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 your 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 thousands
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 21 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 choose is 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?
You will receive 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 as
they become available.
What are the payment options?
Payment options will be mailed to freshmen and third-year students
in June. For on-line information, go to "Acquiring
Your Laptop Computer."
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 your offer a great deal?
We work 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 thousands 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 21 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.
You will also be given 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 during the week before
classes begin.
Other students should check the web site for information as to when they can pick up their laptop computer.
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, sophomores, and juniors in the Fall of 2001 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 Laptop Computer Package. Go to "Acquiring
Your Laptop Computer."
