Quinnipiac University Laptop Purchase Program
Updated March 19, 2009:
The 2009-2010 Laptop Purchase Program model is now available. You may purchase it online here, or by calling (877) 594-0026.
View the configuration of the 2009-2010 Dell Latitude E6400.
For questions, e-mail laptop@quinnipiac.edu. If you are not clicking on laptop@quinnipiac.edu to send an e-mail, but copying and pasting the address into an e-mail message, please add "Laptop Purchase Program Question" to the subject line. This will ensure proper routing of your inquiry.
Many undergraduate courses depend upon student use of personal computers both in and out of the classroom. To support technology both in an out of the classroom, Quinnipiac University requires all incoming freshmen and transfer students to participate in the Laptop Purchase Program.
The program laptop, available from Dell, is specifically configured for use at the university, with hardware and software that will meet most course requirements. Computer labs complement the program by satisfying those needs that may not be met by the laptop configuration. The broad range of support services available from Dell and the Computer Help Desk assure a laptop is available for student use when needed.
Please note, the Computer Help Desk only supports laptops purchased through the Laptop Purchase Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
About
Features and Benefits
Ordering
Payment
About
Why is there a laptop requirement?
Technology is a critical component in a growing number of courses at Quinnipiac. Our overall ten year experience with a laptop requirement has proved successful in ensuring students are able to obtain round the clock computing capabilities.
What is the Laptop Purchase Program?
The foundation of the Laptop Purchase Program is the comprehensive technical support available to students who purchase the program laptop. We are confident having the Laptop Purchase Program coupled with the program laptop will give students the best value, technology and service for the entire course of their academic careers.
Why does the Laptop Purchase program require a specific laptop?
Our experience and that of other universities attests to the high value of standardization in terms of the quality of support and the learning experience.We find it in our students' best interest to have them use the same laptop as their peers and administrators.
Why is the program laptop a Dell computer?
Quinnipiac researched offerings from several vendors and concluded that the Dell Latitude offers the best value, technology, service and pricing for our community. Quinnipiac believes that students need to be using a commercial or business grade laptop that stands to last, and be supportable while attending Quinnipiac.
Who must purchase the program laptop?
All freshmen and transfer students are required to purchase a laptop through the Laptop Purchase Program. The program laptop which includes the benefits and features listed below is also available for purchase by any Quinnipiac part-time, full time or graduate student enrolled in a degree program. Faculty and staff are also eligible.
Can I bring another kind of laptop?
Students who do not follow the requirement, and chose to purchase a laptop other than the program laptop will not receive support from the Computer Help Desk in regards to their computer. Building the same laptop through the Dell store to make it comparable to the program model is not acceptable, and will not be supported. Students with non-program laptops will be referred to a local vendor who can provide technical support at an additional cost.
Features and Benefits
What are some of the benefits of the Laptop Purchase Program?
- Program laptops are the only laptops supported by the Computer Help Desk.
- Program laptops are fully configured with pre-loaded software, network configurations and security settings compatible with the university.
- Program laptops come with comprehensive, worldwide Dell Technical phone support 24x7, next business day onsite repair, CompleteCare which covers accidental damage coverage, and Computrace anti-theft tracking software, which offers a money back recovery guarantee in the event your laptop is lost or stolen anywhere in the world.
- On-campus tech support, which includes Computer Help Desk assistance, loaner laptops available to students while their machines are being repaired, and a comprehensive student assistance program (STARs) support seven days a week, with as much as 16 hours a day.
- Faculty are issued program laptops, therefore, students will benefit from using the same computers.
Can I opt-into the program without purchasing the program laptop?
The benefits of the Laptop Purchase Program only apply to the program laptop.
What are some of the features of the current program laptop? (View full list here.)
- Windows Vista Enterprise
- Microsoft Office 2007
- Symantec Endpoint Protection
- 3 years Computrace Anti-theft tracking software
- Wireless Capability
- Fingerprint reader
- 2 MP Webcam
- 2 GB of RAM (with option to upgrade to 4 GB)
- 80 GB Hard Drive (with option to upgrade to 160 GB)
- 3 Year ProSupport plus Next Business Day Onsite Service and CompleteCare accidental damage coverage - both with option to upgrade to 4 years.
What is covered under the warranty?
In addition to Dell's three-year limited warranty which covers hardware failure, the laptop also comes with CompleteCare, which covers accidental damage (e.g. liquid spills, drops, screen damage and electrical surge) for three years. Students will find this warranty, coupled with the three years of Computrace anti-theft tracking, provides an excellent value during their academic career.
Will my laptop be safe on campus?
There is no substitution for being certain that your computer is in a safe location at all times. You should treat your laptop with the utmost care. Computrace offers some reassurance in the event of a loss or theft. In addition, laptop locks may be purchased at office supply stores. Locking your computer is encouraged if you are living in the residence halls and leave your room unattended for an extended period of time.
Ordering
When should I order the program laptop?
Students should order the laptop prior to the start of their first semester.
Can I upgrade features of the program laptop?
Memory, hard drive size and warranty can be upgraded.
How do I order the program laptop?
You may order the program laptop online here, or by calling (877) 594-0026.
Where should I have my laptop delivered?
You should have your laptop delivered to your home.
Due to export laws and license restrictions, the company will not ship a computer outside the United States. If you do not have an address within the US, please make prior arrangements with the Computer Help Desk to have it shipped to them. Please call (203) 582-4357.
I'm having trouble ordering my laptop. What should I do?
If you are having trouble with online or phone orders, please see instructions on contacting the Laptop Purchase Program at the top of the page.
Payment
How do I pay for my laptop?
Payment is made via credit card (Visa or Mastercard).
Is financing available?
No, financing is not available for the 2009-2010 laptop program model.
Can I apply for additional financial aid to cover the cost of my computer? What is the process?
Yes, a family can request additional PLUS Loan (parent loan) or alternative loan funds for computer-related expenses. Just include the cost of the computer when applying for your loan, and send the Office of Financial Aid proof of purchase to support the additional costs, so it can certify the appropriate amount on your loan. For entering students, federal regulations require all loan proceeds to be disbursed no earlier than 30 days after the beginning of the semester. Students will need to take this into consideration when purchasing a computer. Grant aid is not available for these purchases.