<p>What is anyone’s experience with University Computer? From what I can tell, the prices seem competitive and I imagine the hassle factor is lower than dealing with some store like Best Buy.</p>
<p>S bought one of the laptop bundles and it was very convenient to pick it up in Boston. No problems.</p>
<p>You get the computer companies' educational pricing at Univ Computer. You can't at Best Buy.</p>
<p>Our s had a computer problem and it was so convenient to just go there and get it fixed. The prices were fine and its one less thing to have to pack. The staff are bright and know the BU community and give solid advice.</p>
<p>We are finding that we can get a laptop for $500-$600 (after rebates) that is probably "better" than the laptop bundled in the $1000 bundle offered by University Computers. (The hard drive is only 40MB and there is only 256MB of memory.) The printer they are including is an $80 printer. So that means you're paying $350-$450 for Office Pro Student and all the other stuff (case, lock, Ethernet cord, paper, surge protector, screen cleaner, flash drive, CDs and CD storage case). It's convenient but that stuff has minimal value. Then you have to pay $60 for setup, so you're looking at $1100.</p>
<p>If you're looking to save a few hundred dollars, you can do it if you know what you're doing. Fortunately, my husband can do all that. It's a fair amount of work, but he enjoys it and probably won't spend more than $700-$800. His time is worth more than the savings, but he enjoys the work.</p>
<p>One last thing - he'll recertify it for BU's network the night before our daughter leaves for school...and then keep her from using it until it's checked at BU.</p>
<p>Your daughter will NOT be able to use her computer on the BU network until it "passes" all the set up tests...virus scan, etc. BU's network is very huge. I'm sure there are issues with it...but in my son's three years there, the system hasn't been down for any extended period of time at all. We didn't buy DS's computer from University computers, but we also didn't save a dime buying it directly from Apple. We only did it because he was not IN Boston when we got it...so we did mail order to our home.</p>
<p>I don't see the point of noting "if you know what you're doing." You can find computers put together from off-the-shelf parts at many small stores. You can even build one yourself, "if you know what you're doing." The point is 99% of parents don't. They need to know where to buy a computer that fits their kid's needs, where it can be serviced, etc. University Computers offers educational pricing and also offers bundles. That or the manufacturers' websites are for all but a few parents the best places to go.</p>
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<blockquote> <p>The point is 99% of parents don't.>></p> </blockquote>
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<p>To be blunt...it doesn't matter what the PARENTS know...unless they live right in Boston, that won't matter a bit. What matters is what the STUDENT knows. Most kids are great at using their systems, but not all that many are adept at dealing with hardware problems. Our BU kid has a laptop (like I said...not bought at U Computers...due to the convenience factor for ordering during the summer) that has a full three year in home warranty. The warranty cost $300...well worth it in our opinions especially for a laptop that has so many integrated parts...oh by the way...DH "knows what he's doing" but would prefer NOT to drive to Boston to deal with hardware problems. DD is going to college on the opposite coast. Yes, her laptop is costing about $800 but for her we are getting the super duper warranty...in home for three years, plus accident replacement coverage (like if you spill your soda on the keyboard). The warranty is $350. I have to say....DS and I have had very good interactions with University Computers. If he had ordered his computer for delivery at the start of the school year, that is where it would have come from. He, however, ordered his in May.</p>
<p>I think my H and S went in to the Univ. Computer store during summer orientation and they ordered it then so all we needed to do was pick it up on move in day. One last thing to pack. My H is very picky and thinks he too knows what he is doing and usually gets our computers on line from manufacturers since he "enjoys the hunt". He was, however, pleasently surprised by University Computer and so we bought there and as I said before, the one time there was a problem our S just needed to go "down the street" to get his lap top serviced. Friendly staff, no pressure. Do they have a web site where you can view their inventory and prices?</p>
<p>BTW, on move in weekend BU has a ton of Computer students available in all the dorms to asssit with set up if needed.</p>
<p>I see people wondering about opting out of Sports Pass ($85) and Resnet ($230) to save a few hundred dollars, so it does make sense for people to think about whether it's worth it for them to buy their computer in a way that allows them to save a few hundred dollars. It is for some but not for others. A few hundred here, a few hundred there, and soon you're talking about real money.</p>
<p>I don't understand why anyone would opt out of Resnet. Isn't it just about essential to have a high-speed internet connection in your dorm room?</p>
<p>I really like the bundle packages that they offer. It's got everything in it and that's gonna save me a lot of time because I don't have to go out and buy everything separately. However, I'm wondering if I really need a printer because BU offers a 1,000 print quota so I might as well use that...</p>
<p>People ask about Resnet because they don't know what it is. They need it unless they're living off campus and pay for an internet connection there. Many people don't go to games so they don't need the Sports Pass.</p>
<p>Printer</p>
<p>Wait until you find out the contact info for your room mate. Often you can email each other and work it out that one student brings a printer and the other rents a mini-fridge or brings a TV. There is not a lot of room and one printer for two kids in the same room is worth considering. You don't NEED a printer but if you get one consider the space issue.</p>