<p>hi, im thinking of buying a mac for uva in the fall. How easy is it to set up the macbook pro with all the software that the college installs on their laptops, should i get the macbook or go with the uva laptop? Finally, when do we get the laptop catolog from uva that tells us the laptops the school offers?</p>
<p>Personally, I thought the bookstore deal was a rip off. When I first arrived at UVA, I was expecting to find a brand new MacBook Pro computer loaded with all sorts of UVA stuff waiting for me in my dorm.
Well, it wasn't there. I was in a panic. The bookstore said it wasn't ready yet and could take a few days. More panic, because it is vital to have a working computer on day 1, IMO.
Anyway, fortunately, my Mom had her MacBook Pro with her and she said "take my computer", so I did, and it has worked out beautifully. My Dad figured out how to get me wireless service (which was a little bit of a hassle, he had to talk by phone and have ITC walk him through step by step).
When my computer finally was ready, it was a MacBook Pro but the bookstore hadn't installed anything. My computer came with a UVA bag that had Microsoft Word in it's sealed container, an approved power cord, and a few other things that I have never used.
I just kept my Mom's computer since it worked great. She took my "UVA" computer and we are both happy.
If you want to go through the bookstore, you can, but it's really not necessary. Oh, and yes, the bookstore has Mac merchandise. Good luck.</p>
<p>I'd say you're better off going to the Apple store. They're always helpful, and you can get the same student discount, along with the AppleCare (extended 3 yr warranty) with a student discount. The prices that UVA charges seem a bit crazy, especially if you already have Microsoft Office. Depending on your major, you may not even need a MacBook Pro and only need a MacBook, something lighter and smaller may be nicer to lug to class.</p>
<p>i definitely recommend a mac. they're easy to set-up and very user friendly. i'm not sure that a macbook pro would be worth the extra money--the regular macbooks are quite nice and are sufficient for what most students need.</p>
<p>that being said, i strongly advise you NOT to buy your computer through UVA. every single person i know who did had serious problems with it, and in the end the minimal amount of money you save is not worth the hassle. it's better, as canuck said, to go through the apple store, get the student discount, and you can even get a free printer because of the $99 rebate they offer. it's a great deal and it worked out really well for me.</p>
<p>We purchased a Dell computer for my son last summer through Cavalier Computers. Fortunately it has given him very good service; no repair issues thus far (knock on wood).</p>
<p>The computer cost more than what I wanted to pay, but I couldn't get one direct from Dell for much less at the time. However, I think Dell has more cost effective options now than they did then. And more flexibility with respect to machines, operating systems and options. Cavalier Computers only offered three or four choices for each system last year, and they refused to customize the system for you; you were stuck with one of their preset configurations. I didn’t care much for that. The people at Cav Computers were nice, and they were certainly interested in helping you pick out a system to order. But I was disappointed that I had to push quite hard to pick-up the computer by the promised date. That situation might have been better if we had ordered the unit sooner. </p>
<p>As far as software goes, I don’t think we got any special UVa software by buying it from Cav Computers. I do remember it seemed like everyone spent some time on Move-In Day configuring their computers to work on the UVa Network; sort of a ‘Rite of Passage’ was how that seemed to me. </p>
<p>Regardless of whether you are going with an Apple or a Dell, I'd recommend you shop around to see if you can get a better deal than what's available through Cav Computers.</p>
<p>And I'd do it SOON. The longer you wait, the less flexibility you have.</p>
<p>My S bought a MacBook through Cav Computers 2 years ago. At that time, they offered an additional year on the warranty...a full 4 years. That, and the fact that there's no Apple Store in Charlottesville, convinced us to get it there. He picked it up at orientation, went to the nearest library, plugged it in, confirmed a couple things, and was good to go. He hasn't had any problems.</p>
<p>Oh yay that's good to hear. Just bought a Macbook at the start of the year too!</p>
<p>Speaking of Cav Computers, I also bought mine through them three years ago. I recently had an open wire in my charger, and they replaced it within two days with a brand-new one. After graduation though, which is when the guarantee expires, I'm going to get a new laptop.</p>
<p>Hey guys, Bill Strong from Cavalier Computers.
The website is up and live now.
Cavalier</a> Computers - Student Computers</p>
<p>You should be getting the catalogs over the next few days.</p>
<p>MacBook questions.
This year all of the software does come installed. No longer will the macs need to be configured like in the past. </p>
<p>All of the Macs come with 4-YEAR AppleCare.
Apple stores DO NOT offer 4-years. Only 3. So when you compare computers please be aware of this.
