<p>The Duke University Computer Store offers computers to students but its prices aren't particularly competitive. Their computers come with a "Duke Computer Advantage Warranty". We haven't been able to reach anyone by phone to learn what this is.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any experience with the Duke Computer Store, such as tech support, etc.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Basically, the Duke warranty offers protection against accidental damage–liquid spills, dropping your computer, etc.–in addition to the type of warranty you could get from a manufacturer. In comparison, if you were to buy a Mac with AppleCare, the AppleCare will NOT cover any accidental damage. That’s what you pay for when you get it through Duke (as well as the convenience of picking it up when you get to campus). </p>
<p>I personally don’t have any experience buying a computer through them, but I will say that generally OIT isn’t particularly helpful with troubleshooting or repairs. Although it’s sometimes a pain for me to drive 20 minutes to the nearest Apple store, I’d rather someone be able to fix my computer on the spot rather than send it off for repairs.</p>
<p>Thanks. Do you know if their machines come pre-loaded with any Duke specific network software or anything like that?</p>
<p>There isn’t any Duke specific network software… we have Wi-Fi access throughout campus. The only Duke specific software that you will need to install is ePrint, and you can do so here: [OIT</a> at Duke University: Printing with ePrint](<a href=“http://oit.duke.edu/comp-print/printing/]OIT”>http://oit.duke.edu/comp-print/printing/).</p>
<p>When you buy through Duke, it is the same price as at Apple, but, if I remember correctly, they include free repairs at the Duke Computer Repair Shop for your four years at Duke. I’m not sure; you may want to check on that. The Repair Shop is about 5-10 min from East Campus, but it is not walking distance though.</p>
<p>^ Last time I checked (which is a couple days ago), the computers at Duke cost significantly more than the educational price that Apple offers.</p>
<p>I don’t know if it’s still the case, but for apples, at least a couple years ago, OIT isn’t allowed to touch them. OIT help desk regularly sent students with AppleCare to the local Apple store. Things may be different now. </p>
<p>But because Apple’s service is pretty good anyway, I’d say you should just go ahead the buy from wherever has the best price and get AppleCare.</p>
<p>@mathematicism: I went on the Duke Computer Store website, and the price listed for a MacBook Pro 13" was $1099, the same price you would pay if you bought it from the Apple Store. However, if you want a larger HD, then you will have to pay more, and Apple will also charge you more.</p>
<p>I had computer troubles my 2nd semester at Duke, and I was thinking about buying a new computer, and the gentleman at the store says they charge the exact same prices as Apple. I might be wrong about the 4 year free service if you buy from the Duke Store because the website lists a one year warranty, but I thought the salesperson said that was the case. </p>
<p>Here’s the link of the pricing I saw: [::</a> Duke University Stores - Computer Store In-Stock Apple Items ::](<a href=“http://www.dukestores.duke.edu/compstore/apple_instock.php]::”>http://www.dukestores.duke.edu/compstore/apple_instock.php)</p>
<p>It has saved my daughters behind a few times; the repairs, data rescue, and loaners. Getting to an Apple store is a little trickier, but certainly doable.</p>