

  Number   Percentage
Yes 15 8.6%
No 108 61.7%
Didn't know it  existed 44 25.1%
No answer 8 4.6%

Question 8A. If so, please rate the following:

The one-time setup was easy. (Percentages are of the 17 students who responded to this question)

  Number   Percentage
Strongly agree 2 11.8%
Agree 5 29.4%
Neutral 6 35.3%
Disagree 2 11.8%
Strongly disagree 2 11.8%

How often have you had problems when using the Wireless Printing service? (Percentages are of the 17 students who responded to this question)

  Number   Percentage
Never 8 44.4%
Once or twice 4 22.2%
A few times 3 16.7%
Many times 2 11.1%
Almost always 1 5.6%

Explanations given:

  • because I have never known about the Wireless Printing service
  • I have only used it once and it worked fine.
  • I only tried once, but I couldn't do it.
  • I spent about 1 hour trying to set up the wireless printing. Since there was no wireless service in the computer room in the MU, the staff was unable to assist me. I had to run in and out of the MU computer room trying to get assistance, but at the end of the hour I ended up emailing the paper to myself, and printing it out through the computers in the MU computer room
  • I used this service twice when it just started, after finishing the setting, I still can't get my paper printed. Either because the program has something to do with not supporting the Mac or either the paper get printed in a different computer lab than the one that is actually near me. Maybe it just never get printed.
  • Somehow very confusing to choose the printing options.
  • I would send the assignment to the printer but it wouldn't show up on their screen to release the job. AFter sending it twice, it finally worked.
  • It didn't go through
  • Ive used it to print documents that Ive forgotten to print back in the dorms

Wireless Printing is a valuable service. (Percentages are of the 17 students who responded to this question)

  Number   Percentage
Strongly agree 11 64.7%
Agree 5 29.4%
Neutral 1 5.9%
Disagree 0 0%
Strongly disagree 0 0%

Question Do you have other suggestions or comments regarding notebook computer use on campus or the Wireless Printing service?

  • Better wireless coverage is needed in the Lecture halls in YOUNG, and ART
  • have a link on ucdavis webpage so i don't have to be next to a sign to see the web link to go to!
  • I do love having this service even though it keeps failing on me. I might try it again sometimes if the assistant is available. I am not sure if the problem is already solved for Mac or not, if not, it will be great if this service is also Mac friendly. It will also be great once the user is able to choose the location for the paper to be printed, if this option is already existed, then great! Thanks for the survey.
  • I know that this won't change because of economic reasons, but I wish we could print more pages on campus per quarter. I am in a language class and I cannot always utilize the llc because of in class work, so now i am over my limit for this quarter.
  • I think students should try to buy lighter notebooks, I also think that more lecture notes should be posted online and that electronic textbooks should be popularized. I think wireless printing is a great idea, but haven't gotten around to using it as much yet.
  • I think that the support for wireless networking is great but I would probably not use wireless printing over the network printer in my lab via moobile
  • I think wireless on campus is pretty accessible from the few times I have used it. If I had more work that absolutely needed to be done on the computer, I would probably bring my laptop, but that really isn't the case. I'm over all satisfied with computer and wireless availability on campus.
  • I wish there were more places to plug my laptop in. I'm there all day, and my battery only last for up to 3 hours.
  • I would like to know more about the Wireless Printing service and how to use it.
  • I would like to see improvement in the wireless coverage on campus (especially at the library). Thanks.
  • Inform people about it and make it easy to use
  • It seems like wireless access is only available in high-traffic areas such as the CoHo and Wellman. It would be nice to have access in other areas of campus, such as Walker Hall and South Hall. It's nice when in my class to be able to work on my own machine and having wireless access removes the need for me to take up an extra computer station to do research. So basically, it would be nice if ALL buildings had wireless access.
  • it sounds awesome, I just haven't tried it yet
  • It would be nice to extend the amount of pages we can print back to 100 per a quarter rather than 60 pages only.
  • It's absurd that my department (Animal Science) will not support Apple computers. The network manager's unfamiliarity with Macs is not a valid excuse.
  • Keep black and white printers as the deafult, but give the option to print from color printers. I often have to print Excel charts in my reports and the are next to impossable to read if they are in black and white.
  • More access to both.
  • More outlets in the southern seating area of the Coffee House would be nice.
  • more wireless printing spots so I don't have to trudge all the way to hart hall.
  • not at this time, but i appreciate the services that are offered. =)
  • Notebooks are heavy and the power cords that go with them make the load even heavier. You should have a place where students could borrow power cords by leaving their student ID. The Bike Barn lets students borrow tools! I realize that it might be difficult to get the right combination of power cords, but it would be nice.
  • Offer more free sheets of paper per quarter; 90 sheets isn't enough. Have wireless internet signal on the lower level of the Shields Library. There is not a signal at the tables at the back of the bathrooms.
  • the wireless cover in school is not enough. Some of the classroom like young hall, Cruess Hall, etc. don't have wireless cover.
  • There should be someone (once or twice weekly for a couple of hours) who's job it is to assist people in setting up wireless printing on their laptops.
  • Wireless internet should be avail in all classrooms. MU computer lab is overcrowded
  • Wireless service on the Quad and on the upper floors of Shields Library is very intermittent. On the Quad, I have to be near the Coffee House to connect and then move farther away. Once connected, I can hold a signal from the opposite side of the Quad, but it has a hard time initially connecting from there.

 

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