<p>SO i'm probs gonna try to convince my parents to get me a new computer at some point. What should i know about vandy and buying laptops? PCs aren't an option for me (thank god) so does vandy have any special offers on macs (other than the small discounts offered in the Apple in Education store on the apple site)? Do we get some discount on Microsoft office? Do i need to get it ensured, or is that taken care of? i seem to recall my tour person talking about how students would destroy their comps the last day of school to get a free replacement. Is vandy's tech support that awesome?</p>
<p>anyway, i appreciate any feedback :]</p>
<p>Both my children attend Vandy and have laptops. one has a Dell purchased from the school. There was little choice in this as he is in the school of engineering. The tech support has been great, they have replaced the motherboard and the hard drive twice (both times saving the data). The school has also provided free programs. My other child has a Mac which we purchased from the Apple center off campus. They give Vandy students a discount of between $100 and $200 depending on the models value. Not a big discount but it basically paid for the extended service (not needed with the Dell as that is provided by the school). The Mac has never needed service and I think this speaks to the better set-up and durability of the Mac. I believe you can get the same discount from Apple on line if you go to the student section and put in Vanderbit. From what I have seen on campus there seems to be a pretty even split between Mac’s and PC’s (mostly Dell). Keep in mind that if you are in engineering, you really should get the PC. Best of luck!</p>
<p>thank you very much! i’m just A&S, but this was very helpful. So your child with the mac didn’t have to pay for Microsoft Office (etc)? Just wondering cuz you can order it pre-installed thru the apple store online, so i’m wondering if that would be a good route, or if i should just wait til i get on-campus to get it for free. Anyway, response much appreciated :]</p>
<p>The one with the Mac is also in A&S. I don’t think he has received free programs, I believe the school has only given programs for PC’s. They are comming home this weekend and I will check with them and get more details. I know we bought Microsoft Office for the Mac and I believe it cost about $140 (version with Powerpoint but without Project). From a parents perspective, Vanderbilt has been great to our children and welcoming to our family. I hope you have a great experience!</p>
<p>Moosecream,</p>
<p>If I recall correctly, the friends I had who bought Macs had to buy all their software as well. Free software really only applies to the School of Engineering and some special programs required for other classes.</p>