<p>i'm an incoming first year and am looking into buying a laptop from uva. i was wondering whether it matters whether i buy a mac or a windows? i'm not an engineering student (i've heard it matters for them) and i want to make sure that if i buy a mac, it is supported by uva so if something happens i can get a loaner or something! thanks!</p>
<p>Cav Computers sells and services both Macs and Dells (and I think Lenovos). Check out their website.</p>
<p>The common wisdom is that Macs are better and more reliable, but more expensive. </p>
<p>Consumer Reports has a new issue that rates laptops and tablets. Apple wins in almost all categories.</p>
<p>Personally I’d go with a Windows laptop, although it often comes down to the individual user and their needs–e.g. if someone plans on playing a lot of games on their computer, they’d definitely want a computer with Windows on it. In general, focus on build quality and battery life, these are two aspects that MacBook Pros excel at, but keep in mind that many Windows computers also do just as well. Some people also buy a inexpensive netbook to take notes during class and then have a more powerful PC (with a larger screen) at home to get work done, it’s an option you may want to consider.</p>
<p>Also note that it’s pretty easy to install OSX on any computer with an Intel processor in it, so don’t necessarily factor in operating system when making your purchase.</p>
<p>Hello, my name is Bill Strong. I am the web master for Cavalier Computers and the UVA Bookstore. We are a Non-Profit owned and operated by the University of Virginia. I have been here since 1997 and Cavalier Computers has been working with students computing needs since 1985. If you have any questions, please email us at <a href=“mailto:BTS-Questions@virginia.edu”>BTS-Questions@virginia.edu</a></p>
<p>The CAV Program computers are up now at [CAV</a> Student Computer Programs | CAV - Cavalier Computers](<a href=“http://www.cavprogram.com%5DCAV”>http://www.cavprogram.com)</p>
<p>The differences…</p>
<p>Apple - CAV Program offers 4-Year AppleCare. Apple direct and the Apple Stores only offer 3-year AppleCare.
Apple does NOT have an accidental damage warranty.
All software is pre-installed. You basically do not need to install anything, unless your courses require specialized software, which will be available at Cavalier Computers at a Student Discount.
Includes 2 restoration DVDs to easily fix your computer if you are hit with a virus or hard drive failure. Restores the computer to as new condition. Not available from Apple. And yes, we are seeing more and more apples being hit with viruses.</p>
<p>Dell and Lenovo - Cav Program Dell and Lenovo computers come with 4-year hardware warranties, 3- year battery warranty, 4-accidental damage protection. All the software you need pre-installed out of the box. 1x DVD restore disk easily allows restoring the computer in case of hard drive failure and / or virus infection. Again, not available through Dell or Lenovo.</p>
<p>Software - No manufacturer covers damage from viruses or spyware. None. Cavalier Computers offers a for fee service to repair computers that have been hit by viruses, malware and spyware. CAV Program computers come with easily installed restore disks that allow YOU to fix the computer by restoring the computers hard drive to as new condition. All you need to do is complete any software updates and then restore your backed up files (you did back up your music, movies and home work right?). This can save you hundreds of dollars in fees and a lot of aggravation.</p>
<p>If you drop the Dell or Lenovo computer, spill something in it, sit on it accidently, then it gets repaired for free. Unfortunately Apple DOES NOT offer this sort of protection.</p>
<p>The Dell and Lenovo battery warranty can save you a ton as well. As much as you will be working on battery (especially Engineering students) this will come in handy, and save you money.</p>
<p>All CAV Program computers get priority service, and while you are home or away from Grounds, the Dell and Lenovo CAV Program computers, get next business-day, on-site (at home) service direct from Dell and Lenovo. </p>
<p>We have an inventory of loaner computers available for CAV Program computers needing lengthy repairs.</p>
<p>Cavalier Computers has two locations now where you may drop your computer off for service or repair. One located inside the UVA Bookstore and one inside the AFC at T.J.s Locker. T.J’s Locker offers extended hours.</p>
<h2>Once you get your student ID at orientation, you can buy windows professional upgrade and MS Office 2010 for a few bucks at the bookstore. Therefore, if you are buying a new windows computer, just get the most basic version of the windows operating system and don’t buy Office. Laptops typically come with a free starter version of Office.</h2>
<p>I just saw Lojack for computers for sale for $30 at Staples. It works similar to Lojack for cars - to locate a computer after it is stolen. Anyone have an opinion on this?</p>
<p>Cavalier Computers is currently working with LoJack to get a student version of the LoJack software that will cover you for 4-years. That retail box you are looking at is most likely a 1-year only price.</p>
<p>If you are bringing your own computer, Microsoft Office 2010 (PC) and Microsoft Office 2011 (MAC) is available at Cavalier Computers for $15 each. Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade is $15 and will require you to have Windows Vista or Windows 7 installed. If you are upgrading Windows XP, you will need to buy Windows Vista ($15) then upgrade to Win 7 Ultimate ($15).
