<p>Does anyone have experience buying the Dell computer from UMD, with the 4 year warranty. I purchased the school recommended computer with warranty for another child at another school, but I've heard the UMD offers aren't that good. Any advice? Thanks</p>
<p>I don’t personally know if they are good or not, but manufacturers often have student discounts on their own sites. If you have access to what UMD’s pricing is, check out Dell’s Student site.</p>
<p>I’d say check that out and see what you like. I’m also not sure if UMD offers all models or just certain ones.</p>
<p>My son purchased the Dell computer from UMD when he entered his freshman year in 2010. It wasn’t the best deal, BUT I am VERY glad he purchased it. I believe it was finals time of his Sophomore year (can’t remember for certain what year, but I DO remember with certainty it was finals time - something happened to his computer. He is a computer engineering major and really needed it. UMD was great. They gave him a loaner that had all the software/programs that he needed for his various projects and he was able to get through that week. His old computer was repaired prior to the beginning of the next semester and he was pleased that they hadn’t deleted files, documents,… in the process. So, while it wasn’t the best deal, it certainly was worth the money when he had a problem. As he gets ready to graduate and start his new job though, he said that’s going to be his first new purchase. :)</p>
<p>Thanks. That’s just why I want him to go with the school computer. </p>
<p>My daughter also got one through UMD. Probably wasn’t the best deal up front, but it is really nice knowing that it will be fixed or replaced if something happens to it. There’s value in piece of mind.</p>
<p>Do they deal with Apple/Mac as well? Or just Dell/PC?</p>
<p>Mac too. I don’t think the spilled drink rule applies though to the Mac’s. We went with a Dell bc the fix/replace policy was more comprehensive. </p>
<p>Thanks. I agree piece of mind is worth something. I will likely uh him the school computer. Thanks</p>
<p>We got a Mac through the school, and were not worried about less comprehensive fix/replace policy because Macs tend to be more reliable to begin with. The bottom line is peace of mind of having a computer to use while yours is being repaired, especially being away from home. </p>
<p>Love this thread. Maybe the most useful for a new frosh that i’ve seen on this site. (as opposed to the speculation about which fraternity is best, or whether son will be lonely their first week…LOL). Seriously, thanks!</p>
<p>For anyone that might not be familiar with the Terp Technology Store, here is the link:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.it.umd.edu/techstore/”>http://www.it.umd.edu/techstore/</a></p>
<p>I just looked at the info again and I see that Dell not only covers any spilled liquids but it also covers if the computer is dropped! Apple doesn’t do this but you can purchase additional coverage as you can see from the blurb below. I love the fact that this comes automatically with the Dell.</p>
<p>AppleCare does not cover repairs resulting from accidental spillage, dropping the computer, etc. Is such protection available?</p>
<p>You can obtain extended coverage and protection for your ACT Macintosh purchase throughSafeware, Inc. or Squaretrade.</p>
<p>Buy a MacBook Pro, its expensive but will last forever. I have a school issued Dell, brakes all the time.</p>
<p>The PC v Apple wars won’t be won on this thread. With that said, i’ve been a PC guy forever, and my wife convinced me to get the older daughter an apple (wife already had one, next thin you know we have apple TV, we already had iPhones, and another mac in the house. I’ll say this…ALL of their devices and apps work seamlessly together. More expensive yes. But man is it simple.</p>
<p>Good point about the sync of info - does make a difference… </p>
<p>I’d also like to add that while Mac’s are more expensive. If you want to run Windows you can just dual-boot it. The convenience of both connectivity and wider variety of software.</p>
<p>Oh, and its not just a virtual PC like in the past. Using Bootcamp, you are setting up a Windows partition you can just boot into.</p>
<p>Just thought I’d update the question about whether or not it was worth buying a computer through UMD. I had posted earlier that my son’s laptop broke right near finals one year and he was able to get a loaner quickly and they repaired his old one quickly. Well, it’s my son’s final finals coming up tomorrow and Wednesday- two more left. I got a call this morning that his laptop broke again. Again UMD came through. By 9:30 am he had called and had already picked up a loaner to finish his last projects/tests or whatever it is you do to prepare for finals! They are also going to be repairing/replacing the university purchased laptop (I wasn’t sure they would since he graduates in 3 days.). Overall, we are all glad he purchased his computer through the university. Again, I will say though, that he can’t wait to buy a really good computer once he gets his first paycheck! :)</p>
<p>Thanks for following up, and I’m glad UMD came through. I bought the school recommended computer for my older son, and he complains that it’s not “good enough” for some things (mostly games, I think) but the peace of mind it brings is worth a lot. </p>
<p>davenmame…wow. A) super great service! B) just hafta say…man is your son snakebit or what! His machine went down two separate times right before finals. He’s going to have a technology complex.</p>
<p>I bought my daughter a MacBook Air a few years ago through Amazon and bought the warranty at UMD. They replaced a broken AC adaptor with no questions asked. It saved a trip to the Apple store. They had the part in stock. </p>
<p>MDdad. Explain a bit more. So you can buy the Macbook wherever you want, and UM will still sell you a warranty? Depending on pricing, that may be the way to go.</p>