<p>well the laptop ordering forms are up and i was wondering if its safe to go ahead and place an order, or wait till financial aid packets are distributed</p>
<p>wait a week and see if you get a laptop grant.</p>
<p>WAIT, they have a very generous laptop grant program if you filled out the CSS/FAFSA. If you can get it through the grant program you will be very happy.....</p>
<p>According to UNC Student Aid when we visited, even if your need is $1, you may be able to get a full laptop grant.</p>
<p>I got a full laptop grant today!</p>
<p>Wow, is it too late to fill out a laptop grant through CSS/FAFSA??</p>
<p>wait..how did u fill out the laptop grant thingy....</p>
<p>cubs fan you got it by mail today right?
then you get it in orientation.....</p>
<p>So, I didn't get a laptop grant and am wondering if it is worth it to pay more for the laptop Carolina offers or to buy a macbook, which is suprisingly less. I know about the service offered through the schools and so forth. But since I'm not getting mine free, is there a better alternative? Anyone had any problems with the CCI laptops in the past?</p>
<p>Let me say that having on site service with loaners, a 4 year insurance policy, is worth some of the cost. My d's friend knocked hers off her desk and you guessed it the computer screen toast. no fear, a loaner and a brand new computer with in 2 weeks.....cord went bad, got new one free. They carry parts for non warranty repair things like cords. Yes, you can get your own apple or whatever, but my nephews honors paper at another college was erased on an apple and he had to start over on a 125 page paper. He should have had several back ups but sat down and wrote the paper in a couple of days. BACK UP is very impt no matter what computer you choose.
Weight the inconvenience if yours breaks vs. having the on site service. They are good computers I think. Perhaps start a thread on Mac books and see if students using them have had issues. Make sure you are compatible with computer programs some classes use like MATlab and others. Find out where the closest service center is, it may be close by. I am sure you would have same back up rights to online storage as other computers through CCI.</p>
<p>you are automatically considered for laptop grant IF YOU FILLED OUT THE FINANCIAL AID< FAFSA AND CSS PROFILE>> you do not need to fillout other forms but bring your grant letter to CTOPS when you pick yours up....oh yeah, dont' forget to order your laptop, grant or not. otherwise it won't be there for you at CTOPS.</p>
<p>I have heard from numerous UNC students (grad and undergrad) that it is not worth buying a computer through CCI (unless you want the insurance)</p>
<p>i know macs are meant to be fully compatible at unc... i have a macbook and it is wonderful. no problems, lightweight, etc. i wouldn't go back to a pc for anything. if i get the laptop grant i will probably be upgrading to a macbook air. anyway, the point is, go with whatever you feel most comfortable with. you will probably be spending hours and hours at your new machine, so you want to like it!
the insurance is always a good thing to have, though, just in case-- but i think if you take care of your things you shouldn't have a problem, and i know the folks at the mac stores are VERY helpful with replacements. my roommate has gotten a free battery for his macbook and an entire new 30 gig ipod for no charge when he has had problems.</p>
<p>hope that helps any :)</p>
<p>If you receive the laptop grant you only options are the computers offered by UNC, which at least in the past did not include macbooks. The following quote is from the UNC site:</p>
<p>
[quote]
Laptop grants will be awarded in the form of a credit valid only at UNC Student Stores for the standard ThinkPad R package, that includes software, security lock, and four years of insurance coverage. No cash will be given. You are responsible for the cost of any optional accessories, such as a printer, backpack, or external mouse. </p>
<p>While a laptop grant from the University can be combined with additional funds to purchase the more expensive student laptop model(s), please be aware that should you leave the University prior to graduation, you will be required to either pay back the grant and keep the laptop or return the laptop and lose your additional investment.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Atlmom - My son did not get the laptop grant so I guess my need is less than $0. Why am I not happy with my new found wealth?</p>
<p>i got a laptop grant eventhough my efc was $21k</p>
<p>which by the way is just bullocks</p>