You will have to provide your student ID and sign some paperwork to purchase the software.</p>
<p>Mr. Strong - Any comments on the Lenovo tablets being offered for the e’school this year? Are tablets new to SEAS this year and which students might benefit the most (or the least)?</p>
<p>Tablets are new to SEAS. This is why it has taken a bit to get the info to me. We are currently getting the software sorted out for the machine, and once we have that I will have pricing and will post it on the webpage. ETA? I don’t know. But hopefully soon.</p>
<p>I like the Lenovo Thinkpads. I design and build race cars and am co-owner of a endurance automotive race team. I use cad and simulation programs a lot. I own Dells and Lenovo Thinkpads. I do most of my remote cad work on a Lenovo. I just like their keyboards. Best ever!
My oldest daughter used a Thinkpad for her accounting degree, and she loved it. She wore the keys out after 4 years and finally replaced the keyboard under warranty and used it for a few years after. That sold me because she was rough on that Thinkpad.
With SEAS you will be doing a lot of collaborative work remotely with other students. So battery life is essential. That is why they chose the smaller screens. Large screen battery life is not as good, and the weight is a major issue. Hence the products they chose.
I would direct SEAS questions to Professor Mitch Rosen,
Telephone: (434) 924-1414
E-mail: <a href=“mailto:rosen@virginia.edu”>rosen@virginia.edu</a></p>
<p>^ Thanks so much. We’ll contact Mr. Rosen.</p>
<p><professor> :)</professor></p>
<p>My mistake, I thought that all professors at UVa were addressed by Mr., Mrs., or Ms.</p>
<p>hmm, had not heard of that one. Depends on the Professor I guess. I know there are rules about Doctors…
I’ll ask my wife who is doing her masters at the School of Nursing.</p>
<p>It’s either one… The tradition is Mr. but I usually always call mine Professor. As long as you don’t do Dr. you’re good to go.</p>
<p>Mr. Strong:</p>
<p>That 4 year lojack sounds good. Yes, the Staples version was $30 for one year.</p>
<hr>
<p>By the way, Consumer Reports said the second best 15 inch laptop (after Macs) was the Dell XPS. They didn’t rate Dell Latitudes. However, Dells did not do well in their ratings of reliability.</p>
<p>I’ll make an announcement here when we do get the final cost and you will be able to buy it on the Cav Program website.</p>
<p>WDStrong, thanks so much for all the information! We are looking forward to doing business with you:). Do you keep an inventory in the store? We are local and are thinking of just coming by sometime.</p>
<p>Once we get the demo’s back from the software images being built and tested, we will have them in the store and at orientation sessions for everyone to look and play with. They will be located within TJs Locker and Cavalier Computers Bookstore.</p>
<p>All of the computers are custom built for UVa; we may have a limited number of CAV Program computers available to purchase after move-in weekend.</p>
<p>Soooo… if I have a sony viao, what happens if something goes wrong? Where can I get a loaner until i can get it fixed?</p>
<p>I don’t know of anywhere you can get a loaner. You would have to use public computers in the library unless someone else knows of something?? UVA used to have a lot of public computers but they’ve been phasing them out because “everyone has laptops” and it is expensive to maintain. All of us students constantly say, well what about when our computers break?? They don’t care. The libraries also let you check out laptops for 3 hours only but they have a very small number available.</p>
<p>I guess the good news is that Sony’s Viao line of laptops is pretty reliable. It’s good that you’re thinking ahead–the best advice I could give is to make sure that you backup often. Try using a service like Dropbox for schoolwork.</p>