You cannot buy the same configured computer cheaper from Apple direct. </p>
<p>We have been selling computers to students here at UVA since 1985. We know what students need now, and what they will need at year four. That is why we spec the computers like we do.</p>
<p>The Printers come with a 4-Year EXCHANGE warranty. If it stops working, you call the help desk and they will try and fix it with you over the phone. If it is a hardware problem a technician will be dispatched with a replacement printer. This is for a total of 4-years. Those cheap ones you see everywhere will normally come with a 90-day warranty. So look at that when you are comparing prices.</p>
<p>Service.
You have two choices when getting your computer serviced.
If you buy from Apple direct and the computer breaks, you will have to wait for apple to send you a box, then ship the computer back. With DCI, our techs have the motherboards, harddrives, screens in stock and will fix the computer on-site for you. You also get 4-years software support for free while at uva through the ITC Help Desk. Microsoft and Apple charge after a number of days.</p>
<p>The difference between the Dell and the Apple is that the Dells have CompleteCare. This will cover accidental damage to the computer. Apple does not offer this.</p>
<p>There seems to be a few students who "know everything" about the UVA Programs. They call us "rip-offs" and other names.
Our guys are here to help the students as we know how important their education is. We work directly with Apple and Dell to get them the best packages that will last them for four years and beyond, and we get them computers that can be serviced on-site now, and in four years. </p>
<p>You can buy cheaper now, but in two years will you still be able to get the parts to get them fixed? </p>
<p>Any questions please email us using the Contact Us form at the BTS website
Cavalier</a> Computers - Student Computers</p>
<p>I would feel more comfortable knowing that I had all 4 years covered under AppleCare, and it would be nice to have the computer serviced right away on campus and not have to send it to California for repair.</p>
<p>But, I know most colleges (including UVA in years past from previous comments???) are not able to service Mac's themselves. Is UVA truly able to change motherboards, screens, etc. for Macs and not just PCs, or are they just arranging to send it off to Apple? </p>
<p>Also, is the 4 year AppleCare sold by UVA truly AppleCare, with phone tech support from Apple if needed?</p>
<p>Cavalier Computers technicians are both Apple and Dell Premier Certified. We stock ALL DCI Computers parts in stock, and will repair 2008 Apple and Dell DCI computers on-site. </p>
<p>The hardware warranty is 4-Year AppleCare. If you call Apple support once they look up your computers ID number it will show that you have a 4-year hardware Apple Care warranty. It is a true gardware warranty.</p>
<p>Apple will supply phone support for hardware for the 40-years. Or you can contact the ITC Help Desk. Software support is not normally covered free of charge by any manufacturer. ITC will provide software support for the 4-year period free of charge.</p>
<p>just researched this subject again..</p>
<p>Cavalier Computers is an Authorized Apple Repair Center.
We have been working on Apple Computers since the mid-80s.</p>
<p>4-years telephone support via Apple or ITC Help Desk
Apple</a> - Support - AppleCare Protection Plan</p>
<p>The actual applecare PDF
http%3A%2F%2Fimages.apple.com%2Flegal%2Fapplecare%2Fdocs%2FAppleCare<em>Protect</em>Plan<em>NA</em>en.pdf</p>
<p>WD - Do you have any data on what % of the students by Apple vs. Dell?</p>
<p>before I give my input on this question, let me tell you my house is equipped with almost every Mac computer/laptop (macbook pro 15 and 17, macbook, macbook air, iMac 20 and 24, mac pro + 30 cinema display, and all (and I mean all) of the software including the professional stuff like Aperture, Final Cut, etc. I also worked at Apple for a bit, so if you need help picking a laptop, I would be happy to help. </p>
<p>First and foremost, I would wait until the developer's conference in mid june is over to purchase your computer. The macbook pro is long overdue for a redesign or upgrade and there's a good chance that they will announce changes during the conference. </p>
<p>I'm not exactly sure what the data and audio bundles are from UVa, but they are most likely memory upgrades. I wouldn't purchase a computer through UVa just for that. Apple usually gives college students an iPod if they buy a laptop; this sale should be starting soon and if they aren't offering you iPods, then they may offer you a free printer or something similar. To my knowledge, UVa computers does not do that. If you are looking for a new iPod, then buying through Apple may be the way to go.</p>
<p>All Apple computers are shipped with Leopard (the OS for Mac) so you should get that no matter where you purchase it. I don't know what the "installed software" is through UVa computers, but if it's just Leopard (the OS system for Mac), then this shouldn't be integral in making your decision. It is extremely easy to set up Leopard (none of the Vista crap) and it won't take more than 10-20 minutes of entering info and clicking "Next." Really, I would find out what the installed software is before buying the computer.</p>
<p>Microsoft Office for Mac:</p>
<p>Amazon.com:</a> Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Student and Teacher [OLD VERSION]: Macintosh: Software</p>
