<p>My will attend Wm & M next year and we want to get him a laptop, any suggestions? I remember on the tour they spoke of a program offered to get repairs done but I don't remember the details.</p>
<p>Thanks for any info.</p>
<p>Meant to say my son will attend…typed too fast I guess.</p>
<p>I believe W&M has special offers on both Macs and Dells.</p>
<p>Uh…-looks around-</p>
<p>[url=<a href=“http://www.wm.edu/sites/tribeapple/index.php]Macs[/url”>http://www.wm.edu/sites/tribeapple/index.php]Macs[/url</a>] and [url=<a href=“http://www.wm.edu/offices/it/computers/studentnotebook/index.php]Dells[/url”>http://www.wm.edu/offices/it/computers/studentnotebook/index.php]Dells[/url</a>]</p>
<p>The Apple store is newer, so I don’t think have all the services yet like the Dell service, but it should be up and running soon. I would hazard a guess that they might have the full Apple service up and running by the Fall.</p>
<p>As an authorized Service provider for Dell and Lenovo, repairs can be done on any in-warranty Dell and Lenovo notebooks, no matter where purchased. (Before buying a Lenovo, I’d call to make sure they plan to still do that service, since they don’t sell them anymore. Having on-site service is a huge +++.) </p>
<p>According to the website, they are also in the process of becoming an authorized service provider for Apple - this would be great, because service is usually delivered at the Apple store, in Richmond or Norfolk, which is <em>not</em> cool for a car-less freshman.</p>
<p>I think the Dell notebook at [William</a> & Mary - Dell Student Notebook Program](<a href=“http://www.wm.edu/offices/it/computers/studentnotebook/index.php]William”>http://www.wm.edu/offices/it/computers/studentnotebook/index.php)</p>
<p>is last year’s model - I’d assume a new configuration is coming. The thing about these is that they tend to be somewhat high-end configurations, and have a 4-year warranty / accidental damage insurance. This drives the price towards the high-end as well.</p>
<p>4 years is rather a long time to have a notebook; if it were me, I’d consider buying a Dell from Dell (with the Ed discount), with a 2-year warranty/accidental coverage, sell it after 2 years, and then buy a new one. That way, I get the latest / greatest tech. It probably wouldn’t cost much more, if any. But that’s just 'cause I’m something of a geek … ;)</p>
<p>I think the Apple’s build quality will hold up better over those 4 years - but you’ll pay for that quality. </p>
<p>Whatever you do, keep it under warranty - a notebook is almost never worth repairing if you have to pay for service, kinda like TV’s and microwaves.</p>
<p>I bought the school laptop when they were offering the Lenovo Z61t. I am not very happy with it, and haven’t needed to use the warranty ever. It’s been helpful for some of my friends who dropped their computers, spilled tea on them, or had hard drive failures. I don’t know anything about the Dells, but if your child isn’t a klutz you’re probably better off buying a cheap laptop on your own.</p>