The deadline for ordering the upgraded computer for Fall 2009 has passed and upgrades are no longer available.
All students who did not choose the upgrade will receive the standard model by default.
| CPU | Intel Core 2 Duo processor P8700 (2.53 GHz) | Intel Core 2 Duo processor T9600 (2.8GHz) |
|---|
| Display | 14.1" Widescreen (1280x800) with LED backlight | 14.1" widescreen (1440x900) with LED Backlight |
|---|
| Graphics Card | Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD | ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3470 w/256MB video memory |
|---|
| RAM | 4GB DDR2 | 4GB DDR3 |
|---|
| HDD | 160GB | 250GB |
|---|
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000 wired |
|---|
| Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n |
|---|
| Battery | 6 cell Lithium-Ion |
|---|
| USB | 4 ports | 3 ports |
|---|
Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| DVD Recorder (8x) | Yes |
|---|
| Web Camera (1.3MP) | Yes |
|---|
| Windows XP Service Pack 3 | Yes |
|---|
| Office 2007 Enterprise | Yes |
|---|
| Adobe Digital School Collection | Yes |
|---|
| FireWire | Yes |
|---|
| Media Card Reader | Yes |
|---|
| Carrying Case | Yes |
|---|
| 4 Year Warranty | Yes |
|---|
| Weight | 5.5 lbs. | 5 lbs. |
|---|
Technology is central to the mission of education at Drew. Unlike most other universities where instructional computing needs are met by hundreds of computers in computer labs, Drew supplies each incoming student with a standard notebook computer. Some courses require the use of the computer both in and out of the classroom, and almost all courses rely on a student’s access to a standard computer at any time. The Drew network is designed with special features to support academic courses, including shared space that is automatically reserved for the faculty and students in each course. At Drew, students have 24 hour access to a fully managed computing environment, customized for the student’s needs and coursework, and fully supported by the technology organization. This is Drew’s 26th year of a universal computing strategy for instructional technology. Drew was the first liberal arts college in the US to provide computers to students, and has been awarded a Pioneer Award by the national organization EDUCAUSE for its student computer program.
The Drew computer comes pre-configured with a standard software package, a four year warranty and accidental damage coverage, fully supported through the Computing and Network Services Help Desk and an on-campus repair shop.
The Drew standard Lenovo ThinkPad SL400c notebook computer will be provided to new first year students. An optional upgrade to a Lenovo ThinkPad T400 will be available for an additional one-time upgrade fee of $350. Honors Program students will automatically be upgraded to the T400 for no additional charge. All incoming students will be charged a technology fee per semester for computer and technology services. For the academic year 2009-2010, the technology fee will be $62.50 per semester. Your computer will be delivered to you in a fully configured manner during orientation.
Questions may be sent by email to ci@drew.edu
What version of Windows?
We will be providing Windows XP Professional SP3 on both models of laptop, and will ensure compatibility with academic applications and provide full enterprise support. We are closely watching the development of Windows 7 and are encouraged by what we have seen to this point,. We do hope to offer a Windows 7 configuration as soon as possible after configuration and compatibility testing, likely during the 2009-2010 academic year.
Drew University Computer Initiative Benefits
Meets Curricular Requirements
- Required notebooks create anytime, anywhere, 1-to-1 computing environment
- Required for in-class use in many courses
- Fully configured for Drew network
- Network access to software
- Wireless access to Drew network
On-Campus Technical Support
- Warranty repair shop
- Help desk supports both standard computer and standard software
- Re-imaging service available when needed
- Loaners available during extended repair or when academically necessary (http://depts.drew.edu/cns/support/policy/loanerpolicy.php)
- Software updates
- Virus protection updates
- Windows security patches deployed through network
- Computer training for all incoming students
Industry Standard Software
- Microsoft Office Campus Agreement (allows you to receive upgrades while you are at Drew and to have a perpetual license after graduation)
- Novell GroupWise email client
- Virus protection
- Academic software on network including
- Mathematic
- SPS
- MathCAD
- EViews
Drew Computing Community
- Faculty— Know what computer you have and plan courses to leverage standard technology
- Students—Have the same computer, fostering common knowledge base about its use and features, and can share components
- Drew Technical Staff– Have expertise in configuration and repair of this computer
- Drew Technical Staff– Test new applications for the next four years to ensure compatibility with this computer, and provide regular software updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the rationale for your program?
A: Drew is recognized as an innovator in the use of technology in the liberal arts. Our guiding principles include ubiquity of technology access and providing an infrastructure for all faculty, staff, and students, that can be relied on for academic and administrative work. The Drew Standard Laptop is one part of a multi-tier technology strategy that includes a robust, reliable campus network infrastructure, reliable identity management services that ensure that students have the electronic resources that reflect their roles in the community, and fully-supported computers wherever, whenever students need them. Even including the technology fee (which is usually less than the cost of books for the semester) the Computer Initiative is a high quality program that allows us to provide the most reliable computing services at the best value to students.
Q: I already have a computer. Why can’t I just use that?
A: The Drew laptop serves the purpose that computer labs or laptop carts serve at most other universities. It is a centrally provisioned and managed machine, and to be able to provide the necessary level of reliability, a degree of standardization is required. By having standard laptops with a standard configuration, we can ensure that faculty and students have machines that work in a predictable way, and can be repaired easily if they do not. Since your educational package now includes the standard laptop at no extra charge, you can feel free to purchase a laptop for personal or other entertainment use if you so desire. We do also support you using the Drew laptop as your only computer, and fully expect many students to take advantage of the value offered by either of the no additional cost base model or the $350 upgrade option.
Q: Why would I get the upgraded computer?
A: Basically, the upgraded computer has a faster processor, better video quality, and a larger hard drive. The computer itself is also a bit thinner and lighter. It is designed for students who want a high-performance computer for any reason--they wish to make it their primary laptop, they are in academic disciplines where they expect to need the higher performance, or are gaming or performance enthusiasts who want the best computing experience Drew offers.
Q: What about Macs?
A: Since all students will receive the standard laptop automatically, current or future Macintosh users can feel comfortable bringing their Mac for any use for which the Drew laptop is not required. All of Drew’s instructional technology offerings are developed with Windows in mind, and some software may not be available for MacOS. We make every attempt to make Drew’s network offerings compatible with MacOS when we can, but we cannot provide the same integrated, comprehensive environment that we can with the Drew standard laptop. Again, Macs are welcome on campus for personal use, and Mac users will always have their Drew laptop available when they need it. If you feel uncomfortable using Windows, our Student Technology Education Lab is available for computer training.
Q: Can I receive my computer early?
A: We make a bulk purchase directly from the manufacturer, and have the computers custom-built with our software configuration preloaded. It is usually not possible for the computers to be delivered early. If you have a compelling need to receive the laptop early, email ci@drew.edu to discuss options.
The Computer Initiative is brought to you by the Department of Computing and Network Services at Drew University. For more information about our department and services please visit http://depts.drew.edu/cns/.
