Laptop Purchase

Available to: Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate Students

Entering students often ask which computer is right to have at ASU? The W. P. Carey School of Business is a national leader integrating technology into the business curriculum. Our commitment to technology is evident in the wireless environment available throughout the school of business complex, allowing anyone with a wireless capable laptop to access the internet, enter class portals and use e-mail. ASU is moving to have a complete wireless campus - including the pool area at the Student Recreation Complex!

ASU and the W. P. Carey School of Business want students to have a quality laptop having appropriate accessories, configured with productivity software and protected by a valuable warranty. ASU has partnered with both Dell and Apple to provide quality laptops at a competitive price. Students in the W. P. Carey School of Business can now have the latest technology in a laptop with on-campus support.

Students must still make the decision between an Apple Macintosh or a Windows based Dell. Both operating systems offer many advantages. Throughout their curriculum students will experience various business applications that are written specifically for Windows. The new Mac OS has a couple of ways to run Windows based applications but both solutions require additional cost. Running native Windows on a Mac allows users the ability to install the Windows Office Suite and avoid other compatibility issues with the Office Suite for Macs.

Both Dell and Macintosh have on-site repair technicians at ASU Tempe Campus available to provide hardware support. Students can call or e-mail the University Help Desk to receive assistance with configuration, usage or security questions. Both Mac and Windows have user groups at ASU that can provide assistance to students.

Whether Windows or Mac, ASU recommended users stay with the Windows XP operating system. There are known compatibility issues with Windows Vista and various business applications. Users will have fewer integration and compatibility problems using Windows XP. ASU will stay with Windows XP in labs and classrooms for another year to allow development companies time to update their software.

For more information about laptops available visit the ASU 1:1 computing initiative.