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Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Goucher require students to have a computer?
- Should I bring a laptop or desktop?
- Does Goucher have a purchase program for computers?
- How does the cost of the recommended laptops compare to prices of other laptops? Why shouldn’t I buy a cheaper laptop?
- When should I purchase the laptop?
- Does any software come preloaded on my laptop?
- Will I be able to upgrade the recommended model?
- Are there any options I should consider purchasing with the laptop?
- Will Apple, Lenovo or Dell drop these prices over time?
- What kind of support is offered for my laptop purchased through the program?
- What if I need technical support before arriving on campus or during the summer?
- Does the laptop warranty on my laptop cover the screen if it breaks or cracks?
- Is financing available?
- How do I place an order?
- Do you pay sales tax when purchasing your laptop over the Internet?
- I am an international student, how do I go about purchasing a laptop from the program?
- I tried to purchase the Complete Care coverage, but they said I couldn’t because I am a Florida resident, how do I obtain that coverage?
Does Goucher require students to have a computer?
No. But the College does strongly recommend it. Personal computers are important tools in education - valuable for accessing and managing information resources in all disciplines, and an effective means for communication between students and faculty.
Should I bring a laptop or desktop?
The College is recommending (not requiring) that students bring a laptop to campus. Their versatility enables them to be used in many types of situations: residence hall rooms, classrooms, labs, meetings, study rooms, the campus dining hall. Wireless laptops can be used in the library and other academic buildings for research and assignments. Laptops also take up less space in residence halls where space is limited.
Does Goucher have a purchase program for computers?
Yes. The College has selected specific Apple, Lenovo, and Dell laptop models that we recommend for students. Apple, Lenovo, and Dell have provided special discounted pricing on these laptops for students only. Goucher receives nothing from this promotion, except the advantages inherent in having the same model being used by many students, making support for these students easier and more consistent. Apple, Lenovo, and Dell will be giving Goucher several laptops that will be used as loaners while repairs are being made to computers from the laptop purchase program. These laptops can be purchased online beginning June 2008.
The recommended laptop model is not the cheapest laptop that you can find to purchase. In selecting a laptop to recommend to students we considered the following factors to be important:
- A name-brand product of recognized quality backed by a company that will be around in the future to provide continuing service
- A model with components based on industry standards to avoid problems with substandard parts
- Comprehensive warranty and service program
- You will have access to "Institutional" customer support instead of regular consumer support
- A workable purchase and delivery process
- Features that extend the functionality of the laptop so it will be useful to students during their years at college. These features include a fast processor, more than adequate memory, large hard drive, re-writable CD or other removable media device, and wireless connectivity. Professional level software is also important, including the Macintosh OS X 10.5 and Windows Vista Ultimate operating systems, Microsoft Office Professional, and an enterprise level anti-virus software.
The laptops recommended this year meet these requirements. The price in dollars is not the cheapest but we think the cost for the laptops and features is a very good value. When comparing different laptops, it is important to make sure the comparisons are equivalent and include costs for all features, add-ons and services. The Apple, Lenovo, and Dell models are specially priced only for education customers and additionally they will be delivered ready to use on Goucher’s network. By selecting a laptop model configured to meet the College guidelines and negotiating the unit price with our partners, it is possible for students and their parents to receive a significant discount off the retail price.
When should I purchase the laptop?
The laptops are available to be purchased beginning June 2008. Apple, Lenovo, and Dell will also a table setup at June Orientation where students will be able to ask any questions and order their laptop. To place your order for one of the recommended laptops please click here.
Does any software come preloaded on my laptop?
Goucher College has worked closely with Lenovo and Dell Computers to make sure that all of the software that you will need are on the computer’s hard drive when it arrives at your door. This is a process that allows you to easily connect to the Goucher’s network and it reduces the time it will take to get started using you computer. In addition, your laptop will come with all of the software provided under the College’s Microsoft Campus Agreement. This software will include, but is not limited to, Microsoft Office 2007, McAfee VirusScan, and Anti-Spyware software.
The Apple computers are not preloaded with any Goucher specific software, however, Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac and McAfee VirusScan for Mac are readily available via CD or download at not additional cost from the Help Desk.
Will I be able to upgrade the recommended models?
