<p>After reading through a couple comments in an unrelated thread, I'm curious what everyone else's impression of the CCI program is? I don't mind paying a bit of a premium for a Thinkpad (Even if it is Lenovo now), my current IBM thinkpad has served me well for several years without any problems and still feels extremely solid. What I am curious about is whether is the extras we pay for like the extended warranty and insurance policy is worthwhile. Thanks for any insight!</p>
<p>The extended warranty is a very good deal and highly recommended. if you don't buy the CCI, make sure you get an insurance policy. Companies like this <a href="http://nssinc.com/%5B/url%5D">http://nssinc.com/</a> are worth looking into. But it is very nice to be able to drop your pc off and get a loaner. You know it will break when you most need it!</p>
<p>Sophomore son has the IBM and still loves it after two years. The other available items like docking station, full size keyboard, mouse and flat screen monitor were very well priced and he thinks that all in one printer is great. When we comparison shopped the printer, it was only slightly less expensive through CCI but for OOS parents doing it all there is one less thing to have to ship/carry and the insurance and service are well worth the price to eliminate the hassle factor.</p>
<p>My own computer is a piece of crap (I'm a computer nerd and take very good care of it, but it still went to the repair center six times and had one hard drive replacement within 2 years, and most of my friends have similar tales). However, the insurance policy and software package can't be beat. You'll definitely need the Microsoft Office suite, and it's very expensive to buy separately. Also, it's extremely convenient to take your computer to be repaired for free at the library instead of worrying about paying a fee, finding someone to drive you to wherever you might have to take it, or trying to ship it somewhere every time it breaks down (and it will break down). If you are extremely good with computers, you might consider looking elsewhere, but overall, the CCI package is probably your best bet.</p>
<p>This isn't a post regarding a CCI Laptop experience as I'm an incoming freshman, but more of a question about laptops in general. I know I'm definately not getting a laptop through CCI, but I read that if you're not going to get one through UNC you should bring your laptop to orientation to get the UNC stuff loaded on there. However, I don't think I'll be purchasing a laptop in time for when I signed up for orientation (June 8-9) and I was wondering when I would be able to get that stuff? Also, I'm seriously looking into the possibility of getting an Apple laptop, and the CCI website says a minimum requirement is Windows XP Professional; does this deter students from getting Apple notebooks?</p>
<p>It is my understand that UNC frowns upon Apples. It use to be that you were responsible to receive everything UNC sent; if you had an Apple, some emails or other programs might not be received. </p>
<p>But, now Apple has a new software program called Bootcamp that might do the trick. I am not an Apple person, so I do not know if this would be acceptable to UNC IT, but it might be worth checking out.</p>
<p>I think the main issues Apples would have would be with the required PCMCIA slots and driver issues (CardBus is mostly, but not exactly, PCMCIA); all the software stuff can be replicated using VMWare or one of the other emulator products. The big question being...what would you need a PCMCIA card for if you already have ethernet and bluetooth installed?</p>