Question with computer for grad school

[dukebound85]

I have accepted a GRA for grad school. I was talking to my advisor about the program and along the way says I will be getting a new mbp as part of grad school and gave me the choice of a 15 or 17 inch once school starts this august. I said I have no idea which one yet lol

I was totally not expecting this as my undergrad experience relied on personal and lab computers to do work but here I am getting a new computer and my own office, with a window to boot! Totally shocked. This is better than my "real" job that I just left where I was a cubicle person with no equipment.

However, is this kind of common? Do I keep it aka mine? or after I am done with the masters (in ~2 years) do I give it back? I didn't want to ask as it would appear tasteless but figure some may have been in a similar situation so what are your experiences? I know time will tell but just really baffled at it

Now I just need to figure out what to do with this mb I bought a month ago...

 

[SpaceKitty]

The computer should be yours to keep after your completion. Are you at CSU?

 

[dukebound85]

The computer should be yours to keep after your completion. Are you at CSU?

Yep I am. So it's most likely part of the stipend they give me. If so, that is quite cool and very unexpected

 

[SpaceKitty]

So it's most likely part of the stipend they give me. If so, that is quite cool and very unexpected

Correct. Enjoy it!

 

[yayitsezekiel]

sell the mb and get an iPad or a bunch of In n Out hahhahaa

 

[Jaro65]

They treat you nice there. Good for you. No such offers from my university.

 

[Surely]

You should get clarification from your advisor.

My brother was "given" a 17" Powerbook when he was in grad school (full scholarship PhD) at CMU, and he had to give it back when he graduated.

 

[dukebound85]

Correct. Enjoy it!

I hope so!

You should get clarification from your advisor.

My brother was "given" a 17" Powerbook when he was in grad school (full scholarship PhD) at CMU, and he had to give it back when he graduated.

Hmm, I hope that isn't the case. Makes me wonder why they are giving me a new one vs one that was turned in by a graduating student

 

[Surely]

My brother was given a brand new one as well.

 

[dukebound85]

My brother was given a brand new one as well.

Hmm well I will just play it by ear I suppose. No big deal either way lol

 

[Surely]

Hmm well I will just play it by ear I suppose. No big deal either way lol

True, and it really doesn't hurt to ask now. I would just say something like: "Hey I wasn't sure how this works..... Is the MBP a loaner as part of the program, or is it mine to keep?

I think it's better that you didn't ask right off the bat. It's almost like asking about vacation time at a job interview.

 

[puma1552]

Ask what the specs are and if it's yours to keep ask if you can do a paid upgrade and max her out

 

[dukebound85]

Well I did not ask for specifics as you all mentioned but I did contact my advisor about the upcoming semester and he mentioned that I will have my office and computer all set to go once I arrive, which is cool

I have no idea what the computer is besides it being a mbp lol

I hate shifting the convo focus to the computer as opposed to the research but dagnabit I am curious!

I would like to know if I can upgrade it/ is it mine? If it is, I would love to just donate my current laptop to my mom as she would love a computer

Guess I will find out soon enough as I hate questioning a "gift horse" in the mouth in a sense and rather just be greatful