<p>i was just browsing around on the unc page where it says "after your've been accepted", and they're tallking bout like meal plans and such, and then theres this one part about the laptops we need. Now i looked at the ones they offered...and i have several problems with the ones they have:
1. they're rediculously expensive for what they include...but i guess they have the accidnental warrenty ( i work at an electronics store i know those arent cheap) and software...but what if i dont want the protection plan and a bunch of extra software
2. there's only three choices
3.and they're all lenovo... which sux
4. it says we can buy our own as long as its equal or above the min requirments they give...and one of the requirements was windows xp pro.... does that mean no macs? plus where do they still sell xp pro computers all the stores stock vista now. </p>
<p>so yea could current students or someone who knows bout the system give us some insight as to pros and cons of buying one of those school computers or whether tehy're mac friendly there or anything like that</p>
<p>Remember it comes preloaded with everything you need including Office.</p>
<p>S was originally was dipleased with having to take the IBM/Lenovo option as part of his scholarship but has been generally pleased with things with virtually no issues three years later. He paid the difference to get the upgraded version of the two that were offered that year.</p>
<p>The long warranty and ability to get loaner laptops and on campus service is huge and should not be discounted when considering your options. He also bought (not part of scholarship) the docking station, flat panel monitor and wireless keyboard option and has been glad that he did so.</p>
<p>I'm not computer savvy at all; but my d took her Dell laptop to UNC instead of buying through the initiative. She had just rec'd it as a Christmas present, so it seemed wasteful not to use it. And the screen/keyboard on her Dell is large enough, so there was no need for docking. Her suitemate has the university IBM/lenovo product and found the docking station/keyboard/monitor essential.</p>
<p>My d did have a minor issue getting it to recognize the university network; but during orientation, the school 'geek squad' (forgot the name) came to her dorm room to get it working and she has had no problems since that time. She has also been able to download university software free. You can get assistance with any technology issues whether you buy through the university or not; but the great advantage to the university plan is the loaners and warranty.</p>
<p>hinvestorp: My daughter was given the IBM as part of scholarship, too--and it's a great computer-- but she is a Mac person, and had a relatively new Mac at the time. So she did take the Mac with her and has used it with no problems. I think she had something done with hers during orientation, too, but I can't remember now. She hasn't had any probem using it, though.</p>
<p>If you get a laptop grant, you get the basic laptop that is part of the laptop program. You will receive info about how to order and the costs will be covered by your scholarship. Any upgrades or additional items are at your expense but a pretty good value if you do choose to upgrade. You pick whatever you order up at CTOPS.</p>
<p>I was just looking at the laptop info and wondering about accessories. I know that eadad mentioned that his son went with the docking station and ldmom06 said her daughter's suitemate went with that also. Just wondering if the majority of the students found this useful and worth the extra expense?</p>
<p>i don't have a school laptop, and i've never had any problems. the ITS support people will make all the necessary connections. all you have to do is enter a certain code to make it connect to the school's network (or something). they give you a sheet on how to do it, and also offer it (for free) at CTOPS. </p>
<p>also, you can bring macbooks, etc. they don't offer them through the school, of course, but it's not like they're forbidden.</p>
<p>Get the one offered by the school!!!!! It's a lot easier when you have a problem with it...ITS will have a better clue how to fix it and as much as you will use it (especially if you're a science mjr lugging it around constantly) ITS will be seeing it, and if it's not a major problem a friend might have had a similar issue and know what to do. I got mine through the school and it works really well and is so much easier to deal with since the software I have to download for labs is always compatible unlike with some of the programs on others, like not current enough, or a certain program might not be had but will be needed to upload files on blackboard or something....whatever you decide at least stick with something that runs windows...Apple computers and the software for class don't always agree and then you're stuck trying to find a compatible version.</p>
<p>Oh, missed this part the first time, about the docking stations, I have one...it was a life saver my freshman year with the people I lived with...but this year I haven't even bothered bringing it to school (ok, maybe a private room makes it a little unnecessary this year) but pending the roommate situation I'd say get it, better safe than sorry</p>
<p>carolinagirl86 thanks for the info it was quite helpful. i was actually thinking bout the windows compatibility deal but apples coming up with bootcamp with the new os x i think? and idk i'm not like a techie but i'm a salesman for electronics (including pcs and laptops) so i'm fairly knownlegable about general computer problems. but yea sounds like if i do go with the unc laptop i def will get the docking station. does anyone have the price or picture of it?</p>
<p>This site also has a list of the minimum computer requirements and info about other stuff they try to sell you for the computer. Hope this helps : )</p>
<p>I just got a MacBook Pro a few months ago, and it's amazing.. so if I go to UNC I'll definitely be taking it instead of buying a ThinkPad. But I just checked their minimum laptop requirements, which I looked at a few weeks ago and I'm pretty sure had said at the time that they only require a 60 GB hard drive, and it now says that they require 120 GB. My MacBook Pro only has 80, so I could buy a new hard drive and pay an authorized technician to install it (it's way too hard to upgrade a hard drive on a MacBook Pro unless you really know what you're doing... I'd be worried about screwing up and voiding my warranty), but it really seems kind of excessive. My computer matches all of their other specs, though.. do you think they'd actually check the hard drive size?</p>
<p>Aside from downloading programs in class for labs, the TAs and professors won't see the computer and thus won't know what it has, just make sure it has enough space for the required programs (Excel, Word, etc which are neede for uploading to Blackboard and other university related sites) and anything needed for a lab class. I doubt ITS would check at orientation or at any other to see anything beyound that it's a Mac for repair purposes/connecting to campus network, etc ( Macs are a pain with the programs UNC uses, but it's definitely doable just a little more work)</p>
<p>Carolina Girl86,
I am confused (it happens a lot lately) about why the docking station was important to have with your roommates. Is it a security issue? We are in the process of planning for Son to attend UNC, Thanks for any info.</p>