<p>If you're purchasing your own laptop rather than the one offered by the CCI, do you ned to bring it with you to CTOPS in order to be configured to the Carolina network? I'm going to the first CTOPS session in early June, but I wasn't thinking of getting my laptop until a little later. I'd just like to be prepared. Thanks in advance for your responses.</p>
<p>i think they did configure it at CTOPS but you can also bring it in a couple days before school starts and they'll still do it. just be sure to have it done before classes begin. But i mean most people (like 90%) get free laptops, theres the people with their own but personally, the one they gave me is awesome and good enough to last 4 years.</p>
<p>Ok thanks. I'm sure the laptops they offer are great, but I personally want a Macbook.</p>
<p>same here and also i would have to pay the overpriced rate for the school sanctioned laptop so i'm leaning towards a macbook because they are so much better.</p>
<p>The school laptop is good because of the warranty and all that, but I really don't think it's a great deal. I'm on my friend's Macbook Pro right now, and it's great. I think it's really worth the money.</p>
<p>how is it free?</p>
<p>Having the ability to take your laptop in for service and get a loaner is a great perk of The CCI program hard to put a value on....don't undervalue that when considering things.</p>
<p>Many scholarships include laptops allowances but they have to be the CCI laptop. </p>
<p>When my S was an incoming student they offered two choices, the allowance was for the base level and he paid the difference for the upgrade which was far cheaper than buying his own laptop. He also bought the docking station and 17" flat screen monitor which at that time we very well priced.</p>
<p>I agree. The ability to get 24/7 tech support and loaner on campus if yours is in the shop PLUS insurance against everything for 4 years makes this a good deal. My Jr. got a brand new computer last summer when hers got bumped off a desk. </p>
<p>Some people do get macs because they love macs.
However, there are drawbacks. Also, software availailable may be based on the campus min. requrements. Check with ITS so make sure what you want will work!</p>
<p>The laptop grants are given with scholarship packages and as a part of financial aid. If you fill out a FAFSA and CSS you probably will get something.</p>
<p>I would at least wait before you buy until those grants are given out.</p>
<p>I do not believe that 90% of the students get free computers based on income or scholarship according to swim4china89. My daughter did not get a computer from UNC and she has not had any problems. They will still help you with your computer even though you did not buy it from UNC. Also, homeowners insurance (some of them) will let you add a laptop to your coverage at a very cheap cost, but if you can qualify for a free computer - GET IT.</p>
<p>It definitely isn't terrible to get a computer that isn't the lenovo, because they're not mean about helping you out or anything, but it is important to know that tech support here isn't as well versed in other operating systems and hardware issues. It is also very comforting to know that should anything go array with this laptop of mine that they would replace it for free. Just some things to consider.</p>
<p>I agree with alcook4u, I seriously doubt that 90% of students have laptop grants.</p>
<p>yea, that is a kind of crazy number.</p>
<p>yeah i was kinda exaggerating a little, i guess, everyone i see at unc have those laptops so im not sure. i think its for everyone who gets some sort of scholarship? thats what i heard from somewhere.</p>
<p>I believe that the laptops grants are need based. Moreheads and Robertsons receive them from their separate foundations and other merit scholarship awardees would only get the laptop grants for demonstrated financial need.</p>
<p>Laptop grants are pretty easy to get but apparently a lot of people don't know about them. I got pretty minimal financial aid but was still eligible for a laptop grant.</p>
<p>what type of laptop do they give you..im just a bit curious...</p>
<p>Ah,</p>
<p>Going from previous years, they provide a Lenovo R-Series laptop. You can pay the difference and upgrade to the bigger (15.4in screen vs 14in) and more powerful T-Series though.</p>
<p>wait how do you get a laptop grant? is there a separate application? I thought they just gave you laptop grants from looking at the fin. aid forms.</p>