OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Towson University’s Student Laptop Program 
If you are in the market for a new computer, Student Computing Services (SCS) may be able to save you money while sparing you the apprehension of technology shopping.
Beginning in Fall 2008, Towson’s Student Laptop Purchase Program will offer incoming and current students the opportunity to buy a new customized laptop by Dell. The systems offered through the program are specially selected to meet the needs of the student user while also offering optimal performance and compatibility with the on-campus environment. Additionally, there are many advantages to purchasing a new laptop through Towson University:
Reduced Price
Towson has taken the guess work out of technology buying. By negotiating purchase agreements with reputable vendors, we are able to offer our in-program Dell models at a substantial discount from the retail price. Our specified configurations are designed to meet the needs of most student users; however several hardware upgrade options are also available through our Dell purchase website. Systems available through our program offer the most solid value and outstanding protection for your investment in comparison to competitors’ similarly-priced systems. Contrary to competitors’ “budget” systems which may be attractively priced between $400-$600, our systems take no shortcuts in terms of warranty, speed, system components, and support. Budget systems typically include slower processors and insufficient memory that limit their usability.
Laptop Support
Dell systems covered under the three- (or optional four-) year warranty and purchased through the Towson University Student Laptop Purchase Program will receive hardware support by the SCS Service Desk centrally located in Cook Library. Vendor certified technicians will be most familiar with common software and hardware issues with in-program systems and will handle service requests on campus with next business day parts delivery, providing quicker turnaround for the majority of technical difficulties. In the event a hardware issue cannot be resolved by our staff, we have the ability to call in the vendor’s support technicians who are contracted to arrive to our Service Desk by the next business day. Serviced systems will be conveniently available for pick-up at the Service Desk. Budget systems often require that the user mail in the laptop for service, causing significant downtime.
Loaner Laptops
Participants in the Towson University Student Laptop Program are also eligible for loaner laptops, another program benefit. In the event that the SCS Service Desk either returns an in-program system to the manufacturer for service or is awaiting additional parts or service from the vendor, the student can request a loaner laptop for use during the repair period. When the situation permits, data from the problematic system may be transferred to a temporary storage device. This dramatically reduces downtime associated with laptop repair.
Software
Each laptop purchased through our program comes pre-loaded with Windows Vista Home Basic Operating System. Use of McAfee VirusScan with Anti-Spyware is highly encouraged and available free of charge on the Office Of Technology Services Software Downloads page. The installation of Computrace Anti-Theft software is also recommended and available for an additional charge through the Towson University Student Laptop ordering page. Microsoft Office is available through our laptop purchase page, the Towson University Bookstore or direct from
Microsoft at discounted student prices.
Comprehensive Warranty Coverage
All recommended laptop models purchased through our program will receive a three-year CompleteCare Accidental Damage Service in addition to a three-year manufacturer’s warranty. These warranties cover all equipment malfunctions and accidental damage claims at no additional cost or deductible. All warranty claims can be conveniently handled through our Service Desk in addition to the vendor’s consumer support. Qualified Student Service Desk technicians have been certified by the manufacturer to perform system diagnostics, order parts and warranty repair services.
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Towson University’s Mac Program 
 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 is in the process of negotiating 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.
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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.
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