McCombs School of Business 2008-2009 Notebook Program
This is the 10th year of the McCombs notebook program. The goal of this program is to provide students with an affordable portable computer that will meet the performance needs of their programs and be backed with comprehensive hardware and software support from the college IT staff.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Call 512-232-6690 during regular business hours or email us at notebooks@mccombs.utexas.edu
How to Order:
Direct from Dell:
Orders for our program computers are placed directly with Dell in a special online store. When purchasing you can upgrade your computer beyond the base specs set for the program (although we don't especially recommend any upgrades, the base configuration is more than adequate for most) and take advantage of Dell's financing and payment options.
Go to http://www.dell.com/mccombs to build and order your McCombs notebook computer.
Campus Computer Store:
This year, the UT campus computer store will stock a limited number of D630 computers for purchase while you're on campus. This is an excellent option for student coming to McCombs from outside the US (Dell cannot ship these computers internationally) or if you want to see what you're getting before you buy. The computer store is located in the Flawn Academic Center (FAC) adjacent to the Main building (UT Tower). You can contact them at 512-475-6550 or online at http://www.campuscomputer.com
Important Shipping Information:
Dell will not ship computer to an address outside of the United States, and due to Florida law, cannot ship these systems to Florida either (CompleteCare accidental coverage is not available in Florida). If you are placing an order internationally or from Florida, you can have your computer shipped to the McCombs School of Business where it will be securely stored until you arrive for your orientation.
Use the following address to have your computer delivered to McCombs:
Company/Organization Name: McCombs School of Business
Attention/care of: David Burns Phone: (512) 232-6690
Address: 2100 Speedway CBA 1.324
City: Austin
Zip Code: 78712 Zip+4: 1172
State/Province: TX
APO/FPO state: None
Country: United States
Systems:
We are excited to be able to offer our students a substantial discount on Dell's new convertible tablet PC, the XT. This brand new addition to Dell's Latitude line brings tablet functionality, including the ability to take written notes, annotate documents and presentations, as well as a highly versatile form factor to the notebook computer. Additionally, a high-capacity battery is available which can let you get through a typical day without a recharge. This model is strongly recommended!
In addition to the XT, we also offer the Latitude D630 and D430 models. Theses standard notebooks are well configured, lightweight, and durable.
See http://www.dell.com/mccombs for specifications and pricing.
Software:
Software is not included when the systems ship from Dell for the current year due to changes in some key license agreements and the ongoing delays by Dell in releasing their new models. However, McCombs does provide a complete software image, which we provide support for which we will install on your program computer at no charge. Software imaging is highly recommended for all program computers. To get your computer imaged, all you need to do is bring it to our student IT support desk (the SWAT Shop) located in CBA 1.324. Imaging takes about 2 hours, so you can drop your computer off in the morning and have it ready in the afternoon.
If you would rather install your own software you'll find that many applications are provided at little to no cost by the University. The Campus Computer Store sells a whole range of applications at special educational pricing. Through a campus agreement with Microsoft, you can purchase Windows XP, Windows Vista, Office 2003, and Office 2007 for less than $50 each. Other applications, including Symantec antivirus, are available for free download from http://www.utexas.edu/its/bevoware.
Check both places before you buy any commercial software.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can purchase a computer through this program?
These computers are for purchase for any McCombs undergraduate or graduate student. Software, including system imaging, and hardware support will only be provided to current students. Alumni and others will have to get support directly from Dell.
Do you support other Dell models, like the Inspiron?
No, we are only able to provide hardware and software support for computers purchased through our Dell program. Other Dell models are not supported by McCombs, but they may be supported by the campus computer store. Check with them (http://www.campuscomputer.com) for more details about their support offerings.
What support do you provide for other kinds of computers?
Our technical support staff can help you troubleshoot and configure applications used in McCombs on any computer. However, if your computer needs a hardware repair or software installation, we'll have to refer you to either your vendor, or the University IT Help Desk, which offers students support for an hourly fee.
What about Macs?
Two things discourage the use of Macs at McCombs. First, some classes may require the use of software which is only able to run on Windows. Second, the IT staff at McCombs does not provide any support for Mac hardware, OS, or applications. However, since newer Macs can run Windows (using the free "Boot Camp" application), many students are running Macs successfully while providing their own technical support.
