<p>Hey, y’all --</p>
<p>I’ll be attending UA. It was my first choice school for both NM and NA (I was a finalist for both) and I’ve already been to Bama Bound. I read somewhere that laptops are presented in some kind of ceremony the day before classes start. So I’m just wondering if someone could tell me exactly what computer we’re given?</p>
<p>Obviously I didn’t buy a new one this summer because it’s part of the scholarship package and while I would have preferred switching to a Macbook for college, I know that it’s a PC. But I need to figure out if this laptop will work for the software I’m planning to run (photo, film, music editing type stuff, as well as games) or if I’ll need to plan on buying a Mac as well.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>From another poster:
Found last year’s letter concerning the computer with the specifics:</p>
<p>Dell Latitude E6510 with
*2.53GHz IntelCore 2-Duo 15-540M processor
*15.6" Full HD(1920x1080) Wide view Anti-glare LED display
*250 GB Hard Drive
*10/100 Gibabit Ethernet
*light sensitive webcam and noise canceling Digital array mic
*Intel Wi-Fi LInk 6300
*4 GB RAM
*Intel HD Graphics for Latitude-D6510
*Windows7 Professional, 64bit
*Dell wireless 375 bluetooth module
*8x DVD+/-RW Drive
*MS Office Professional
*Meridian Backpack</p>
<p>That’s it, hope that helps, just remember, this was last year’s model. I am sure it will be even better this year. Enjoy!</p>
<p>Thank you so much!</p>
<p>Hi…and congrats on making NMF and NA…and welcome to BAMA!</p>
<p>I think you’ll get it the day before classes start.</p>
<p>It’s typically a very nice one…from the professional line…not the home version lines.</p>
<p>Does anyone here know who he can contact to get more info? When my son was NMF, I think Dr. Sharpe handled this, but now he’s a dean so he may no longer do this.</p>
<p>It’s a minor bummer for me, just because the reviews of that model point out it’s not great for lefties (apparently the cooling fans are on the left side and you can’t have your hand there, haha). Mostly I’m afraid I won’t have time to figure out how to use this thing… good thing I’m in CBH, I guess?</p>
<p>crazyinalabama – welcome! I’m a diehard Mac fan, so I understand where you’re coming from. In fact, we’re thinking of getting DS an IPhone, so Mac compatibility would be great. But, like you, we’re not looking a gift Dell in the mouth, LOL.</p>
<p>What’s your major? Which dorm will you be in? (Just curious. DS will be in Riverside East.)</p>
<p>crazyinalabama – can you point me to those reviews? DS is a lefty, too. Thanks!!</p>
<p>LadyD – I’ve always relied on PCs (except for the Mac lab in middle school) but I really, really want to go to a Mac for college. If nothing else, I’d possibly prefer an XPS series Dell because I just don’t think I need a super “professional” one when I’m 18, haha. One good thing I’d say about Auburn’s package is they give a tech stipend instead of a particular computer. So if we get a Latitude series and I think long and hard and decide it’s not for me, I might sell without using and buy something else.</p>
<p>I’m currently planning to double major in American Studies and Economics, and triple minor in CBH, psychology, and telecommunication and film… And I’m in Ridgecrest South, North Tower. I know a couple of people in Riverside East though.</p>
<p>The reviews on the Dell site are here: [Latitude</a> E6510 Laptop Details | Dell](<a href=“Dell Latitude Laptops | Dell USA”>Dell Latitude Laptops | Dell USA). A couple mentioned the fans on the left side and I saw one that specifically said that the fans preclude the possibility of using it as a lefty. I don’t use a left-handed mouse, but I use a regular mouse with my left hand, so… that’s annoying.</p>
<p>" I might sell without using and buy something else."</p>
<p>I know my son’s NMF gifted computer included some sort of service plan and/or extended warranty. You may want to double check to make sure your new issued laptop’s service plan an warranty are transferable. </p>
<p>This is a case of measure twice, cut once. Know all your options before you invest in a different computer.</p>
<p>I believe I read somewhere in D’s scholarship material that if she were to leave UA before the end of the first year, she has to return the laptop.</p>
<p>Hmm, good point. I’ll do that and definitely, I’ll weigh the advantages/disadvantages. But I’ll have extra money from PACT and I’ve looked into the other computers I’m interested in… I might be able to get a pretty awesome set-up that’s more compatible with what I’m doing.</p>
<p>BamaMomof3 – I read something like that, I think it was two years… but I know I’m not going to transfer. I got in everywhere I applied to and financial aid/scholarships made money a non-issue. But I want to go to Alabama, so I’m not worried about that!</p>
<p>The model this year may likely be different, so looking at the specifics of the above-mentioned model may not apply.</p>
<p>The model for this year may still be in negotiations. I remember getting a letter from the school detailing the specs after the deal was made with Dell. I think the letter came in July.</p>
<p>Crazy…since you’re in CBH, send an email to Dr. Sharpe asking how you can find the details about the NMF/NA laptop. :)</p>
<p>m2ck – Great, I’ll look out for that letter and email Dr. Sharpe in the meantime!</p>
<p>Two majors and three minors?? I am exhausted just thinking about it, LOL.</p>
<p>Whew, today’s kids maker my generation look like slackers. :)</p>
<p>And thanks so much for the link to reviews. I hope this year’s model is better for lefties. 
</p>
<p>We bought DS a guitar a few years ago, never dreaming that his left-handedness would be an issue. We just got him a standard beginner’s guitar. He has coped just fine, but obviously we should have realized that there are special guitars for lefties, and that a lefty guitar would have been a better option.</p>
<p>Not sure who you would talk to but you could try asking for a mac. My classmate asked for a mac and got one. we started fall 06</p>
<p>Also, they did send us an award letter which listed the specifications of the cpu.</p>
<p>Not sure who you would talk to but you could try asking for a mac. My classmate asked for a mac and got one. we started fall 06</p>
<p>Bama won’t do that anymore. Kids have been asking in recent years and the school has been firm that they do a big order and get a great deal based because of that, so they won’t let kids pick and choose.</p>
<p>I wonder how many left-handed NMFs got last year’s laptop and found it difficult to use because of the fan issue. </p>
<p>While one shouldn’t exactly look a gift horse in the mouth, I’d at least mention to Dr. Sharpe that the university should at least consider switching to a system where students can get to choose their own laptops. I know that my first consideration when buying a laptop was that it had to have a 10-key number pad, which, to my knowledge, the NMF laptops never have. Sure, the students might not get a laptop with a $2,500 MSRP if they buy it on their own, but at least students would get laptops that they could comfortably use.</p>
<p>How interesting…How many left handed NMF’s are there? D is a lefty too, and I know she would give her right hand (LOL) to have a mac instead of Dell or HP.</p>