Mobile Computing - FAQ '00

Mobile Computing at Rensselaer
Frequently-Asked
Questions

Why a laptop?
Why standardize?
When will I receive the details about the Rensselaer laptop?
What are the payment options?
I missed the deadline for ordering a laptop computer!!
Why is our offer a great deal?
Am I required to buy the Rensselaer laptop? Can I bring my own?
Can I upgrade the Rensselaer laptop?
Where can I use my laptop on campus?
Is there a network connection in my residence hall room?
Can I use it off-campus?
How do I print? Do I need to buy a printer?
How do I get my laptop computer repaired?
What is the warranty?
Where do I get help?
When will I receive my laptop computer?
Can I also bring my desktop computer?
Can I keep the laptop computer over the summer?
I'm a transfer student. Do I need a laptop computer?
I am an undergraduate, but not an incoming Freshman. Can I get a laptop computer?
I am a graduate student. Can I get a laptop computer?

Why a laptop?
The power of mobile computing allows students to have "anywhere/anytime"
access to their computer software and the Internet using the hundreds
of laptop connections available in public places across campus. Almost
every class has a computer element and nearly all courses use electronic
information. There are more than 24 laptop classrooms on campus with both
power and network connections. Laptop computers are specifically used
in Math, Computer Science, Physics, Introduction to Engineering Analysis,
and Freshmen Studies in which you would bring your laptop to class. Additional
laptop courses are added each semester.

Why standardize?
We can provide the best support (both formal and informal) for a standard
laptop computer. The Help Desk in the VCC is well equipped to handle questions and problems with the Rensselaer laptop. You will also find an extensive peer-to-peer support group.The model we have chosen has been tested for compatibility with the Rensselaer network and comes loaded with the software you will need. On-campus repair is also available for the standard model.

When will I receive the details about the Rensselaer laptop?
Freshmen were mailed the full description of the selected Rensselaer laptop computer and forms for choosing your payment option in early June.You can also find details on this web site.

What are the payment options?
Payment options for incoming freshmen and transfer students with freshmen or sophomore status. Payment options for all other students.

I missed the deadline for ordering a laptop computer!!
Please return the form as quickly as you can. We will do our best to accommodate you.

Why is our offer a great deal?
We have worked very hard with IBM to be able to offer you a very powerful state-of-the-art laptop computer loaded with software at an excellent price.

Am I required to buy the Rensselaer laptop? Can I bring my own?
We strongly recommend the Rensselaer laptop. If you do choose to bring your own, be sure that it meets the minimum specifications. You will also be responsible for purchasing the software, making sure that you can connect to the Rensselaer network, and coordinating with the manufacturer for warranty support. We will also not be able to provide support for other laptops.

Can I upgrade the Rensselaer laptop?
We are only able to offer the Rensselaer laptop at this price because we purchase them in volume. Therefore, it is not possible to upgrade the laptop you order as part of this program. However, once you receive your laptop in the fall, you can upgrade or purchase accessories. Check out the Campus Computer Store in the VCC.

Where can I use my laptop on campus?
There are hundreds of laptop jacks (and power connections) in public areas including Folsom Library, the Voorhees Computing Center, the Student Union, and other study spaces around campus. You can also connect your laptop computer to the network in the more than 24 classrooms around the campus wired for laptops which are available for public use when classes are not scheduled.

Is there a network connection in my residence hall room?
Every room in the residence halls has a network connection for each student.

Can I use it off-campus?
If you are off-campus, you will be able to connect your laptop to the campus network using the internal modem by dialing-up Rensselaer directly or an Internet Service Provider. You can also connect using a cable modem service.

How do I print? Do I need to buy a printer?
Once connected to the network, you can access the public printers located in every computer classroom and public computing lab, public areas, and several residence halls.

You can connect your own printer to the laptop computer, but we recommend waiting until you are on-campus to decide if you want to purchase one. Several models are available through the Campus Computer Store.

How do I get my laptop computer repaired?
Warranty services is available through Rensselaer Computing Repair (RCR) located on the lower level of the Voorhees Computing Center. If you lease your laptop, a limited number of "loaner" laptops may be available on a "first come, first serve" basis in the unlikely instance that your computer may need extensive repairs.

What is the warranty?
The laptop computer comes with a three-year manufacturer's warranty. The battery has a one-year warranty.

Where do I get help?
When you first pick up your laptop computer, we will help you get it set up and configured for use with the Rensselaer network. Help is available at the Help Desk in the VCC every day but Saturday, including weekends. At the beginning of the fall semester, help will be available in the dorms. You will also be given written documentation about using your laptop when you receive the machine, and there is extensive on-line help available.

When will I receive my laptop computer?
Freshmen will receive their laptop computer on Sunday, August 27th. Your RA will lead you and the other residents of your floor to the distribution location where you will be given your laptop and RCS userID and be directed to a laptop setup/network connection session. In order to pick up your laptop, you MUST show a picture ID (for example, your Rensselaer ID, driver's license, or passport).

Other students should check the web site for information as to when they can pick up their laptop computer. Most orders will be filled during the first week of classes.

Can I also bring my desktop computer?
Yes, you can also bring your desktop computer. If you want to have two network connections in your residence hall room, you can purchase a mini-hub. However, it would be a good idea to check out the space available in your residence hall room.

Can I keep the laptop computer over the summer?
Yes.

I'm a transfer student. Do I need a laptop computer?
All freshmen and sophomores in the Fall of 2000 are required to have a laptop computer.

I am an undergraduate, but not an incoming Freshman. Can I get a laptop computer?
I am a graduate student. Can I get a laptop computer?
Yes. All matriculated students at Rensselaer are entitled to purchase one Rensselaer 2000 Laptop Computer Package. See Acquiring Your Laptop: Rensselaer Students.