ADMINISTRATIVE COMPUTING

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: I have, or just bought a MacBook or MacBook Pro notebook that is configured the same as what Case requires. Do I still have to buy one from Case?

A: All students will be required to purchase and use one of the five models offered through Case. The primary reasons are the high level of technical support provided to students and ensuring that the warranty covers as long of a period as possible. Some of the newer MacBook and MacBook Pro models are acceptable. However, incoming students should upgrade their memory and warranty to our specifications and purchase Windows XP Pro (or we'll order it for you). We also request that you ship your Mac to us at least two weeks before the start of school, so that we can set it up for use here at Case. If this presents an onerous burden, please contact David Pilasky, Director of Administrative Computing.

Q: I have, or just bought a Windows notebook that is configured the same as or better than what Case requires. I'm willing to assume full responsibility for it. Do I still have to buy one from Case?

A:All students will be required to purchase and use one of the five models offered through Case. The primary reasons are the high level of technical support provided to students and ensuring that the warranty covers as long of a period as possible. Only very recent Dell Latitude laptops will be allowed, and those will need to be upgraded to meet the necessary specifications.

Q: NEW 5/19/09 What should I do if I'm on a waitlist for another schoool?

A: We really hope that you will choose Case Western Reserve School of Medicine! However, we do understand that plans can change, and our preference would be for you to wait until you're sure that you're coming to Case before ordering a laptop. There is a delay between order and delivery though, so in order to ensure that your laptop is here in time for the start of classes, we recommend that you do not wait longer than late May to order. We will accept students off our waitlist, so if we do have laptops left over, they generally go to our late accepts. The bottom line is that you will not be charged for the cost of the laptop if you decide not to come.

Q: If I receive permission to bring my own laptop, do I still have to attend one of the Computer Orientation sessions?

A: Yes. During the orientation sessions, we will teach you how to connect and login to the Case network, set you up for printing, show you some of the resources available and talk to you about the proper care and feeding of your laptop.

Q: Can I order one of these notebooks but with different hardware (e.g. bigger hard drive, better video, larger screen, etc.)? Can I get a white Mac instead of the aluminum one?

A: No, the models that we have pre-configured for you were selected to get the best quality notebook at the best possible price using Case's campus agreement with these vendors and an additional quantity discount. If you want to buy more memory or a bigger hard drive on your own, we can install it, as long as it doesn't violate your warranty (this may apply to Macs, but not Dells) at no cost. The aluminum MacBook is much more durable that the white plastic model.

Q: I can buy a Dell/Mac through my school or some other website for less than the price Case has listed on the website. Can I buy this one instead?

A: First off, make sure that you are comparing the same specifications. We compared a website that a prospective student sent to us last year. On the Dell D630, by the time we were done, the exact same laptop was just over $2,000 compared to the one we offered for $1,324. The biggest difference is the warranty which adds almost a couple hundred to our price and probably isn't included in your price. But, IF you can find a better price for the same computer, go for it. As long as it is the same hardware, we'll be able to provide full support for it. This applies to Dell and Apple only.

Q: NEW 5/6/09 Why is the iPod Touch included with the Apples but not the Dells?

A: By including the iPod Touch in the package, Apple was able to give us a nice overall discount. The school does not require students to have iPod Touches, as we do not have any internal educational applications specifically for the iPod Touch, so we could not include it in the Dell package. However, there are many educational and medical applications for the iPod which you can find on your own. We were able to negotiate a nice discount so that students selecting Dell laptops would be able to have an iPod if they want. If you select a Dell laptop and want an iPod Touch, you will see an optional checkbox on your iApply laptop ordering page. If you check that box, an iPod Touch will be ordered for you. You will then need to provide cash or a check (make the check out to Case Western Reserve University) (sorry no credit cards) to David Pilasky when you pick up your laptop during your Computer Distribution and Orientation session.

Q: NEW 5/4/09 The Computer Policy says that the Dell E4300 is an acceptable choice, but it is not listed on the Comparison page. Where is it?

A: We were hoping to make the Dell E4300 an available choice this year due to its very light weight. However, Dell was unable to offer a 4-year Complete Coverage warranty on this model, in time for our recommendations. In addition, it only came with a smaller (shorter life) battery and it cost more than either the E6400 or the E6500. So, we decided against offering this model.

Q: Updated 6/11/09 What about the 4-year Applecare Parts Aggreement warranty for Apple vs the 4-year Complete Care warranty for Dell?

