Q: I have, or just bought a MacBook or MacBook Pro notebook that is configured the same as what Case requires. Do I still have to buy one from Case?
A: All students will be required to purchase and use one of the five models offered through Case. The primary reasons are the high level of technical support provided to students and ensuring that the warranty covers as long of a period as possible. Some of the newer MacBook and MacBook Pro models are acceptable. However, incoming students should upgrade their memory and warranty to our specifications and purchase Windows XP Pro (or we'll order it for you). We also request that you ship your Mac to us at least two weeks before the start of school, so that we can set it up for use her at Case. If this presents an onerous burden, please contact David Pilasky, Director of Administrative Computing
Q: I have, or just bought a Windows notebook that is configured the same as or better than what Case requires. I'm willing to assume full responsibility for it. Do I still have to buy one from Case?
A:All students will be required to purchase and use one of the five models offered through Case. The primary reasons are the high level of technical support provided to students and ensuring that the warranty covers as long of a period as possible. Only very recent Dell Latitude laptops will be allowed, and those will need to be upgraded to meet the necessary specifications.
Q: If I receive permission to bring my own laptop, do I still have to attend one of the Computer Orientation sessions?
A: Yes. During the orientation sessions, we will tech you how to connect and login to the Case network, set you up for printing, show you some of the resources available and talk to you about the proper care and feeding of your laptop.
Q: Can I order one of these notebooks but with different hardware (e.g. bigger hard drive, better video, larger screen, etc.)? Can I get a black Mac instead of the white one?
A: No, the models that we have pre-configured for you were selected to get the best quality notebook at the best possible price using Case's campus agreement with these vendors and an additional quantity discount.
Q: I can buy a Dell/Mac through my school or some other website for less than the price Case has listed on the website. Can I buy this one instead?
A: First off, make sure that you are comparing the same specifications. I compared a website that a prospective student sent to me. On the Dell D630, by the time I was done the exact same laptop was just over $2,000 compared to the one we offer for $1,324. The biggest difference is the warranty which adds almost a couple hundred to our price and probably isn't included in your price. But, IF you can find a better price for the same computer, go for it. As long as it is the same hardware, we'll be able to provide full support for it.
Q: What about the 3 year warranty for Apple vs the 4 year warranty for Dell?
A: Dell's 4 year Complete Care warranty is definitely better, as it will cover all hardware repairs for your notebook for 4 years. Because we order in May, your warranty will expire in May during your fourth year. Apple says that their warranty for the fourth year is too expensive and not worth it. As a result, students who purchase Macs will have to pay out of pocket for any hardware repairs after the warranty runs out. Dell provides a Complete Care warranty. This means that if you accidently drop your notebook and break something like the LCD screen, the Complete Care warranty will cover it. Apple makes the determination between accidental and a design/manufacture damage/flaw. If you accidently drop your Apple notebook and break the screen or some other part, Apple will repair/replace it, but at your cost (more than $700). ANYTHING that breaks on a Dell will be replaced at no charge. The same CAN NOT be said for Macs!!
Q: How are the notebooks repaired?
A: Students can take their notebooks to our technical staff in room E-318 for all hardware and software repairs or any time they have a question about their notebooks. Our technicians are Dell certified and can perform all hardware repairs covered under the warranty at no cost to students. Replacement parts are usually recieved next day. Our technicians are NOT Apple hardware certified due to onerous requirements by Apple. As a result, all hardware repairs covered under warranty require that we take the student's notebook to the Apple store at Legacy Village for repair. These repairs generally take at least one week or more. Students are provided a loaner notebook (Dell, Windows) while their notebooks are being repaired. There are other certified Apple repair centers available that may be able to provide repairs not covered by Apple's waranty (cracked or cloudy screen, broken hinge, etc.). These repair centers will make the repairs at the student's expense. As such, students will have to make their own arrangements to contact and work with these vendors.
Q: How do I pay for my notebook computer?
A: You will see a separate line item on your tuition bill for the cost of the computer. Whatever Case pays, is what you will be charged. Case will not markup the cost of the notebooks.
Q: When can I pick up my notebook?
A: Students MUST attend one of 6 Computer Pickup & Registration sessions. Students will need their notebooks set up and ready to go by the start of classes. During these sessions, our staff will walk students through the process of customizing their notebooks, logging on to the Case network and numerous other prodecural steps and informational items. The session will last about 3 hours. The schedule is as follows
Monday
July 7 |
Tuesday
July 8 |
Wednesday
July 9 |
Thursday
July 10
|
| 10am - 1pm |
10am - 1pm |
10am - 1pm |
6:30am - 8:30am
You will miss the
continental breakfast |
| 2pm - 5pm |
|
2pm - 5pm |
|
We will provide a website to sign up for one of these sessions in June.
Q: Which notebook is recommended?
A: In order of preference, we recommend the following:
Dell Latitude D630
Dell Latitude D830
Apple MacBook
Apple MacBook Pro
Dell Latitude XT
Dell has the absolute best warranty. Pretty much no matter what breaks, Dell will replace it at no cost. Dell covers accidental damage. Apple’s warranty only covers manufacturer’s defects and those may be difficult to prove. Apple does not cover accidental damage. We can repair Dell laptops in-house. Replacement parts are usually received the next day. Macs have to be taken to the Apple Store at Legacy Village for hardware repairs. Some repairs can be done within a couple of days, and other repairs can take a week when your laptop is shipped to California for repairs.
The differences between the D630 and D830 are the same as between the MacBook and MacBook Pro. Those differences are size, weight, screen size, memory, and hard drive space. The smaller laptops seem to be the most durable. We do not recommend the Dell latitude XT, EXCEPT for those students who absolutely have to have a TabletPC. The XT is Dell’s first Tablet. It is underpowered and way too expensive.
Last Updated: May 9, 2008
For questions, please contact David Pilasky, Director of Administrative Computing via email: CaseMEDhelp@case.edu |