<p>I would get the 2004 edition. This was updated in 2008 but the upgrade stinks. I reverted my computers back to the 2004 after using the 2008 for a while. The 2004 is much more similar to how powerpoint, word, and excel are set up on a windows computer. The 2008 just seems to have silly little add on features that are quite unnecessary. There are settings that Word won't let me change and the way everything is set up is different. The 2004 is easier to use and, in my opinion, better. I will admit, however, that the 2008 version is faster.</p>
<p>Warranty:</p>
<p>In the past 4 years, I have had 2 problems with the multiple computers that I have. The 1st problem was that my CD was not ejecting and it wasn't showing up on my computer. This was easily fixed with a simple keystroke combination. The 2nd was when I thought I got a virus but I actually didn't. That's it. And I run the computers through a lot all at once. Telephone support is a complete joke and when I call, I know more about the computer than they do. And honestly, I just know the basics. The greatest thing about having a Mac is that some people are religiously devoted to their computers and as a result, there are people online and on Mac based forums that can help you more than the tech people can. When I called about my 2 problems, the tech guy over the phone said he had no idea (on two separate occasions) but when I posted the problems online, I had an answer within a few hours (and I didn't have to listen to elevator music for that time.) </p>
<p>Apple</a> - Support - Discussions - Forum Home</p>
<p>This is the discussions forum on the apple website. There are people on this site who have written books on Macs, people who work for Apple, tech support people from Apple, extremely knowledgeable home users, the Genius Bar guys from around the world, and the people with questions. If you have questions, it's better to go here and ask then call the tech support guy.</p>
<p>AppleCare also provides coverage for your computer for hardware and this is why many of you should look into it. AppleCare covers the cost of labor and parts if your computer needs to be fixed. Getting AppleCare is a very very good idea, especially since you will be in college and unplanned things happen. If you drop your computer and your screen stops working, it's a good thing if you have AppleCare because they will fix it for you. I have dropped my laptop on a number of occasions (macbook pro 17") and it still works fine. However, if it did happen to stop working, then I know that I could easily take it in and get it repaired. </p>
<p>To Apple's credit, they have built an excellent laptop that is reliable and functional. If you treat your laptop right, it will serve you for a long time. If you drop it, abuse it, and kick it, it won't last as long. common sense.</p>
<p>db123, that's not true about Applecare fixing your computer if you drop it and the screen stops working. I took my Macbook Pro in to the Apple Store and told them the honest truth that my screen cracked when I shut the top down for the night. Basically, they told me that this would never, never happen and that I would be responsible for a 1200 repair. Even though I researched the forums and found it to be a problem with many, many Macbookpros, Apple would not bulge. To say the least, AppleCare will not fix a broken screen.</p>
<p>correct. spill something down the keyboard and the same thing. Toasted screen and a $1200-$1300 fix.
sucks.</p>
<p>latest news as of yesterday states that the chips the next computers will be using are on hold as they have some serious issues...
Intel's</a> Centrino 2 Platform Delayed (Upshot: No New MacBooks at WWDC)</p>
<p>X-bit</a> labs - Intel May Have Issues with New Mobile Platform Analyst.</p>
<p>Then WD, I should ask you, what does AppleCare actually provide? If it doesn't provide protection against hardware and you can get better information for free, what's the point of AppleCare?</p>
<p>I only brought up the screen example because it happened to a friend of mine and he got his fixed for free so I assumed this was covered under Apple Care. However, his computer was only about 2 months old so this may have played a role. I checked and the website also said hardware was covered which is the only reason why I purchased AppleCare. If it doesn't, then it seems like a complete waste of money.</p>
<p>It covers hardware. But not accidental damage. Like spilling something in it, dropping it, accidently running it over with your car or bike. Dell does. But not Apple. The Dells have the 4-year hardware warranty, but also include Accidental Damage protection.
Be aware that we sell a 4-Year Apple Care plan, whereas you can't get that from Apple direct. They only offer 3 years.</p>
<p>I made certain that I purchased my daughter a 4-year plan on her macbook last year. WVU only offered a 3-year. So I purchased it from my employer. She had to send it back once, and they repaired it for free, her isight camera broke, and the hard drive was suffering from some odd issues that were hardware related.</p>
<p>Just remember that all companies NEVER EVER cover software issues. Apple and DCI / ITC Help Desk will offer free software support for the 4-years under the DCO program.</p>
<p>Bill,</p>
<p>Valid or not, one complaint I have heard regarding Cavalier Computers is the amount of time it takes to get a broken computer back. Why not provide loaner computers that have the software people need installed? Seems to me that if CC had loaners, the "high cost" of the computers could be more than justified.</p>
<p>My non-CC four year extended warranty does not cover more than one additional battery. I got the first replacement for free, but I had to buy the second directly from China, so it is only a matter of time before my dorm room goes up in flames. How about replacing batteries through the entire life of the warranty as well?</p>