If You Need to Purchase a Laptop Computer

If you don’t have a laptop computer or need to purchase a new one in order to meet the requirements of Polytechnic’s required academic software, there are two options for its purchase:

 1.       You may purchase a laptop computer through an arrangement we have made with CDW-G.

        This arrangement is advantageous for the following reasons: 

·         These laptops are known to meet Polytechnic’s recommended hardware specifications and have been configured with the goal of providing four years of useful life.

·         These laptops have been discounted under our arrangement with the vendor. The price includes all initially required software of Polytechnic’s academic program.

·         Our laptop helpdesk is certified to perform warranty service on IBM/Lenovo notebooks.

·         IBM/Lenovo laptops purchased through our program come with a four-year warranty and accidental damage protection.

·         CDW-G offers lifetime technical support for laptops purchased from them.

To purchase a Lenovo laptop through our arrangement with CDW-G, go to the following URL:

Purchase of laptops via this program is dependent upon submission of your tuition deposit.  You must use the above URL to obtain Polytechnic discounted pricing.

2.       You may purchase a laptop computer meeting the hardware specifications described below via another retailer.

As a practical matter, our help desk is most familiar with IBM/Lenovo machines based upon the history of the program.  We cannot commit to the same support on other manufacturer models, simply due to the variety available, but will be as helpful as we can.

When purchasing a new computer, you’re making an investment in something you’ll most likely be using throughout your four years at Polytechnic. With this in mind, please carefully consider the following advice. Though some items involve greater initial cost, they may save you money over time.

·         A three year warranty is often the standard warranty. If it is possible to add an additional year’s coverage, you should strongly consider purchasing this coverage to avoid potentially costly time & materials repairs after the warranty expires or the need to replace the laptop.

·         Warranties only cover defects in the laptop, but not theft or damage due to accidents. You may wish to look into accidental insurance via the laptop vendor or a personal insurance policy.

·         Software requirements for hardware performance, memory, and storage can be expected to increase across the span of your academic career at Polytechnic University. Purchasing a “higher end” laptop specification will more likely provide greater utility.

·         Better laptops provide a titanium/magnesium composite casing to better protect their LCD displays and other internals. LCD displays can be very costly to replace. Thus, we recommend you purchase a laptop with such a casing.

·         Your selection of features above the minimum configuration should be based upon your own preferences and plans.  In some cases, you may be planning an upgrade at a later date.

·         Purchase a laptop lock that you can use to secure your laptop should you step away from it.

·         Purchase a laptop case or laptop bag solely for storage and protection. Never store your laptop along with your books and other things as this will damage your laptop.

 For the 2008-2009 academic year, we recommend that a newly purchased laptop meet the “Minimum Hardware Specification” detailed below. To better ensure that a new laptop meets the requirements of your academic program throughout your four years, you may wish to purchase a laptop meeting the “Recommended Hardware Specification” below.

The prices above are representative only and shown solely for the purpose of documenting the cost that can be used in the “cost of education” computation.

Federal regulations allow students and/or parents to borrow loans to assist in the financing of computers and required software.  After purchasing your computer and/or software, if you wish to obtain a student loan to receive reimbursement for the initial outlay of funds, please provide the Office of Financial Aid with a copy of your receipt at the time of the loan application. If you have any questions you may contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@poly.edu.

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