<p>Considering purchasing either the Lenovo or Apple MacBook Pro through the Marist computer store. The literature I received said either machine comes "Marist-ready" while only the Lenovo appears to be repairable at Marist. Am I correct with that? Also, whatever software makes the machine "Marist-ready" - could I not install that myself assuming Marist would provide it? Trying to avoid the purchase of a brand new machine but will purchase a machine that meets Marist's requirements. Thanks.</p>
<p>Also meant to ask does anyone know why a separate video card is required?</p>
<p>My son will be a computer science major this fall, and will only purchase his laptop from Apple (he’s firmly loyal.) If you’re on the Marist Class of 2015 Facebook page ask him all your questions about the requirements - Garrett O’Reilly.</p>
<p>I have a senior at Marist. If I remember correctly, freshmen students move in a day or two earlier than the rest of the campus. I’m pretty sure they have computer people available to set up your computer to the network on a walk-in basis. After moving him in as a freshman, the first thing we did was find where the computer helpers were located and had them do whatever they had to do. It’s a free service.</p>
<p>He bought a new MacBook Pro on the Apple site last year using the educational discount. By then, he knew what had to be done to connect the laptop to the Marist network and he did it himself. He didn’t have to purchase anything special to do so. Everything was available to download online.</p>
<p>The only thing extra you may want to purchase is Microsoft Office for Student/Home for Mac.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.marist.edu/computerstore/pdfs/presentation.pdf[/url]”>http://www.marist.edu/computerstore/pdfs/presentation.pdf</a></p>
<p>^this link mentions the Computer Orientation which is what I was trying to explain in my previous post. They have set hours during the first two days to help kids set up their computer to the Marist network.</p>
<p>[Connect</a> to the Network: Marist College](<a href=“http://www.marist.edu/it/resnet/connecttonetwork.html]Connect”>Connect to the Network)
^ Here is an explanation on how to connect to the Marist network.</p>
<p><a href=“https://www.marist.edu/computerstore/untitled.html[/url]”>https://www.marist.edu/computerstore/untitled.html</a>
^Marist offers a Mac service/warranty at an additional cost</p>
<p>They do provide OS technical help for Macs. My son didn’t purchase any additional warranties. He’s never had a problem with his Macs so he basically takes his chances and hopes for the best.</p>
<p>…for your responses, links and suggestions. Just to clarify: is there any advantage to purchasing the Mac through Marist compared to a direct purchase (with the educational discount) from Apple?</p>
<p>My son did that last year and it was a tad cheaper maybe, but it came with a bonus free ipod touch, which he didnt need since he has the i-phone, but gave to me 
That was a bonus for me!!! Its actually is thru Apple, and just put in for the educational discount by entering the site as a student from Marist. It came so fast, and without a single problem, we were very pleased. The Lenovo however (our first choice) was a very complicated procedure, and we received 3 broken ones, packed very poorly. If you come with an outside computer I believe as someone else has pointed out already- there is help the day of to set it up, but if you do not want to wait, I believe you can download everything from the website beforehand, or at least the virus protection Marist requires. Good Luck, we just brought our son home yesterday, and we can’t believe how fast and wonderful his first year was!</p>
<p>Abollafia: I’m pretty sure it’s the same thing as buying directly from Apple using the educational discount. </p>
<p>You can also go to your nearest Apple Store, try out the laptops, and purchase it directly from the store. All you have to do is tell the salesperson that you want the educational discount. I think you need to have your Marist email address and they use that to make sure you are actually a student at the college. </p>
<p>You’ll have to decide if you want to purchase Apple Care or third person warranty offered by Marist. We bought Apple Care for the first Mac purchased within the family. Since then (years ago), we’ve purchased three more Macs within the family and decided to take our chances and not purchase Apple Care. We’ve never had a problem with any of them. You have to decide how comfortable you are taking the risk. </p>
<p>If you wait a little, Apple will probably start their laptop special: buy a Mac and get a free printer and iPod touch. You pay for the items upfront and then fill out an online rebate form. Once it’s processed, Apple will send you a rebate check. If they run this deal as they have for years, it starts in June. </p>
<p>If Apple runs the deal, you will get the same deal whether you walk in and buy it from your nearest Apple store, the Online Apple Store (be sure to do it through their educational link), or use the Apple link provided on the Marist Computer Store section on the Marist website.</p>
<p>Petcat and NYSmile - very helpful information. Was strongly leaning towards Apple, and that’s what we’ll do.</p>
<p>Whatever kind of laptop you decide to buy, be sure to pack and bring the set of original discs that come with it. This way, if something does go wrong with the laptop, you’ll have the discs handy.</p>
<p>My Marist son recommends that you bring an ethernet cable. If you find that you’re having problems with signing in with their VPN thing (whatever that is), you can use ethernet hookup instead.</p>
<p>One last question I think and I am done. Buying the MacBook Pro through Marist (can’t beat the loaner option). Does Marist require Office or would Mac’s iWork be sufficient, since it appears to have options to open/edit/save Office files?</p>
<p>Hi! My son says he believes it is required --as we got it- but he also said even if it isnt he found it necessary and prefers it over iwork. Have fun purchasing!</p>