lasermouse9

Which computer platforms does the Tech. Department support (Windows/Linux/Apple/etc.)? Which laptop brands are most popular on campus?

interesteddad

IT Services is an authorized repair agent for both Apple and Dell. Educational pricing is available for both brands. Both Apple and Windows are widely used and supported at Swarthmore.

Go to this page for more info. Links on the left side take to you REPAiR and BUYING A COMPUTER..

Swarthmore College :: ITS :: Residential Technology Services

When my daughter enrolled four years ago, we were able to buy more computer at a lower price from Dell's online Refurb store than we were using the Educational Discount. When you shop packages, remember that Dell educational and business models include on-site service. Their consumer lines (and the stuff in retail stores) does not.

There are plenty of Linux geeks around campus, so getting support shouldn't be too tough on that end of things. My impression is that the Computer Society (that runs the media lab, etc.) is full of linux geeks.

arador

I'd strongly recommend Apple. Macbooks are ridiculously popular, particularly in '11 and '10—I think something like 60% of freshman use computers from Apple.

As for SCCS (as a Sys Admin with them myself) ... I think we have 1 person who uses Windows on his personal machine, 1 who uses Ubuntu Linux, and all the rest have Macs.

YOU

Should we buy before we get to Swat, or wait till we get there?

ID, so it's cheaper to buy outside?

interesteddad

We found more computer for the money (more extras) from the Dell Refurbished Store online. You just have to check it for a few days or a week until the combination you want pops up. We bought a Latitude, which is Dell's business line of laptops, with on-site service.

It was the same money as the Swarthmore educational discount package, but it had more upgrades -- specifically a widescreen LCD and more memory.

Both Apple and Windows are widely supported at Swarthmore, so evaluate pros and cons without concern about that.

As far as when to buy, one strategy is to wait until just before school starts, so you have as much warranty as possible.

KYDad

Apple has Education pricing which a student can qualify for. $100 or so off MacBooks, $200 or so off Powerbooks. Check Apple.com and follow the education links. I'd recommend Apple