About having laptops at OBLC...
I recommend bringing one. And if you can, bring a travel printer. You have to do a couple of homework assignments. There is a computer lab and a library in the AMEDD building but the hours aren't the friendliest. Several people simply used the computer lab and it worked for them, though.
Also, you should try to get some sort of leadership position. It shows up on your 1059 and it's always nice to have extra bells and whistles in your file. Having a computer and a printer makes that leadership role so much easier!
My platoon communicated a lot via email, a facebook group, and cellphone text messaging... I think having access to those things in your room makes it easier to stay connected.
Also you're going to take thousands of photos just like the rest of the 500 people there. Everyone is going to load countless pictures on facebook and tag people all night. hahaha, as the vain self-absorbed person that I am, I always like to IMMEDIATELY check any photos that I've been tagged in! My roomie and I joked that we'd wake up at 3am just so we could check facebook as we ate our breakfast. Good times!
Plus you'll want to email those pictures home to your friends and family...
If you're in San Antonio for 6 weeks (45 days), you'll spend at least 12days in the field. So nearly 1/3 of the time you won't have your computer anyhow. It will be locked your dorm room.
In summary, you're not going to die if you don't have a computer at OBLC but if you can, then you should try to take it.
