Computer Purchase Program
St. Lawrence University, Dell, Inc. and Gateway, Inc. have entered a partnership in order to create a computer buying program for our students. We highly recommend that you purchase a "SLU-ready" computer through this program
Should I buy a computer? 
Response from the class of 2010 computer
usage survey:
- 88% of respondents reported bringing a personal computer to campus
- 41% of respondents purchased the computer through the SLU Computer Purchase Program
- 92% of respondents who brought computers reported bringing laptops;
6% brought desktops
- 77% of respondents reported bringing Windows compatible computers,
22% brought Macintosh
- 88% of respondents reported bringing a new computer, 12% brought a used computer
Public computer labs and residence
hall computer clusters are available to all students.
Information Technology staff is available to assist
students in making a computer purchase decision, however we highly
recommend you purchase a computer through the computer
purchase program.
What is a SLU-ready computer?
- The computer will be shipped to St. Lawrence University and will be available for pick-up upon arrival to campus in late August. Please inquire with the Brewer Bookstore upon ordering if you would like the computer shipped directly to you.
- Computer is configured with Windows Vista, the Microsoft Office 2007 Suite (Word, PowerPoint, etc.), Sophos Antivirus, and all network settings necessary for the St. Lawrence University network
- Our recommended configurations are available for purchase on the Brewer Bookstore web site. Please order by July 15, 2007 to help ensure your new Dell or Gateway computer will be waiting for you at the bookstore when you arrive in August for orientation
Can I customize the computer?
- At this time we do not provide the option to fully customize a system. We do however have many models configured by the SLU Information Technology department to choose from.
- WARNING - Many students who brought their computers
from home were forced to bring them into IT (ResNet) before the semester
startup as they were infected with viruses and spyware! Some computers
were so infected that they had to be restored to factory settings.
This can take up to two weeks during the beginning of the semester
due to volume.
- All peripherals, such as printers and scanners, can be purchased
through the Brewer
Bookstore web site.
Should I buy a desktop or laptop?
Laptop PROs |
Desktop PROs |
- Small; space saver
- Portable, can utilize data jacks or wireless across campus
- Easy to transport to IT for support
- Especially helpful for athletes and/or frequent
road trips
- Critical for students who will study abroad
- 802.11b wireless network access is available in several locations on campus
|
- Larger keyboard
- Less expensive to purchase
- Less expensive to repair
- Easier to replace individual components (sound or video cards, keyboards, monitors)
|
Laptop CONs |
Desktop CONs |
- Smaller keyboard
- Possibly a smaller display
- More expensive than desktop models to purchase
- More easily damaged
- Parts replacement a major expense if warranty expires
|
- Heavy and bulky
- More difficult to move on/off campus or bring to IT for support
- Takes up more space in room
|
Do I need a printer?
- Networked, black & white, laser printers are readily available for student use in the public computer labs
- These printers are available during lab hours
- There is limited space in residence hall rooms
- A personal printer will allow you to print anytime, and print in color, if you purchase a color printer
- IT does not provide hardware support for student printers
