Computer Discounts for Brandeis Students
This buying guide will be sent to all incoming students in May 2008. It contains useful computer buying advice, step by step instructions, and a list of computer- and phone-related stuff to bring to campus. Check it out!
APPLE (personal purchases) 800-780-5009
DELL (personal purchases) 888-973-3355
Student Software Discounts
FAQ
Why buy a laptop instead of a desktop?
You'll use your computer at Brandeis much more than you expect, and many students carry their laptops everywhere. The wireless network covers the entire campus, so consider a laptop if your budget allows. (Desktops are also OK, if you prefer.)
PC or Mac?
Both are supported at Brandeis, so choose your favorite. Keep in mind that more software is available for PC's than Macs, but most popular programs are available for both. Your major may also influence your choice:
- Social Science departments generally use PC's, especially in those classes that teach statistics.
- Creative Arts departments tend to use Macs.
- Some Science departments use Macs, while others use PC's
- Most Humanities departments are split between PC's and Macs depending on individual preference.
Why buy Dell or Apple?
- Discounts. Brandeis negotiates deep student discounts with both Dell and Apple.
- Quality. Both Dell and Apple manufacture high quality, reliable computers. Brandeis’s recommended Dell and Apple models are easy to connect to the Brandeis network and are designed to last your entire time at Brandeis.
- Warranty. The recommended Dell and Apple models include an extended warranty (four years for Dell and three years for Apple).
- On-site service. Brandeis offers on-campus certified warranty repair service for both Dell and Apple.
- Price. The prices of Brandeis’s recommended Dell and Apple models are similar to or lower than most other name-brand manufacturers for models with the same features and warranty.
What if I the recommended laptop isn't quite what I want?
That's perfectly OK. Shopping online at the Apple Brandeis site or Dell Brandeis site you can customize the recommended laptops with the features you want, or you can shop the full catalog and still get a higher education discount.
If I wanted an even nicer laptop than the recommended model, what are some upgrades I might consider?
The sky's the limit, but here are some options, ranked roughly in order of importance (according to the student staff at the Help Desk):
- A faster processor, for a faster computer. This may become more important to you in a couple of years than it is now, especially if you upgrade to a newer version of your operating system down the road.
- A separate graphics card, particularly if gaming is in your plans.
- A bigger battery, keeping in mind that bigger batteries give you longer battery life, but are also heavier.
- A bigger hard drive, if you plan to do a lot with video editing, or if you plan to keep large numbers of media files and/or photos in active use. For archiving and backing up your files, an external hard drive is a good alternative.
- More RAM. Like a faster processor this may matter more to you in a few years, but if you later find you need more RAM it's easy to purchase more. (If you're considering a RAM upgrade for a Mac laptop, the Help Desk at 781-736-8638 can help you weigh your options.)
What's wrong with buying an inexpensive laptop from a big box store?
An inexpensive laptop from a big box store definitely won't have the warranty that covers hardware repair on-site at Brandeis, and it probably won't have the robust features that will last your entire time at Brandeis.
Should I buy a printer?
It depends. Public printing is available in the libraries and in the student center at 10 cents per page, but many students find it convenient to have their own printer. Here in Brandeis LTS we like HP DeskJet printers, but the actual model you choose will depend on your needs. Be sure to buy a USB printer cable if your printer does not come with one.
What software should I buy?
We recommend that every new computer have Microsoft Office. Brandeis discounts are available at JourneyEd Software.
Don't buy virus protection software. You'll get a free copy of Symantec AntiVirus when you arrive, or you can download it from the web using your Brandeis ID and password.
