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This buying guide was sent to all incoming students in Summer 2007.
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.
To learn more about Brandeis-sponsored computer discounts, visit the vendors' websites. Institutional purchases are computers to be used in Brandeis offices.
APPLE (personal purchases) 800-780-5009
APPLE (institutional purchases) 800-780-5009
DELL (personal purchases) 888-973-3355
DELL (institutional purchases) 888-973-3355
Probably, yes. 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 will depend on your needs. Be sure to buy a USB printer cable, if your printer does not come with one.
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.
You'll use your computer at Brandeis much more than you expect, and many students carry them everywhere. The wireless network covers most of campus, so consider a laptop if your budget allows. (Desktops are also OK, if you prefer.)
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 UNet ID and password.
