Full-Time Mandatory Laptop Program

Overview

All Full-time MBA students are required to have a laptop as part of the MBA program.  You can choose a computer that best fits your ideal situation. Individual laptops must access Microsoft Office.  Laptops will be configured to access ASU internet and MBA printers. In addition, there is a Technology Orientation to inform you about the technology resources available.

Laptop Minimum Requirements

All Full-time MBA students must have a laptop that meets the following minimum criteria:

1. Current hardware capable of accessing the internet with multiple browser windows and able to run simultaneous Microsoft Office applications. 
   

   Minimum
   2GB System Memory
   Intel Pentium-M Class mobile Processor
   80GB hard drive, 5400rpm
   Windows XP, Service Pack 3 or Mac OS 10.4
   Wireless G (802.11G)
   

2. Manufacturers comprehensive warranty protection or insurance to provide laptop repair or replacement. 

Laptop Purchase Options

You have two options to provide a laptop that meets the minimum criteria. A student can be successful in the MBA program using either purchasing option. These purchasing options can be best summarized through situational descriptions listed below. Details about each purchasing option are available on the Enrollment Checklist.

Option A

• Overview

  You  purchase a laptop from the W. P. Carey Dell or Apple website or provide one of a specified model.  When purchasing from the W. P. Carey Dell or Apple website, these laptops ship directly to ASU. 

• Example

  I need to purchase a new laptop. My time is valuable and I don't want to research computers.  Point me to a quality laptop that is competitively priced and has everything I need. 

• Example

  I don't want to hassle with repairs or problems on my computer. If my laptop breaks, I want it fixed quickly. I don't want to travel to a repair company, I just want my laptop fixed in the Graduate Suite. I don't want to block out half my day waiting for a repair technician to show up to fix my computer. 

• Example

  I already own a laptop that is the same model as a computer listed on the W. P. Carey Dell or Apply website.  

Option B

• Overview

  You  provide a laptop that meets the minimum hardware requirements. You ship your laptop to the School of Business or bring your laptop to the School of Business. You arrange for comprehensive protection. 

• Example

  I already own a computer that meets the minimum hardware requirements. I don't want to purchase another computer.

• Example

  I want to purchase a laptop that is manufactured by someone other than Dell or Apple. 

• Example

  I want to purchase a different model than the specific laptops listed on the W. P. Carey Dell or Apple purchasing site. 

Mac or PC

There are Full-time MBA students who are successful using a Mac and others who are successful using a Windows PC. Windows computers are capable of completing all the necessary the work. Mac computers have similar capabilities but must utilize Citrix to provide access to all the required business applications.  Click on Mac Operating System to learn more about limitations .

Laptop Comprehensive Coverage

The W. P. Carey MBA Program requires that you have comprehensive protection on your laptop.  This coverage can be through the manufacturer's warranty, through personal insurance or a combination.

A manufacturers comprehensive hardware warranty provides full protection against damage including things like:

1. Abuse or misuse
2. Liquid spill
3. Accidental damage

Not every laptop manufacturer provides an option for comprehensive hardware warranty; some only provide basic coverage of hardware malfunction. You may satisfy the comprehensive protection requirement through home owners insurance, renters insurance, or specific electronics insurance. 

The manufacturers hardware warranty will provide the quickest resolution time and many times is the most hassle free. Insurance claims typically take more time to resolve.

Delivery Location and Confirmation

When dropping off your laptop or having your laptop shipped to the W. P. Carey School of Business, please use the following delivery address:

C/O Dwain Wiltbank
300 E. Lemon St.
BA 209 - Graduate Suite
Tempe, AZ 85287
(480) 965-1111

When a shipment arrives at the School of Business, Graduate Business IT Support will inventory all packages and send a summary e-mail.  Received boxes are stored in a locked closet until the student shows a photo id to pick up their equipment.

Important Dates

Purchase your computer before July 20 to allow manufacturer adequate time for assembly and delivery.

Have your laptop delivered or drop off your laptop before August 1 for software configuration to avoid the orientation chaos.

Laptop Configuration

To participate in the MBA Program, your laptop must have access to Microsoft Office, an internet browser, various media players and a collection of utilities.  These programs can either be installed on your laptop or can be accessed through a School of Business hosted environment.  

Installing the necessary software on your laptop takes a couple of hours.  This includes configuring access ASU internet, connecting to MBA printers and configuring Outlook to access your ASU Exchange account. You will need to schedule a configuration session.  The link to the Laptop Configuration scheduling calendar is in the Enrollment checklist

The School of Business participates with ASU in a Microsoft Campus agreement. This allows the School of Business to provide you with the current version of Microsoft Office at no cost to the you.  This include Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, Publisher, Visio and Project. While a student, you will also receive any new versions of Office that release, at no cost.

Technology Orientation

To help students understand the various technology resources available, Graduate Business IT Support has designed an online Technology Orientation.  This orientation provides an overview of available equipment and their capabilities.  Individuals can also request a technology review session with a member of Graduate Business IT Support team. 

Support

Graduate Business IT Support provides comprehensive on-site support for students. You can receive assistance with virus removal, spyware protection, software installation, hardware operation, technology integration and usage.  You can also receive a loaner laptop if your laptop breaks. The Student Help Desk is located in the W. P. Carey Graduate Suite.