Student Computer Initiative (SCI)

[cmh_580]

<p>This is just a question for current students. Is it worth ordering a laptop through Princeton's SCI or is it better to just buy your own?</p>

[sunshine_breeze]

<p>I used my scholarship money to buy a laptop through SCI because had I not, the scholarship money would have gone to waste. This is because if you have scholarships, they just decrease the amount of money Princeton gives you, not how much your parents actually pay. So I bought the computer (Macbook Pro). </p>

<p>I really like my mac, but my friends who had bought the PCs through SCI all seem to have a lot of trouble with their computer. So I guess my answer is: if you’re using scholarship money that will otherwise go to waste, buy it through SCI, but try to buy a mac. If you’re just buying it through SCI for the heck of it, don’t. You can get the computers elsewhere cheaper.</p>

[platypodes]

<p>don’t they let you use scholarship money to buy through other vendors? I don’t think it’s limited to SCI…</p>

[ChairmanGuo]

<p>Wait REALLY?? I would LOvE to use my scholarship to buy one elsewhere. So do they just give you cash or reimburse you after??</p>

[carten]

<p>If one brings their own laptop to Princeton, will the school load all the appropriate Princeton software for the student? Also, it seems that the SCI computers are a pretty good deal since it includes Endnote which is not an inexpensive program. Finally, if one is a history major and not into gaming, the lower end Mac model should be OK for me. Right? Thanks in advance for your replies.</p>

[mrscollege]

<p>Thanks for starting this thread. I was just reading about the SCI computers and curious about the same things. The computers look like nice HP Laptops loaded with software, but my D already has a Mac laptop. </p>

<p>If she brings her own computer, will she have problems with the Princeton system? Does Princeton provide the software (like Endnote…what is that?) or do we have to purchase?</p>

[TigerMom2014]

<p>Good questions mrscollege and others… my S has a Dell with Vista, we are not sure if he needs to upgrade to Windows 7, which is the recommended computing environment? </p>

<p>Also will others consider bringing in printers as well? Will wireless printers work in the dorm?</p>

[GSharpM7]

<p>I called the OIT HelpDesk (609) 258-4357/Option #1 and they said that there is no problem bringing your own computer. </p>

<p>You can also bring your laptop to them during certain hours and they will help you if you are having connectivity problems.
This link has some good info:
[KB:</a> Solutions Center: Location, hours of operation, and services offered](<a href=“Not Found - Princeton Service Portal”>Not Found - Princeton Service Portal)</p>

<p>Try this one too…</p>

<p>[Browse</a> the OIT KnowledgeBase](<a href=“Not Found - Princeton Service Portal”>Not Found - Princeton Service Portal)</p>

<p>You do need to buy any necessary software, but it is discounted. The Princeton software store shows the following prices:</p>

<p>

Microsoft Office 2008 Student/Fac/Staff CD w/SP2 & Lic MAC $49.00<br>
Mac OS X 10.4.9+ - See Microsoft’s web site for complete system requirements </p>

<p>EndNote X3 CD & License MAC 2009-10 $13.00<br>
Mac OS X 10.5.6 - September 15, 2009 to September 14, 2010 - See Thomson ResearchSoft’s web site for complete system requirements </p>

<p>McAfee VirusScan Security 1.0 MAC/8.5 & 8.7 WIN CD $3.00<br>
Mac OS X 10.4.6+/W00/XP/03/Vista/07- 32/64-bit - Site license for office use on University owned computers, and for home use on one personally owned computer while enrolled or employed. The software can also be do<br>

</p>

<p>For TigerMom2014

Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate Std/Fac/Staff DVD & Upg Lic $45.00<br>
For personal use - One Purchase Per Customer - 32-bit - DVD-ROm Drive required for installation<br>

</p>

<p>My understanding is that printing is “free” (i.e. built into tuition cost) and that you really should not need your own printer:
[KB:</a> Dormnet: How do I print to an OIT Cluster or dorm printer?](<a href=“Not Found - Princeton Service Portal”>Not Found - Princeton Service Portal)
[Printer</a> List -*OIT Computing Clusters](<a href=“Knowledge Article - Princeton Service Portal”>Knowledge Article - Princeton Service Portal)</p>

<p>They also mentioned that they have site licenses for the engineering software like MatLab and Mathmatica, so no cost for them. </p>

<p>

MatLab License Win/Mac/Unix<br>
Site license, free to faculty, staff & students. Single workstation & network installations. Can be downloaded at [Site</a> and Volume Licenses -*Princeton Software](<a href=“http://www.princeton.edu/licenses/software/matlab.xml]Site”>http://www.princeton.edu/licenses/software/matlab.xml) </p>

<p>Mathematica for Students<br>
No license fee - Click on link for download site<br>

</p>

<p>They said that if you are buying a new Apple computer, for a comparable model, there is only about a $10 difference. However, if you want something between the 13" Macbook and the 15" Macbook Pro, it seems like you could buy it and bring it to the school to have the necessary software purchased / installed. For us, that seems like the way to go. Will probably go for the 13" Macbook Pro w/ warranty and buy the software either through Princeton or ejourney who I have used in the past.</p>

<p>Princeton also is an authorized Apple (etc.) repair shop, so if you have an externally purchased laptop they can service it on-site under Apples warranty. </p>

<p>[Warranty</a> Repairs -*Desktop Support](<a href=“Knowledge Article - Princeton Service Portal”>Knowledge Article - Princeton Service Portal)</p>

<p>In case it matters to you, you do not get the free iTouch if you buy a Macbook Pro through Princeton. They told me that on the phone and the FAQ pretty clearly states that:</p>

<p>

Apple or Dell is offering a free item with orders, can I get that with my SCI order?
The SCI program is designed to give you a great laptop at a good price that is specially configured with software, networking, and warranty to help you get the most from your studies at Princeton. SCI computers cannot be combined with other offers from our vendors.*

</p>

<p>I did not ask about how external scholarships figure into the equation as that is probably best answered on an individual basis by the Financial Aid office. Here is what the SCI Store says…</p>

<p>

*If you are receiving a Princeton grant but the amount was reduced as the result of an outside scholarship, you may use lost grant funds toward the purchase of a computer. Select “Financial Aid Loan” as your payment option; we will automatically use grant funds, up to the amount your grant was reduced for the receipt of the outside award. This option is available once during your undergraduate years at Princeton. (Note: If your outside scholarship exceeds your need, you are not eligible for University grant funds to purchase a computer)

</p>

<p>Sorry to be so long-winded!</p>

[princeton13mom]

<p>my son bought a printer for his freshman year and discovered he really didn’t need it. It takes up space and the “free printing” is easily available around campus. He’s not bringing a printer next year.</p>

[TigerMom2014]

<p>^ Cool! One less thing to worry :-)</p>

[carten]

<p>Is the Apple White MacBook sufficient for a student’s needs if he is not an engineering or architecture major? Any downsides to the Apple White MacBook? And are the Dells really that bad? Thanks again.</p>

[carten]

<p>Just spoke with OIT at Princeton. They said they see no significant difference in repair problems between the Macs and Dells. Also said that if a student was not familiar with using a Mac, it may be better to stick with the Dells.</p>