Is it worth it to buy computers through Dartmouth?

<p>A 2nd tier Macbook is $1199.00 after student discount.
The same exact one offered by Dartmouth is $1507, a greater than $300 difference.</p>

<p>So I checked out what could possibly cause this price premium.</p>

<p>
[quote]
A standard software package will be pre-installed on computers purchased through Dartmouth. It includes: System software; Microsoft Office; Symantec AntiVirus; BlitzMail (Dartmouth's electronic mail program); Sygate Security Agent (a personal firewall); an FTP client; and Web browsers. You will also receive utilities that allow you to use shared network resources, such as public laser printers and file servers.</p>

<p>Apple systems will be preloaded with Mac OS X Leopard.

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<p>It comes with system software (free), Office (I can get it for free), AntiVirus (for a Mac? come on.), BlitzMail (free), Sygate (for a Mac?), an FTP client (free), and web browsers (free). And I believe the utilities that allow for shared network resources are free.</p>

<p>So I'm basically paying a $300 premium (plus shipping) for Office. Is it worth it?</p>

<p>Here is our story...</p>

<p>My D is not the most tech savvy person. I did purchase her Mac through the school. You simply pick it up on move in day, plug it in and you are ready to go (that alone was worth it to me). I also liked the fact that she had an extended warranty so when Chicky had mishaps with her computer (and she did have her share) that she was able to take to to tech support and it was handled right there on the spot. </p>

<p>As she leaves Hanover this weekend, Chicky's Mac has served her well and I have no regrets having to had paid the "premium" price.</p>

<p>Also consider the warranty. Apple online (or in-store) comes with a one-year warranty, whereas those sold thru the D came with a three year warranty. Add in AppleCare to the store-bought version, and the prices were comparable in past years. But, don't forget, NH has zero sales tax.....</p>

<p>I think now they do a four year warranty, so the they will be covered for your whole time in hanover.</p>

<p>
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I think now they do a four year warranty, so the they will be covered for your whole time in hanover.

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<p>Apple's get 3 years, PCs get 4 years.</p>

<p>I'm still sticking with buying my laptop from Apple myself. I'm waiting for the possibility of Montevina+Penryn coming to Macbooks before the summer sale ends, and Dartmouth's July 1 to August 15 window doesn't offer enough flexibility for me.</p>

<p>Just be aware that Montevina has been delayed until mid-July volume shipments will not start until early August. There are still rumors that Apple will announce something at WWDC, though.</p>

<p>I'm torn between waiting for the update (which will probably come out near the end of August) or just buying the MBP now and using it for the next two months.</p>

<p>Yeah, I don't know what to buy either! I want a 17", though... and the tech support at Dartmouth said they will not load it with all the stuff, but i can still buy it from them. Should I do that? </p>

<p>Also, what is the Apple Dartmouth store? Is it the same discount as buying through Dartmouth? If so, and I choose to buy a 17".... then should I just buy it from the Apple Dartmouth store online?</p>

<p>(To find the Apple Dartmouth store... go to apple.com then click on stores, then education, and find Dartmouth.)</p>

<p>
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I'm torn between waiting for the update (which will probably come out near the end of August) or just buying the MBP now and using it for the next two months.

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<p>I'm waiting until September 15th, with my fingers crossed.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Also, what is the Apple Dartmouth store? Is it the same discount as buying through Dartmouth? If so, and I choose to buy a 17".... then should I just buy it from the Apple Dartmouth store online?

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<p>Discount? What discount? A -$300 discount?</p>

<p>what update is the dell getting? is it something that can be upgraded if we get out laptops early?</p>

<p>Isn't a new MacBook coming out this fall?</p>

<p>When exactly is the new version coming out? I want the new one, but I want it in time for school starts...</p>

<p>Apple is having it's annual WWDC (World-Wide Developer's Conference) starting June 9th, which will feature a Keynote presentation from Steve Jobs. Wait until then, and if they don't announce new Macbooks/Macbook Pro's, or at least plans to introduce new ones this summer, you can buy your computer. If nothing new is announced, they usually never announce any new products until late September (at the very earliest). Once in a while there is an update just before the Holiday buying season. Usually though, updates are done in January at Apple's other annual conference, MacWorld. So, if a possible switch to the Montevina platform would SIGNIFICANTLY effect you, and what you plan on using your computer for, you might consider bringing an old laptop from home, and purchasing your new one mid-way through the year. Maybe we'll get lucky, and Jobs will ease our anxieties by telling us about a new update this coming monday (June 9th). In my opinion though, this is not likely, because Apple already announced a 'huge' deal for this summer, by offering free iPod touches to any college student buying a laptop this summer. It feels like they might be sweetening this year's deal in order to make up for a lack of a new compter.</p>

<p>IMHO, Apple is really trying to appeal to the student market by offering free iPods with their computers. That way, once you graduate, you're theirs for life.</p>

<p>And, as a parent, I agree with Sybbie: Sometimes peace of mind is worth the money.</p>

<p>i have a macbook pro that got this year for my birthday but i am a GMS scholar and im pretty sure they cover the cost of a laptop if the college requires it...so should i totally just get another laptop from the school, i mean it is free...i think....</p>

<p>What's a GMS scholar?</p>

<p>gates millennium scholar</p>

<p>is there anyway u could buy the support service from dartmouth?</p>

<p>and can u please tell me more about the gates millennium scholar...sounds interesting</p>

<p>is for pell grant eligible students...it covers any unmet need for college and any work study or loans...it also covers insurance and computers...travel experience...and yeah i think that its. oh and you have to be either hispanic, african american, native american, or asian. and the application process is very long because GMS will cover up to a Ph.D. it takes 8 essay and a lot of recommendations. so yeah im a native american GMS by the way</p>

<p>i'd buy a tank from dartmouth if they'd admit me off the waitlist</p>

<p>You know, if you were ACTUALLY willing to give them the cost of a tank in the form of a donation (1+ mil), I wouldn't be surprised if you somehow managed to get off the waitlist. :)</p>