Laptop FAQ

Why is the laptop program being implemented?

Who can participate in the laptop program?

Will students be required to purchase a laptop?

What are the advantages of purchasing a laptop selected by the Carlson School?

What kind of laptop will be available?

When and where will I purchase the laptop?

What training will be provided to me when I receive my laptop?

What if my laptop gets lost or stolen?

What if my laptop needs repair?

What do student technology fees pay for?

What will happen to the current labs and services?

How will the laptops be used by faculty in the classroom?

Will Windows Vista be on the laptops?

Will the selected laptops support Vista?

Are shipping and tax included in the purchase price?

Do I get a bag with the laptop?

Who can I contact if I would like more information?

Why is the laptop program being implemented?

The purpose of the Carlson School’s Laptop Program is to provide all undergraduate business students with information technology tools that will facilitate their professional interactions, foster an exciting and dynamic learning environment, and enhance their student experience.

The Carlson Laptop Program will both assist students in class as well as prepare students for the collaborative environment they will encounter in their professional careers. By developing a common learning platform including both hardware and software, we envision improved communication and networking between students, faculty and staff.

Who can participate in the laptop program?

The freshmen class entering in Fall 2008 will be expected to participate in the laptop program. Current Carlson School students and new transfer students who register for Fall Semester 2008 courses will also have the opportunity to participate in the program. All students will be expected to participate in the program starting in Fall 2010.

Will students be required to purchase a laptop?

All incoming freshmen will be expected to own a laptop that meets or exceeds the minimum laptop specifications. We strongly recommend that students purchase the laptop available through the Carlson School.

What are the advantages of purchasing the laptop selected by the Carlson School?

The Carlson School of Management recognizes the purchasing power behind a program-wide laptop initiative-- allowing us to offer a high quality product and support at an extremely competitive price. Working with Lenovo the Carlson laptop will include:

Pre-loaded image with a comprehensive software package
Wireless printing configured and tested
Network storage feature included
Pre-tested and approved compatibility with the University of Minnesota network
On-site support
- Hardware and software support with 4-hour repair times
- Knowledgeable staff who will provide information and feedback sessions working to improve operations and communications
On-site laptop locker storage in Hanson Hall

What kind of laptop will be available?

The PC is the accepted standard in the business world; it will be the platform used in the Carlson School. Lenovo has been selected as the vendor to provide the laptops. We will offer two models, a performance and ultralight solution.

When and where will I purchase the laptop?

Students will purchase the designated computer directly from Lenovo through a secured University of Minnesota web site. The order window for the 2008-09 Laptop Program is open from April 29, 2008 through August 15, 2008.

What training will be provided to me when I receive my laptop?

The Carlson School Information Technology department will conduct information sessions throughout the year as needed. Software classes are held throughout the year for current students, staff, and faculty at no cost.

What if my laptop gets lost or stolen?

The Carlson School is not responsible for lost or stolen machines. Therefore, students are responsible for insuring their machines. The Carlson School Laptop Program will provide an optional third-party vendor to offer a low cost insurance solution. Students will work directly with their insurance vendors for machine replacements.

What if my laptop needs repair?

The Carlson School’s Laptop Repair Center will offer COMPLETE on-site hardware and software support and repairs for current students enrolled in the laptop program. The Laptop Repair Center staff are vendor certified and will only support the model approved by the Carlson School. The staff strives to accommodate a 4-hour turnaround time.

Laptops not purchased through the Carlson School of Management Laptop Program will receive limited support. The IT Help Desk will provide limited spyware and virus removal, but if the problem exceeds two hours of work, the machine will be returned to the student. The IT Help Desk will not provide hardware, software or data backup support. The Carlson School will provide limited instructional documentation on websites which the students will navigate and set up on their own.

What do student technology fees pay for?

Student technology fees support the following: classroom technology, collaborative work space, printing, Carlson Automated Recruiting System (CARS), network storage, training, software, on-site support, wireless, network security, WebCT/Vista.

The Laptop Program enables the standardization of technical services improving efficiencies – allowing the Carlson School of Management to hold down the cost of support.

What will happen to the current labs and services?

The Carlson School's Information Technology department will phase out current services during the transition of the Laptop Program. Upon the opening of Hanson Hall in 2008, one Undergraduate Lab in the Carlson School building will close. The second and final Undergraduate Lab in the Carlson School building will close in 2010. The laptop checkout service will only be available to current Undergraduate students through 2010 and will not be available for incoming classes starting in 2007.

How will the laptops be used by faculty in the classroom?

The Carlson School of Management encourages faculty to use laptop technology in the classroom. It is reasonable to expect that the instructional use of technology will increase as laptops become a normal part of the undergraduate experience.

Students should keep in mind that the use of laptops should add to the classroom environment, not detract from it. Therefore, when class is in session, students must use their laptop only as directed by their professor.

Will Windows Vista be on the laptops?

The 2008-09 models are NOT loaded with Windows Vista because the Carlson School does not feel Windows Vista has gone through enough vigorous industry compatibility testing. The Carlson School attempts to mirror its technology decisions with corporate America. The vast majority of companies in that sect have not moved to Windows Vista.

Will the selected laptops support Vista?

Any models offered through the program will be compatible for Windows Vista Business. There are many versions of Vista. However, the Carlson School will focus on the Business edition versus the Ultimate edition as we continue to try to emulate corporate America for our students.

Are shipping and tax included in the purchase price?

No. Tax and shipping are not included and the amount will vary depending upon the state you purchase and ship your equipment.

Do I get a bag with the laptop?

The Carlson School is providing a slim Laptop Sleeve to accompany the style of bag the student chooses to purchase on their own. The laptop sleeve will offer added protection. The sleeve is available for pick-up at the Laptop Repair Center.

Who can I contact if I would like more information?

Questions may be directed to: uglaptop@umn.edu