Buying a Computer
Students are not required to own a computer, although most do. Last year 95% of first year students brought a computer with them to campus and the majority of those computers were laptops. If you are not interested in bringing a computer (no worries.) SU has several open labs and public computer workstations available to students. Our most popular lab located in the Smith Library Center, is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Discounts on Computers
The University does not sell computers. However, discount pricing for systems is available to SU students through the Dell and Apple online stores. Our recommended configuration for student computers can be found by visiting the Dell and Apple stores. We strongly recommend a three or four year extended warranty, particularly for laptops as they are relatively fragile devices and repairs are extremely expensive. Links are provided below.
Buy a Dell
Dell laptops and desktops are offered to students at a 7% discount year round. Through Dell’s Educational Purchase Program (EPP) there are always monthly specials listed on the Southwestern EPP website.
Be aware that Dell’s pricing changes constantly and that identical models may sell for different prices in different areas of the Dell website. We recommend selecting the system you want via the web and then calling Dell sales to get the best deal.
www.dell.com/SouthwesternUniversity
Buy an Apple
Apple offers 10%-12% savings on their most popular machines. SU has several recommended configurations listed on our University Apple Store website.
its.southwestern.edu/applestore
Discounts on Software
We recommend the the latest version of Microsoft Office, which includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, to ensure compatibility with systems in our lab and instructional areas. Also, for PC computers, we recommend Microsoft Windows7 Professional (preferred) or Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (minimum). NOTE: if the computer you are bringing to school has Microsoft Vista® Home Basic we strongly recommended that you upgrade the operating system to Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional. Students may purchase this software from our volume academic supplier, VarsityBuys at tremendous discounts.
VarsityBuys.com
Back to School Promo Details:
- Microsoft Office 2010 Professional Plus Price: $79.98
- Microsoft Office 2008 Mac - Price: $89.98
Printer or No Printer?
A personal printer is not a necessity and they do take up precious space in a residence hall room. However, many students have them for convenience. Some students share a printer with their roommate. Our student labs are equipped with high-speed laser printers. Students receive $30 in print credit each semester. Color printing is also available to students for a small fee.
