Recommended Computer Purchase Plans
The College of Wooster recommends the Apple Macintosh and Dell lines of laptop and desktop computers for incoming students. Most retail chains like Best Buy or Circuit City offer back to school deals on computers. While these deals offer a lower sticker price, they don't always include useful products like extended warranties, accidental damage protection, and productivity software. Extended warranties are a good idea. A logic board replacement in the second year of the machine can cost upwards of $900. A four year warranty will ensure that the computer will last throughout the student's 4 years at Wooster. Both Apple and Dell offer extended warranty options. Apple provides Applecare protection on the Macbook, Macbook Pro, and iMac lines. Dell offers a 4 yr. warranty with onsite service. Should a hardware issue occur the student can call Dell and a technician will be dispatched to repair the system. Accidental damage protection through Dell also covers a laptop should liquid be spilled on the system, which happens often in dorm rooms. A normal warranty does not cover this damage.
To simplify the computer purchase process, we have partnered with Dell and Apple to provide already bundled configurations for laptops and desktops. The links below will take you to our University pages. Computers can be shipped directly to your home.
Microsoft Office works on both Windows and Macintosh systems and is recommended by the Office of Information Technology. Dell bundles on the University page include a copy of Microsoft Office 2007 student edition. While the Apple bundle does not include a copy of Microsoft Office, it can be purchased at most retail stores, including the College's Wilson Bookstore.
The College of Wooster's Dell Member ID number is listed on the first webpage after clicking on the Dell logo below. You can use this number to receive our 12% discount when purchasing any Dell system.
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| Recommended Systems | ||
| L A P T O P |
Apple MacBook
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Dell Latitude D630
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| D E S K T O P |
Apple iMac
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Dell OptiPlex 755 Small Form Factor
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Regardless of whether you choose Apple or Dell, we strongly encourage you to purchase one of our recommended systems as these are computers that we have selected as the best choices for a Wooster education. We also urge you to purchase an extended warranty with any computer purchase. Terms and prices differ, but a 3-year or 4-year extended warranty will go a long way to protect your investment — and your wallet.
Microsoft Vista Announcement
The Office of Information Technology continues to test the Windows Vista operating system with our campus technology resources. Due to the number of applications that have yet to release Vista compatible versions, OIT will not be deploying Vista to campus until 2009.
Students may bring Windows Vista to campus; however, limited support will be provided due to the number of applications used on campus that have not yet released Vista compatible versions. If purchasing a computer with Windows Vista, be sure to purchase either the Ultimate or Business edition as these are designed to work on large networks. We cannot guarantee that Home Premium and Home Basic will have full functionality on our network.
If you have questions about new PC purchases with Windows Vista and Office 2007, please contact the help desk at (330) 287-3000 extension 1111.
Microsoft Office 2007 and 2008
While students may bring Microsoft Office 2007 or 2008 to campus, the faculty and staff at Wooster will continue to use Office 2003 and 2004. There are known compatibility issues between Office 2003/2004 and Office 2007/2008 due to the change in default file type of .doc to .docx. Students who need to e-mail a file to faculty member using Office 2003 or 2004 should save the file in Office 2007 or 2008 as an Office 2003 or 2004 file.