Mac or PC?

Papa Chicken · 04-13-2007, 05:56 PM

so, I read that Dells are supported by the onsite IT staff. What about Macs?

Is there a trend of increasing Macs on campus (S really likes the Macs in theory, but has been a PC person all of his life), or will their presence always be very much in the minority?

Any other pros or cons for either type specific to Colgate?

Likely go w/ laptop...I also read that wireless coverage is improving...any comments appreciated.

MADad · 04-13-2007, 11:49 PM

Is it worth buying a Dell thru the bookstore to get the on-site service and loaner program for the 4 years?

I ask because the bookstores of other schools offer the same machines (same specs) for a lot less $$.

If you bring your own computer, I believe they will provide you with the antivirus software, etc. required by the Colgate network. Please correct me if I am wrong

jrpar · 04-14-2007, 08:23 AM

I bought a MAC for my son through the Colgate bookstore - a little more expensive but it was convenient when it came loaded with everything Colgate requires. I think a lot of the kids have MACs, but I don't think there are pros/cons either way. I would recommend a laptop for the portability - now that the library is (finally!) open, my son often brings his laptop w/him to the library. MADad, I think you are right - if you bring your own computer they will give you any necessary software.

ticklemepink · 04-14-2007, 11:14 AM

I don't think buying the computer from the bookstore is worth the extra money. Colgate will help you get your computer programmed to work with its system. As for the "free' in-house service... there are Colgate students who work with the ITS and do on-campus service. They are excellent and persistent in their tasks. I have brought in my laptop several times that could've gone to the pros but the students somehow always get it straight. Not only will they fix the computer programming but they will fix the computer itself. They have cleaned out parts of my laptop and I have seen the computer (not the monitor) being brought in to be fixed and all that. The only time they can't really help is if the problem is very deep inside the machine and they don't have the fine tools to get there.\

So I say buy the computer at store and bring it to Colgate. Why pay extra when you already have free service on campus?

MADad · 04-15-2007, 12:47 AM

ticklemepink--

are you saying that ITS will work on your machine even if it wasn't purchased thru the bookstore? If so, not bad at all. Do you have a Dell, or is it another brand?

Thanks for the info

stonecold23 · 04-15-2007, 02:44 AM

def dont buy a computer through colgate, in fact, never buy anything from colgate university directly- they will rip you off

jrpar · 04-15-2007, 02:11 PM

haha stonecold. Of course you should check the price difference. A couple of years ago when we bought my son's computer, the price difference between buying the computer through Colgate and buying through apple.com was pretty minimal, so we went with the bookstore. I think the tech support is available to all students, but the loaner program is only available to those purchasing through the bookstore, but students should correct me if I'm wrong on that.

Papa Chicken · 04-15-2007, 09:23 PM

I just priced the Dell Latitude D620....a laptop model I like personally.

Colgate bookstore price = $1,699
almost exact same configuration on Dell small business web site = $1,944

4 yr Dell service & loaner replacements, which presmuably is contracted to Colgate IT, costs quite a bit....extra 330 on Dell site over base warranty...but thats piece of mind price.

Even with my company discount, I wouldn't come close to the Colgate price, unless I didn't upgrade the warranty coverage to the Colgate bookstore level.

ticklemepink · 04-17-2007, 10:21 AM

Right, they will fix your computer at NO charge. There's no loaner program. I've never had to wait more than 2 days for my laptop to come back. Besides, there are plenty of computers around campus for the student to use while the computer's at the doc's. The tech students are there from 12 PM to 9 PM on most days so even if the student's shift is over before s/he finishes the job, the next student just takes over. So the computer's constantly being worked on.

Papa Chicken · 04-17-2007, 10:25 AM

thanks ticklemepink-- you might know the answer to this one as well...do students have a network account to store their documents? Or does everyone keep their files on their own hard drives? I could imagine that being without a computer for a few days would not be bad if the general practice was to use network storage. Thanks...PC

jrpar · 04-17-2007, 11:10 AM

TMP, there is a loaner program for those who purchase their computers through the bookstore.

ticklemepink · 04-18-2007, 08:12 AM

Not for the rest of us who opted for the cheaper deal

PC- Yes, there is a way for the student's personal computer to be connected to the network. I've actually never done it since I'm used to e-mailing papers to myself... So the student never loses work as long they're filed properly.

Papa Chicken · 05-02-2007, 08:41 AM

back to the PC vs Mac question....son is Itunes crazed and is making a case for Mac due to PC bog downs...I have witnessed and truly believe running Itunes on a PC is a pain with occasional lock-up problems, at least on my home computers. D has a Macbook with absolutely no problems w/ Itunes (or anything else for that matter, including spyware & junk in the temp directories.)

So, realizing that Macs are very much in the minority at Colgate, has owning & operating a Mac been a problem? I see that the bookstore doesn't have the same service deal for Macs as the Dells, so I could imagine that the support level is less. Is it nuts to go Mac at Colgate?

jrpar · 05-02-2007, 10:42 AM

Papa Chicken, I don't think it's nuts. My son loves his MAC and hasn't had any problems w/it in the last two years on campus.

Papa Chicken · 05-02-2007, 11:31 AM

thanks jrpar-- also just got off the phone with Colgate IT guy on laptop selection....very helpful,,,.he says that, yes, the Macs are a minority on campus, but a growing minority. Biggest tradeoff he sees are the benefits of the robust (& easy to use for the less computer savvy) operating system of the Macs versus better damage coverage for the Dells. (Apple does not offer plans with greater coverage.) The 4 year Dell coverage includes accidental spill damage (repair or replacement) whereas, the 3-yr Mac coverage excludes spill damage...and spill damage is a primary risk factor for college age kids! (I guess it is for all of us, but you know what I mean.)

Also, if a Mac is bought through the bookstore, the loaner program applies.

New models with standard confiurations to be added to the bookstore web page within the next week..including the black Macbook.