Why do we have to purchase Dell notebooks?
The School of Pharmacy has received special pricing on the particular brand of notebook that we recommend for our students. Also, our School of Pharmacy technology support team (known as Phartech) is a DELL Certified Technician shop; members of Phartech can quickly repair DELL notebooks or have them fixed by another DELL technician. We cannot repair notebooks form other manufacturers because it would void the warranty and we are only supporting DELL laptops specified on our website. The Phartech team will support a DELL laptop for all four years of Pharmacy School; however, the laptop must be an approved model from the site linked above and linked down the page.
What software do I need for my notebook for classes?
Please visit the software link within the Phartech website for a complete list of software that you need for your notebook.
What is the School of Pharmacy Student Laptop Initiative (SLI)?
The School of Pharmacy is entering its eighth year of a laptop requirement with the incoming class of 2013. The SLI requires incoming Doctor of Pharmacy students to purchase laptops for convenient, portable, and flexible access to the array of learning resources available at the University and on the World Wide Web. It is our goal to provide an educational environment that allows students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the technologically advanced environments in which they will work.
Why require students to purchase laptops?
A laptop offers the portability and flexibility for use at the school, common areas throughout the campus that are available for remote computing and at off-campus locations during professional practice experiences.
How will I use a laptop for class?
Students rely on e-mail, web-enhanced courses, and other instructional resources to complement and enhance learning. Students will use laptops for case-based learning, developing presentations, to complete exams, to take notes, or to complete other course assignments. All members of the classes of 2010 through 2013 must have unlimited access to a laptop computer.
Why standardize?
The best way to control costs, provide equal access, and ensure the quality of technology services and support is by adopting School computer standards. Standardization minimizes numerous problems that result from hardware and software incompatibilities.
What if I already own a computer?
Students who wish to provide their own laptop computer should review the specifications for previously owned computers to verify they meet minimum configuration standards. Standards for minimum configurations provide acceptable access to the University network and the Internet. However, for optimal performance and to operate effectively in the VCU computing environment, it may be necessary to upgrade or replace your computer within 12 to 24 months of arriving on campus. Phartech, the School’s Academic Technology support service, will provide first-level service and support to students who purchased laptops through the VCU School of Pharmacy Dell Student Computing program. Students who purchase a laptop from a local retailer or another vendor will be directed to the vendor for support or to the repair center at VCU G2G Service.
What are the specifications of the laptop available through the DELL Student Computing Purchase Plan?
The specifications can be found here.
What if I want to reconfigure the recommended specifications?
Students who want to change the specifications are able to do so if they choose. Students are able to add more memory, upgrade a processor, add a bigger hard drive; these are just a few examples of upgrades that can be made from the above website.
What software is required?
Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise is required software for the School of Pharmacy. We have made arrangements with Barnes & Noble @ VCU via JourneyEd to make it easy to purchase Office 2007 here: VCU Barnes & Nobel - Journeyed website also copies are available at the VCU Bookstore on Broad Street. In both instances the discounted price is $59.98. You will need to present your VCU Card ID to purchase this software. In addition to Office 2007, an antivirus program is required. Sophos Anti-virus software is available for download at no cost to VCU students for use on their home computers from: VCU Technology Services site. You may also contact a member of the Phartech staff in Smith Building 348 to obtain a copy and help with the installation. Many other types of software can be downloaded from the VCU Web Software site at VCU Technology Services site.
Are there network connections and power available throughout the Smith Building to accommodate laptops?
There are 160 data ports and 80 duplex power outlets throughout commons areas of the building. In addition, a wireless local area network (WLAN) to support mobile computing is available throughout the Smith Building, Sanger Hall 1-020 and 2-020, and the VCU Libraries. The main lecture hall in the Smith Building, Room 103, has 150 data ports and power outlets available to use while in class. Smith 221 is also outfitted for students to plug up their laptops for power, data and VGA.
How do I purchase the laptop?
You can purchase the computer directly online from the personalized VCU/DELL web page by clicking on VCU School of Pharmacy/Dell laptop initiative webpage. The School of Pharmacy bundle now includes the Latitude E5400 and E6500 models. All the information you need to order is provided on the website linked above. You may also place your order by calling 1-877-236-8655.
Can I purchase a laptop from another vendor?
Yes, you can. However, it is not recommended as you will not receive first-level of support from the Phartech staff and you may not receive a 4-year next business day warranty with your purchase. Phartech will provide first-level service and support to students who purchased laptops through the VCU School of Pharmacy Dell Student Computing program. Students who purchase a laptop from a local retailer or another vendor will be directed to the vendor for support or to the repair center at VCU G2G Service. For the first time VCU School of Pharmacy will also offer two Apple Macbooks as part of a pilot program. The one caveat to consider before choosing an Apple notebook is that Apple does not offer any type of accidental warranty for drops, spills, etc.
Can I use financial-aid to help with the purchase of a laptop?
Because the laptop is a school requirement, you will be able to include it for consideration in determining your financial aid award. However, contact the Office of Financial Aid/Enrollment Services, for information concerning the use of financial aid and scholarship money to purchase computers.
Do I have to pay tax?
Yes. Due to Dell’s physical presence in Virginia, sales tax must be collected. Even if you do not pay tax on a catalog order at time of ordering, you are still liable to claim your taxes at the end of the year by Federal Law.
How much is shipping?
Dell offers Ground and 2nd Business Day shipping options. Ground charges on desktops start at $20 per unit for laptops and 2nd Business Day is $33. If you choose to order your system online, it will automatically calculate these charges for you once you submit your order. Remember these are days after build, so expect about two weeks for your laptop to arrive. I recommend doing the Ground option.
What is the estimated delivery time after placing my order?
Lead times are generally 2 weeks; regardless of which delivery option you choose. However, since parts availability is a function of current worldwide supply and demand, delivery times can vary and no standard lead-time can be guaranteed. Lead times do not include the time your order is in transit after it has been shipped for delivery. Time in transit is dependent on the shipping option you choose. We encourage you to order your laptop early to ensure its arrival before the start of the semester on August 20, 2009.
Where do I go for technical support?
There are three options for technical support:
- DELL
- Phartech support staff that are available to assist students with hardware and software problems related to laptops, software downloads, e-mail and Blackboard problems, virus alerts, the wireless network, and network connections available throughout the Smith Building. The hours of operation for the Phartech staff are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The staffs are located in Smith 348. In order to support your laptop, we may require the original CD-ROMs that were shipped with your laptop, as well as your Microsoft Office CD-ROMs. Please keep these resources in a safe place at school.
- VCU G2G Service
What happens if my laptop is stolen?
Students or their parents may wish to consider insurance coverage for the computer. This can be incorporated as a rider on a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
What is the Dell Complete Care Service?
CompleteCare is a supplement to the four-year limited warranty that covers non-intentional, accidental damage during your warranty period. Some examples of non-intentional damage that are covered include failure resulting from liquid spilled in or on the unit; drops, falls, or other collision; failure resulting from an electrical surge, accidental breakage, and damaged LCD due to drops or falls. For more information on Dell CompleteCare visit the DELL website.