Frequently Asked Questions
What does the laptop "requirement" mean?
Who is required to purchase a DePauw Program Laptop?
Why is there a laptop requirement for incoming freshmen?
Will I use my laptop computer in every class?
What is the benefit of buying my laptop through the DePauw Laptop Program?
Where do I buy the required Dell Laptop and HP Tablet Computer?
Where do I buy the required Apple Laptop Computer?
Which models of Dell and Apple laptops are available through the laptop program?
Can I order one of the specified laptops with different features?
When should I purchase the required laptop computer through the program?
What is included in the DePauw Software & Service Bundle?
Can I purchase the required software independently?
How do I pay for my required laptop and are financing options available?
Can I apply for additional financial aid to cover the cost of my computer?
Does my new laptop come with a carrying case?
Do I need a personal printer with my laptop?
How can I be sure my computer will be safe on-campus?
What is covered under the warranty and for how long?
Where should I have my laptop delivered?
If I have trouble ordering my laptop or have questions, what should I do?
What does the laptop "requirement" mean?
All DePauw students are required to purchase a laptop computer and a designated software bundle. The University has arranged for three vendors to offer laptops through the DePauw website. All students should choose from one of these options and purchase their computer before the beginning of classes.
Who is required to purchase a DePauw Program Laptop?
All students entering the University are required to purchase a program laptop.
Why is there a laptop requirement for incoming freshmen?
The major advantage is that students will have access to the same technology as their instructors. Instructors will utilize this technology as they produce new course material and plan their course activities. In addition, standardization enables the University to provide enhanced support, loaner laptops, and on-site repair as well as pass along any cost savings negotiated with our vendors.
Will I use my laptop computer in every class?
Not necessarily. The frequency of required use will depend upon individual instructors. However, you may find yourself carrying your laptop to class every day to take notes and check email between classes.
What is the benefit of buying my laptop through the DePauw Laptop Program?
When you purchase one of the program laptops and the Software & Service Bundle, you receive the software you need that works in the DePauw environment, free software upgrades, access to certified repair technicians on-campus at our HelpDesk, and access to a pool of loaner laptops.
What if I already have a laptop that is fairly new and I want to bring it to campus to use instead of the DePauw Program Laptop?
Many newer laptops will certainly be compatible and work fine in our environment. The primary disadvantage in bringing your own laptop is that we are unlikely to be able to offer you repair services (we cannot repair everything) nor can we guarantee the software we offer will be compatible with all computers. In other words, students who bring their “own computer” may face some hurdles using these computers during their DePauw career. Students who elect to bring their own laptop will still be required to purchase the Software & Service Bundle from DePauw.
Note: Loaner systems and repair services are not available for non-program laptops. Curricular software available on-campus for program laptops may not be available for non-program laptops.
Where do I buy the required Dell Laptop or HP Tablet computer?
The DePauw program laptop is a specific model and configuration that is only available directly from the vendor at the DePauw Laptop Program Online Store.
Where do I buy the required Apple Laptop Computer?
The DePauw program laptop is a specific model and configuration that is only available directly from the vendor at the DePauw Laptop Program Online Store.
Which models of DePauw Program Laptops are available through the laptop program?
Browse to Purchasing Your Laptop for details.
Can I order one of the specified laptops with different features, such as memory or hard drive size?
Yes. You will be given several upgrade options when purchasing your laptop through the DePauw Laptop Program Online Store.
When should I purchase the required laptop computer through the program?
Students should order their laptop by August 1 to have their laptop in hand when classes begin.
What is included in the DePauw software bundle?
Browse to Software & Service Bundle for details.
Can I purchase the required software independently?
Although the software is commercially available, it is more economical to purchase the Software & Service Bundle through DePauw, plus you will receive automatic updates provided by the University, access to the on-campus Laptop Support Center that provides hardware repair services, and the laptop loaner pool. In addition, some curricular software you will need once you are on-campus may not be available if you do not purchase the bundle.
How do I pay for my required laptop and are financing options available?
Payment is made directly to the vendor through the DePauw Laptop Program Online Store, typically using a credit or debit card. Dell and Apple do have financing options, but these are revolving credit lines. Credit approval and interest rates depend on current economic factors. Since this is an educational expense, students may use educational loans to help pay for the laptop.
Can I apply for additional financial aid to cover the cost of my computer?
You can consider using a Parent PLUS Loan or alternative education loan to finance your computer purchase. Contact the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@depauw.edu or (765) 658-4030 for details.
Does my new laptop come with a carrying case?
No. We recommend that students use some type of padded carrying case for their laptop; however, most students have very specific preferences on the type of case they want to use, so we leave this purchase to their discretion.
Do I need a personal printer with my laptop?
Students can print to any of our public printers; however, many students opt for a small desktop printer for their room.
How can I be sure my computer will be safe on campus?
Only you can guarantee that your computer will be safe! DePauw is a safe campus, but we are not immune to cases of theft. The biggest target is unattended property. Our number one recommendation is to take basic precautions with your valuables, such as locking doors when you leave your room and not leaving valuables unattended.
What is covered under the warranty and for how long?
Dell and HP
Our Dell and HP bundles include a three year on-site warranty with three years of CompleteCare. CompleteCare is a comprehensive repair and replacement service for laptops covering accidental damage, such as keyboard spills, dropping the laptop, etc.
Apple
The Apple bundle includes the Apple Care Protection Plan. This is an option that extends Apple’s basic warranty coverage to a total of three years, including telephone technical support and global repair coverage for warranty repairs.
Notes
- All program laptop repairs can be completed by our laptop technicians located at the HelpDesk.
- If a laptop is being used off-campus, such as during an internship, travel abroad, or at home during breaks, the vendor will provide warranty repairs on-site wherever the computer is located.
- Apple’s warranty does not offer accidental damage coverage.
- Theft and loss is not covered under any of our vendor support plans.
Where should I have my laptop delivered?
Most students have their laptop delivered to their home. However, laptops can be delivered to the DePauw student mailroom. Packages should be addressed to the student at their DePauw address:
Student name
UB Box #______
408 S. Locust St.
Greencastle, IN 46135
If I have trouble ordering my laptop or have questions, what should I do?
Call Michael Moore, Manager of Technology Procurement and the Laptop Program Coordinator, at (765) 658-4296 or mikemoore@depauw.edu.