Hardware
If you are buying a new computer, keep
in mind that you don't have to buy the most expensive
computer in the showroom. Most computer salespeople
work on commission and they will probably try and sell
you every whistle and bell under the sun. It is our
experience that most of the added features aren't necessary.
Even the most basic computers from most of the major
manufacturers (Dell, eMachines, Gateway, HP, IBM, Toshiba
and Sony) meet or exceed Otterbein's
minimum computing standards.
To be honest, the discounts on hardware
are not all that great. Some vendors lock their prices
on certain models for an entire year. It is not uncommon
for a $800.00 "discounted" model to drop to
$500 over the course of a year. When shopping for a
computer, be sure to compare the discounted price against
the price you can get without the "discount."
Otterbein University does not endorse
any vendor. We offer information about discounts that
we are aware of only as a resource to you. Two that
we are currently aware of are:
http://store.apple.com/us_edu_5001359
http://www.dell.com/Otterbein
Manufacturers offering discounts on desktop
computers include:
Manufacturers offering discounts on notebook
(laptop) computers:
If you click on a manufacturer's logo,
you will be directed to their web site.
Recycling
If you need to dispose of a computer or other hardware, click here for information about technology recycling.
Software
The products for which you can enjoy the greatest
discount is software. Some software is discounted as
much as 90% - although most discounts fall in the 25%
to 50% range. If you are interested in purchasing software,
consider buying through one of the academic discounters
shown below. There are conditions and restrictions when
buying at academic discounts, so be sure to check with
each vendor to make sure your purchase qualifies.
A current discount is from Microsoft for
Office 2010. It is called the Ultimate
Steal. If you have an Otterbein email address, you
can download Office 2010 for $79.95.
Please note that you may not qualify for
academic discounts until you are officially enrolled
and have your Cardinal Card (student ID).
Work-At-Home Rights
Full-time Otterbein faculty and staff should be aware
of the work-at-home rights provided by some software
manufacturers. Under our license agreement, you may
be eligible to install on you home computer certain
software that is installed on your work computer -
free of charge! Click here for more information on
work-at-home rights.
Otterbein University does not in any way endorse
these companies, products or services. These listings
are provided as a resource only. |