Absolutely! When ordering, items such as the hard drive, memory (RAM), CPU, CD/DVD drive, and warranty will be upgradeable at an additional cost.
Are there any options I should consider purchasing with the laptop?
Some items that you may want to consider to enhance your laptop experience include a bag for the laptop, USB memory key, external hard drive, external mouse, surge protector, spare battery, and a printer. None of these are required, but they may facilitate transporting and using the laptop. This is based upon personal preference, so it is completely up to you.
When purchasing an Apple computer, it is highly recommended that Safeware Insurance for Laptops is purchased to cover any accidental damage.
The Apple, Lenovo, and Dell models include Computrace LoJack for Laptops and a Kensington MicroSaver Lock, so these do not need to be purchased seperately. Additionally, you do not need to buy Microsoft Office or antivirus software since these are provided by the college.
Will Apple, Lenovo, or Dell drop these prices over time?
We offer fixed prices that are aggressively priced by Apple, Lenovo, and Dell for these systems. The price is based on quantity and takes into account that customers will be buying them between May and early fall for back-to-school. The prices will not drop but the technology will be updated to provide high-end technology at a great price.
What kind of support is offered for my laptop purchased through the program?
The Goucher College Information Technology Help Desk will offer full software support for all laptop program machines. The Help Desk will also serve as a central drop off location for any and all hardware problems that are encountered. The student will first be able to work with Apple, Lenovo, or Dell customer care to diagnose any problems. Once the problem is diagnosed, the student may drop the laptop off at the Goucher IT Help Desk.
For Apple computers, the Help Desk will stock prepaid shipping boxes to mail damaged laptops to Apple for repair. Additionally, Apple computers can be dropped off at the Apple store in the Towson Town Center for repair.
For Lenovo and Dell computers, a technician will come on-site to perform the necessary repair(s). If needed, the student will also have the option to have the technician come to their dorm room, or even their home while on break.
Under all programs, loaner laptops will be available while student are on-campus and waiting on repairs.
What if I need technical support before arriving on campus or during the summer?
You are covered by your warranty at home as well as when you are on campus.
Please call Apple technical support at 1-800-275-2273.
Please call Lenovo technical support at 1-800-426-7378.
Please call Dell Technical Support at 1-800-695-8133 Ext 72-67405. If necessary, they will visit you at your home while on break as well!
Does the warranty on my laptop cover the screen if it breaks or cracks?
The base AppleCare Protection Plan does not cover accidental damage, however, Goucher and Apple recommend purchasing an insurance program from Safeware to cover these types of incidents. Please visit Safeware's web site to purchase a policy. We suggest purchasing an amount equal to the cost of your laptop. While Safeware will issue you a quote based on your state of residence, we expext the cost to be less then $200.
The Lenovo and Dell laptop program purchase includes an accidental damage warranty. This warranty covers many things that are not covered in the standard warranty, such as a cracked or broken screen and spilling liquids on the keyboard. This is a great warranty that makes the laptop program even more desirable, especially in a college environment. The base warranty is for 3 years from date of purchase, but is upgradeable to 4 years to cover your entire career here at Goucher.
Yes, finance plans are available through Apple and Dell. To learn more about the plans and rates available contact the appropriate vendor.
Apple offers financing to qualified buyers through the Juniper Visa Card online or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE.
Lenovo offers a Bill Me Later financing option. Details can be found here.
Dell Financing can be reached at 1-888-973-3355.
Apple orders may be placed online at Goucher's Online Apple Store.
Lenovo order may be placed online at https://www.directlenovo.com/customer/login.cfm#new_user
Dell orders may be placed online at http://www.dell.com/goucher or by telephone at 1-888-893-1740.
Do you pay sales tax when purchasing your laptop over the Internet?
Yes, the customer pays sales tax. The tax rate is for the state/address to which the laptop is being shipped.
I am an international student, how do I go about purchasing a laptop from the program?
TBD
By Florida state law, residents of the state can not purchase the Dell Complete Care warranty. This means that a Florida resident can purchase a warranty; however, they can not purchase the Complete Care warranty. If the student can have the laptop shipped to a different address outside the state, they will be able to purchase the Complete Care warranty.
Goucher recommends that Florida reseidents purchase Safeware Laptop Insurance for their Dell and Apple laptops.