Student Technology Initiative

<p>Does anyone know anything about the computers GW is recommending through this program? They are recommending either the Dell Lattitude or Apple. How important is it to get one of these computers? They make it sound as if it will be much easier to have the tech people service these computers and easier to keep them secure froim viruses, etc. Does anyone have any experience with these computers or any experience with using a non-recommended computer?</p>

<p>Bump...Anyone know anything?</p>

<p>I've looked into the Dells for my son, and I can't help but think that Dell is just SO overpriced! I'm still deciding.....</p>

<p>I think most laptops with the new dual core processor and the amount of memory, storage capacity and other specs that GW has put together would cost something similar. These are the specs I would buy anyway since Microsoft is coming out with it's new Windows sometime in the next year and you will need to have similar specs to run it. I want the laptop to last for 4 years if possible. It's just that my daughter likes the looks of the Sony line more, but GW's Dell supposedly comes pre-loaded with GW software and security,etc. I don't know how important this is.</p>

<p>When you get to school in the fall, they will give you a free disc with all of the 'pre-loaded' software that comes on the dells. So i've heard... Don't sweat the preloaded stuff</p>

<p>I've decided on the Macbook Pro (the less expensive one). Although I have always owned PCs at home, I've heard some negative reviews of Dells, and didn't really want to deal with virus stuff. I used Macs at school, and I rarely had any problem with compatability. Also you get a free iPod which is kind of cool.</p>

<p>I know that if you are getting a Mac (don't know anything about the Dell), it seems as if you may as well buy the package through the school. You get a student discount worth several hundred dollars, and the package includes things like Microsoft office, that you would otherwise have to buy yourself. It doesn't look like they're making money on it either -- the prices add up perfectly if you total all the features up yourself on the Mac website and include the discount.</p>

<p>Also, even though you can get all the "pre-loaded stuff" installed on any computer once you get to school, when I asked the tech support people about it at CI, they said that it involved going into tech support in the fall and sitting there for several hours while it loads. Though this probably isn't a big deal in reality, it's probably much more convenient to already have it there for you.</p>

<p>My brother in law, in the computer business, speaks negatively of the Dell dual core processor. So we're waiting... he's also thinking that prices will come down after the 4th of July....</p>