<p>Hey class of 2009. I was just wondering if any of you heard this: Harvard allows for first year students to use $2,500 above the 3,650 self-help limit to purchase a computer? In other words, we can use the extra outside scholarships (since many don't let us defer) to buy a computer instead of letting it go to waste. I heard this a couple of times, but can't seem to find written confirmation about it. Anyone know?</p>
<p>Get the information from the horse's mouth. Call the financial aid office. I know that they give loans for computers under the new HFAI though. I think I may utilize it.</p>
<p>According to a Finanacial Aid Officer I spoke to: my son will need to petition for the cost of the computer and peripherals (save the receipts) in September after he has registered for classes.</p>
<p>I presume you are considering the IBM desktops or laptops available for purchase through Harvard at a 32% + discount.</p>
<p>Byerly, I tried looking up the IBM discounted computers on the Harvard computing website, and I only find Apple! Can you help me out here?</p>
<p>the policy is true and definitely awesome :D. the only downside is that you either have to wait until after registration to buy the computer, or you have to (like buzzwick said) save the receipts in order for them to refund you--again after registration. so no playing with a new laptop until school starts. :(</p>
<p>they don't really publish it (according to my finaid officer), you just have to talk to someone about it.</p>
<p>Here's the HAA link... I think its the same program and same prices for students.</p>
<p>There are "recommended" packages, although you can get whatever you want, along with printers, etc. I've gotten 1 desktop and two laptops ... great machines.</p>
<p>Thanks, Byerly! I'm guessing us current students can purchase the same laptops for the same discounted prices that HAA offers?</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure its the same deal. I wasn't aware that you couldn't do it before registration, though I guess I can see why that might be the case. </p>
<p>I'd call the computer office and check on how you arrange to get the deal as an incoming freshman, and how soon you can set the process in motion.</p>
<p>thanks everyone!</p>
<p>I'm a senior, and I bought an IBM T42 last semester. Its great. I got a computer loan. Any student who is on financial aid can get a computer loan, but only once.</p>
<p>The T-43s, which they feature now, look even better. I've had a T-40 and a T-41 for two yrs, and not a single problem - even when I dropped one of 'em on the floor!</p>
<p>what are your stats?</p>
<p>Nah I didn't want a T-43. It is kinda scary...you have to use fingerprint verification to use it instead of a password! I'm not part of the CIA :P The T-42 is much lighter than your computers, Byerly, but they are nice too (my friends have these other models).</p>
<p>Ok so here's the link so that you all have the computer loan info "straight from the horse's mouth": fao.fas.harvard.edu/downloads/computer_loan.pdf</p>
<p>The fingerprint verification is a huge pain--works about one in five tries for me--but you don't have to use it; you can log on with a password instead. It's just there for convenience.</p>
<p>Link to IBM Harvard site for new students:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.uis.harvard.edu/technology_services/newstudents/%5B/url%5D">http://www.uis.harvard.edu/technology_services/newstudents/</a>
(click on "IBM Harvard Site")</p>
<p>Enjoy!</p>
<p>You can opt of the fingerprint reader in some of the newer T-43's, and save about a $100 while doing so</p>