A: Dell's 4 year Complete Care warranty is definitely better, as it will cover all hardware repairs for your notebook for 4 years. Generally, Apple only offers a 3-year warranty. However, this year we will have two of our technical staff attend Apple Certification training. As a result, Apple will make the 4-year warranty available to students. There are a couple of stipulations in that warranty. Students will have to bring their laptops to us for all hardware and software repairs. Students will not have access to the AppleCare support phone-in number. They will have to see us for support. Apple's warranty does not cover accidental (broken hinge) or intentional damage (spilling water on your keyboard). As a result, students who purchase Macs will have to pay out of pocket for any hardware parts not deemed by Apple to be manufacturer defects. Students who bring their own Macs (not purchased through Case), will have to make their own arrangements for warranty hardware repairs while their Mac is under warranty.

Dell provides a Complete Care warranty. This means that if you accidently drop your notebook and break something like the LCD screen, the Complete Care warranty will cover it. Apple makes the determination between accidental and a design/manufacture damage/flaw. If you accidently drop your Apple notebook and break the screen or some other part, Apple will repair/replace it, but at your cost (more than $700). ANYTHING that breaks on a Dell will be replaced at no charge. The same CAN NOT be said for Macs.

Q: How are the notebooks repaired?

A: Students can take their notebooks to our technical staff in room E-318 for all hardware and software repairs or any time they have a question about their notebooks. Our technicians are Dell certified and can perform all hardware repairs covered under the warranty at no cost to students. Replacement parts are usually recieved next day. Our technicians will be Apple hardware certified. Students will be able to bring their Macs to E-318 for hardware and software support. Students are provided a loaner notebook (Dell, Windows) while their notebooks are being repaired.

Q: How do I pay for my notebook computer?

A: Updated 5/6/09 You will see a separate line item on your tuition bill for the cost of the computer. For the Apple laptops, the iPod Touch is included. For the Dell laptops, you will have to pay by cash or check separately to David Pilasky when you pick up your laptop during the Computer Distribution and Orientation session. Your financial aid will only cover the cost of the MacBook Pro up to $2,000. You will have to pay the rest as part of your tuition bill. Whatever Case pays, is what you will be charged. Case will not markup the cost of the notebooks.

Q: When can I pick up my notebook?

A: Students MUST attend one of 6 Computer Pickup & Registration sessions. Students will need their notebooks set up and ready to go by the start of classes. During these sessions, our staff will walk students through the process of customizing their notebooks, logging on to the Case network and numerous other prodecural steps and informational items. The session will last about 3 hours. The schedule is as follows

We will provide a website to sign up for one of these sessions in June.

Q: Where can I find more information about each laptop choice?

A: Updated 5/6/09 Below are links to reviews for each model.

Dell Latitude E6400 Review
Dell Latitude E6500 Review
Macbook & MacBook Pro Dual Review

Q: Which notebook is recommended?

A: In order of preference, we recommend the following:

      Dell Latitude E6400
      Apple MacBook
      Dell Latitude D830
      Apple MacBook Pro
     
Dell has the absolute best warranty. Pretty much no matter what breaks, Dell will replace it at no cost. Dell covers accidental damage. Apple’s warranty only covers manufacturer’s defects and those may be difficult to prove. Apple does not cover accidental damage. We can repair Dell & Apple laptops in-house. Since, this is the first year that we will be able to repair Macs, we can not say how long repairs will take, in terms of ordering/receiving repair parts. Some Mac repairs may require shipping your Mac to California, which can take a week or more.Dell replacement parts are usually received the next day.

The differences between the E6400 and E6500 are the same as between the MacBook and MacBook Pro. Those differences are size, weight, screen size, memory, and hard drive space. The smaller laptops seem to be the most durable.

Q: What are the differences between the Dell and Apple concerning my work at school and studies?

A: There are a number of differences, which are mostly inconveniences all of which have workarounds.

• Many students using Dell laptops really love Microsoft OneNote for taking notes in class. OneNote is not available as part of Office for Mac. However, Mac students can boot into Windows or use VMWare Fusion to access Windows on their Mac and access OneNote that way.
• Some lectures in the large lecture hall are recorded and made available via the eCurriculum website. The video/audio/PowerPoint capture software is not completely compatible with Macs. The video and audio will play, but the PowerPoint slides will not be synchronized. However, Mac students can boot into Windows or use VMWare Fusion to access Windows on their Mac and access OneNote that way.
• All electronic exams must be run in using Windows. Mac students will have to boot into Windows to take exams.
• We do not have any Macs available as loaner equipment, if your laptop is in for repairs. You will receive a PC, if you need a loaner.

Q: Apple just announced that if I buy a laptop, I will get an iPod. Will we receive iPods with our laptops?

A: News coming soon!

Last Updated: May 4, 2009

For questions, please contact David Pilasky, Director of Administrative Computing via email: David.Pilasky@case.edu