Towson
University has ended its Student Laptop Program with Dell.
Laptops under warranty and purchased through the program will
still be eligible for hardware support and loaner laptops
through Student Computing Services Service Desk located on the
first floor of Cook Library in room 35.
Any Towson University
student needing assistance with their laptop regardless of where
it was purchased may visit the Student Computing Service Desk
(CK 35). We are able to provide software support
(including virus and malware removal) and diagnose hardware
problems. However, we are unable to provide hardware support to
any laptops not purchased through the Dell program.
Beginning in Fall 2012,
SCS will provide loaner laptops to students who have a laptop
into the Service Desk while it is being serviced.
With
the introduction of Apple’s iPod and a new wave of Macintosh products on the
market, more consumers are facing the PC versus Mac purchase dilemma. Currently,
Towson University has negotiated a discount purchase agreement with Apple in
order to provide students a choice between laptop platforms; however, there are
a few things one should consider before making a decision:
Historically, business users have favored PCs and creative professionals
(artists, designers, etc.) have preferred Macs. The speed, interface and
software availability gap between these platforms has closed considerably in
recent years, and continues to close today. PCs are becoming better at doing
what Macs have always done best, and Macs are becoming better at doing what PCs
have always done best. Indeed, most popular software titles are now available
for both platforms (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, etc.). Despite
this, PCs still typically dominate the data-intensive workplaces of the science
and business professions while Macs dominate the graphics and media production
workplaces of the fine arts and publishing professions. Undoubtedly, these lines
will continue to blur over time.
Drop off Mac Depot
Service
Currently enrolled
students who have a hardware problem with their Mac laptop may
use our Depot service. Work will be performed by
Chesapeake Systems, a third party authorized Apple service
center. Warranty work will be performed free of charge and
Chesapeake Systems will contact you if other service charges
will apply. When work is completed, the laptop will be
returned to the SCS Service Desk (CK 35) and the owner will be
contacted for pickup.
With
this being said, students are advised to anticipate the kind of work they will
primarily be conducting and to seek the advice of their major department before
making their purchase. Also, it is worth mentioning that most of the 70 computer
labs here at Towson are comprised of PCs and while the Office of Technology
Services (OTS) offers technology training for applications available on both
platforms, such training is always conducted in a Windows (PC) environment.
Furthermore, the SCS is able to provide a higher level of support to PC users
than it is to Mac users since our comprehensive Dell warranties are able to be
addressed right here on campus; however, a limited extended warranty is
available for purchase through
Apple.
8000 York Road | Towson, MD 21252 | 410-704-2000
