Frequently-Asked Questions

Our Mobile Computing Program

Why a laptop?
Why standardize?
Am I required to buy the Rensselaer laptop? Can I bring my own?
Can I also bring my desktop computer?
I'm not an incoming freshman. Do I still need a laptop computer?
I am a graduate student. Can I get a laptop computer?

Ordering a Laptop

I missed the deadline for ordering my laptop!! What can I do?
When will I receive my laptop computer?

Using My Laptop

Is there a network connection in my residence hall room?
How do I print? Do I need to buy a printer?
How do I get my laptop computer repaired?
What about insurance?
Where do I get help?

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 30 laptop classrooms on campus with both power and network connections. Wireless access is available in a continually growing number of locations across the core campus as well as in common areas of the residence halls. 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.

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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 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.

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Can I bring my own laptop?
Yes. Students are required to have a laptop but are not required to participate in the Mobile Computing Program.

Okay, what is the difference between the program and my getting my own laptop?
It comes down to support.

Okay, what does "support" mean to me?
Briefly, the support you receive via the Mobile Computing Program includes a pre-installed and tested software image, on-campus Help Desk user support, repairs done on campus by RPI staff who are also Lenovo-certified technicians, loaner laptops, and quality laptops.

Not so briefly, Mobile Computing support includes:

A pre-installed software image, which includes:

• Windows 7 Enterprise edition -- approximately a $100 upcharge from Home Premium
• Microsoft Office 2010 Professional -- approximately a $150 upcharge from the Home edition
• Maplesoft Maple software -- a $115 value. Many freshman, but not all, need this for their math courses.
• Microsoft Visual Studio Professional -- a $119 value. Students in programming courses will need this software.
• Other software that is available to all RPI students via a free campus download is pre-installed, configured and tested. This includes Microsoft Forefront (anti-virus), Matlab (Math), NX (CAD), MapInfo (mapping), and Microstation (CAD).

Software upgrades -- When Microsoft releases a new OS or Office product, current RPI students who are participating in the Mobile program are entitled to upgrades at no cost.

Consulting help -- The Help Desk is available to all students, but members of the Help Desk staff are most productive with the laptops from the Mobile program because we have more experience with these models.

Hardware repairs and loaners -- Mobile Computing laptops come with a four-year warranty, and the repairs can be done right here on campus by Lenovo-certified technicians. No need to deal with people off-campus to get the laptop fixed! What's more, in the event that a student's laptop does need repairs, a pool of loaner laptops is available so that students participating in the Mobile Computing Program may continue their course work while their machine is being repaired.

Four-year accidental damage coverage -- If the laptop is accidentally damaged (such as by being dropped or having something spilled on it), the damage is covered under Lenovo's ThinkPad Protection. Again, Lenovo-certified technicians perform these repairs right on the Rensselaer campus.

Pre-tested connectivity -- Members of the Mobile Computing team test the program laptop in Rensselaer's own campus environment, so we know ahead of time that our laptop will easily connect to the campus network. There is nothing proprietary about our network configuration; we just test our devices on simple things like wireless connectivity and printing.

Reliable hardware vendor -- Lenovo is a quality company that provides quality products. Please visit the Lenovo website to learn more about Rensselaer's Mobile Computing partner.

When will I know all the specs and final cost of the Fall 2012 laptop?
We are currently working with Lenovo to finalize the laptop specs and other details. As for cost, the package will cost under $1,600. We will provide as much information as we can on the main Mobile Computing website, so please check the site from time to time for the latest details.

This all sounds good, but I really prefer to use a Mac.
Apple makes fine products, but we are unable to provide a lot of support for them. Please check out the special notice to Macintosh users on this year's Minimum Specifications webpage for more information about bringing your Mac to campus.

How do I order the laptop package?
Incoming freshmen will receive an information packet, including a laptop order form, in the mail at their home/permanent address in early July. The Mobile Computing Program will accept orders anytime, but to ensure that a system is available for you at the August 26 distribution, you should return your order form by the end of July.

What if I have questions?
You can always feel free to contact the Mobile team by calling (518) 276-3838, or via e-mail.

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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. Also please note that students are not allowed to have their own personal wireless routers.

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I'm not an incoming freshman. Do I still need a laptop computer?
Yes, all incoming undergraduate students are required to have a laptop computer, and are entitled to participate in the Mobile Computing Program. Sometime in early July, you should receive a Mobile Computing Program information packet, delivered to your permanent mailing address, in the US Mail. An order form will also be available on-line.

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I am a graduate student. Can I get a laptop computer?
All matriculated RPI students may participate in the Mobile Computing Program. Please note that laptops are distributed on the Troy campus only.

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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.

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When will I receive my laptop computer?
Laptops are scheduled to be distributed to incoming freshmen and most other students as part of Navigating Rensselaer & Beyond during the week before classes begin.

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Is there a network connection in my residence hall room?
Every room in the residence halls has a network connection for each student. Students are not permitted to have their own personal wireless routers.

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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, the public computing labs and 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.

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How do I get my laptop computer repaired?
Warranty services are available through Rensselaer Computing Repair (RCR) located on the lower level of the Voorhees Computing Center. If you participate in the Mobile Computing Program, 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.

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What about insurance?
Haylor, Freyer and Coon Collegiate Student insurance offers a policy with a low deductible which covers computers and other electronic equipment. Go to www.haylor.com/student and select Personal Property Protection for more information and an on-line enrollment form.

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Where do I get help?
Help is available at the Help Desk in the Voorhees Computing Center (VCC) every day but Saturday, including weekends. Additional help is also available from the Help Desk website.

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