Laptop Program FAQ

 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, and we ask all students to choose one of these options and purchase it before the start of classes.

 

Who is required to purchase a 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, due to standardization, the University is able to provide enhanced support; loaner systems; on-site repair; as well as pass along any cost savings achieved through our vendor negotiations.

 

Will I use my laptop computer in every class?

Not necessarily.  The frequency of required use will depend upon your individual instructors.  However, you may find yourself carrying your laptop to class every day to take notes, check email between classes . . . . . .

 

What is the benefit of buying my laptop through the laptop initiative?

You will receive a laptop configured to work in the DePauw environment and preinstalled with the software that is being used at DePauw.  In addition, you receive free software upgrades, have access to certified repair technicians at our help desk and have access to a pool of loaner laptops should your system be under repair.

 

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?

Hardware from other vendors, and different models from our vendors, may be compatible in our environment.  However, students who do not participate in the laptop program assume responsibility for purchasing their own software; arranging for their own support and repair services; and will need to make provisions for upgrades and curricular software.  As a result, these students may face hurdles using these computers during their DePauw career.

 

Note:  The Windows software bundle (for the Dell and HP systems) is not available for purchase on campus.  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 and HP Tablet Computer? 

You will buy this directly from the vendor, but you access their on-line store via the DePauw website.  Go to the DePauw laptop website (www.depauw.edu/laptop). 

The DePauw program laptop is a specific model and configuration that is not available via any other Dell or HP website or portal.

Where do I buy the required Apple Laptop Computer? 

By purchasing your MacBook Pro via the DePauw laptop website, you will be certain of getting the correct model and configuration, as well as the best possible price.  However, since the Apple products do not have a pre-installed software bundle, and the required AppleCare warranty upgrade is available as a standard option, the same bundle could be purchased at an Apple retail store.

 

Which models of Dell and Apple laptops are available through the laptop program? 

Dell Latitude E6400

Hewlett Packard 2730p Tablet PC

Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch and MacBook Pro 15-inch

 

Can I order one of the specified laptops with different features? 

Many upgrades for our models, for example memory and hard drive size, are available via the vendor website.  For the Dell and HP models, some upgrades are not available as they impact the software image installed at the factory.

 

When should I purchase the required laptop computer through the program? 

We ask that students have the computers in hand when classes begin.  A good rule of thumb is to place an order by August 1.

 

What is included in the DePauw software bundle?

Dell and HP (pre-installed and included in price of laptop)

Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007 (includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, OneNote and Publisher); Symantec Antivirus; DyKnow Interactive Classroom software, PDF Annotator (Tablet PC only), and other networking and utility software. 

 

Apple MacBooks (not pre-installed, required purchase of $225)

This software must be purchased from the Help Desk in the Student Union Building after arrival on campus.

Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac (includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Symantec Antivirus; and other networking and utility software.   This fee also provides access to the laptop repair services and loaner units via the help desk.

 

Can I purchase this software independently?

The software is commercially available.  However, it is relatively expensive software and you would not receive the automatic updates that the University provides.

 

How is payment made, and are financing options available? 

Payment is made directly to the vendor, 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.  If this is an option you wish to pursue, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@depauw.edu or 765-658-4030.

 

Do the laptops come complete and ready to use? 

The Dell and HP models come with all software pre-installed, configured for the DePauw environment, and ready to use.  Apple does not do pre-installation / customization, so the student will need to purchase and install the DePauw software bundle once they arrive on campus.

 

Does my new laptop come with a carrying case? 

No.  We do recommend that students use some type of padded carrying case for their laptop.  We have found however, that most students have very specific preferences on the type of case they will use, so we leave this purchase to their discretion.

 

Do I need a personal printer with my laptop? 

Only for convenience.  Students can setup their laptop to 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? 

You cannot be guaranteed that your computer will be safe!  DePauw is a safe campus, but we are not immune to cases of theft.  The biggest target seems to be 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 Hewlett Packard bundles include a three year on-site warranty, and three year’s of CompleteCare.  This is a comprehensive repair and replacement service for laptops, covering accidental damage such as keyboard spills, dropping the laptop, etc.

Apple

The Apple bundles include the Apple Care Protection Plan.  This is an option that extends Apple’s basic warranty coverage to a total of 3-years and includes 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 help desk in the Student Union Building.
  • 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 will have their laptop delivered to their home.  However, laptops can be delivered to the DePauw student mailroom beginning August 7, 2009.

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 Mike Moore in the Information Services Department at DePauw.  He coordinates the DePauw laptop program and can be contacted at: 

Phone 765-658-4296

Email:  mikemoore@depauw.edu