Laptop Program Benefits

The W. P. Carey School of Business Laptop program is designed to provide a standardized hardware platform, a uniform software configuration, and quick, comprehensive support for students. The goal is to create an environment where students can focus on their studies and not be held back or distracted by software, hardware or compatibility issues.

Hardware

The machines chosen for the laptop program have been reviewed and tested by the Graduate Business Information Technology (GBIT) staff. We are currently offering select models of the Dell’s Latitude line, a business class laptop. By going with The Dell Latitude line we are able to provide a stable, durable machine and leverage the buying power of Arizona State University in addition to that of W. P. Carey School of Business. We do not offer all Dell models and options as we have determined from testing and experience that not every model and option is worth the expense. The default options have been selected to give you the best possible machine at the lest expense.

Warranty

All W. P. Carey program machines have a 3 year warranty. During your time with the W. P. Carey School of Business your machine will be serviced by GBIT staff at the Help Desk in the Graduate Suite. If you have a hardware issue GBIT staff will trouble shoot and many times replace the part on the spot, if there is a more serious issue GBIT will provide you with a loaner machine and assist in the transfer of school related data. When your machine is repaired GBIT will assist in transferring the Student school related data back to your machine.

Complete Care

Complete Care covers all accidents that happen to your machine. Most warranties will not cover a screen breaking or a coffee spill. During the three year warranty almost everything is covered by this warranty. If you break the screen we will give you a loaner machine and replace your damaged one. If you or someone else spills coffee or some other liquid on your laptop we will give you a loaner and begin processing a return to get you a new replacement machine. Complete care will not cover obvious abuse, but it will cover all accidents and GBIT staff will act on your behave when dealing with Dell.

Software

The software packages and Operating System (OS) installed on your laptop are configured by GBIT to work with the network and in the classrooms. The machines are currently configured with Windows XP SP3, Microsoft Office 2003 Professional and McAfee Enterprise 8.5i virus scanner along with other software provided by the GBIT. While you remain a student at W. P. Carey School of Business, any new OS or Office versions released by Microsoft will be provided at no cost when the new version has been thoroughly tested and approved by ASU. Windows Vista and Office 2007 is still being tested by ASU. If you have a software issue with your machine GBIT will attempt to resolve the issue. If the issue cannot be resolved we can return your machine to the original setup well preserving your school related data.

Support

Technical support is provided by staff and student workers who participate in ongoing training for troubleshooting and diagnostics skills. We are able to quickly resolve problems because the hardware and software are standard.

The IT Help Desk is located in the W. P. Carey Graduate Suite and is available: