<p>Does Alabama have a University IT store? My son is all excited because Best Buy is throwing in free X-Box systems with the purchase of a student laptop. I wanted to do some research in case he can find a better price somewhere else. Is there an IT store/link somewhere? Can he buy Office through the bookstore? How much? Thanks for any advice! From reading previous posts, it looks like there are no specific requirements for engineering students. He knows what specs he wants.</p>
<p>Not sure what you’re asking…</p>
<p>I know that various computers and software are sold at the SUPE store. I know that Macs are also sold with a student discount.</p>
<p>OK. Is there a link to the SUPE store somewhere? I was asking about Office because it costs nearly $200 if Best Buy loads it, but I think college students can get it for WAY less. (My dad is a retired college prof and got me office several years ago for $35 to load on 3 computers.) Thanks!</p>
<p>$200 is way too much to pay for MS Office, especially if it is for only one computer; most versions of MS Office include licenses for 3 computers.</p>
<p>The official Microsoft Office student discount (run by Microsoft) is called the Ultimate Steal and costs $79.95. [Microsoft</a> Office Professional Academic 2010](<a href=“http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/office/default.aspx]Microsoft”>http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/office/default.aspx)</p>
<p>Here’s the link for the Supe Store. If you scroll down you’ll see a link for the apple education store on the right hand side. I have no idea what, if any, the discount is though.
<a href=“Page Not Found | University of Alabama Supply Store”>http://www.universitysupplystore.com/</a></p>
<p>Is there anything “MS Office” does that “open office” can’t do?</p>
<p>[OpenOffice.org</a> - The Free and Open Productivity Suite](<a href=“http://www.openoffice.org/]OpenOffice.org”>http://www.openoffice.org/)</p>
<p>Usually, any kid can load up the programs. No need to pay for that. Get the software through whomever the school recommends- I wouldn’t mess with that, since they run around $80, IME, and you need to match what the school network supports. Do make sure you get a back-up disk.
Over many years, we found the laptop discounts through schools are not always great deals. Bought one kid a Dell, on sale, at Staples. Loves it. Far lower price than the school discount.</p>
<p>He could certainly go to the tech support office in Gordan Palmer. I went to find out more about Windows 7, and they showed the cheapest place to get that. I’m sure they could do the same for Microsoft Office.</p>