Frequently Asked Questions
Participation
- Who will be eligible to participate in the program?
- Is participation mandatory?
- How do I participate in the program for this academic year?
- What are the benefits of purchasing a laptop through the UNCG program?
- What if I already own a laptop or desktop computer?
- If I don’t have a laptop, can I still purchase one? If so, is there a due date?
- Will graduate students and currently enrolled UNCG students be eligible to purchase a laptop through the program?
- What if I am a part-time student?
- Are there other laptop requirements at UNCG outside of the Student Laptop Initiative?
Hardware/Software
- What type of laptops will be offered?
- What operating system and software will be included?
- How do I get a copy of Microsoft Office or the operating system for my laptop?
- Will UNCG provide all of the software that I can access in the computer labs?
- Is there software specific to my major?
- Will the laptops have a warranty?
- What about protection against accidental damage for my Lenovo or Apple laptop?
- What about theft or fire insurance?
- What do I do if my SLI laptop breaks?
- Will I be able to get my laptop repaired on campus?
- When connecting to the Lenovo Ultrabase Docking Station, does the battery have to be removed from the laptop to prevent overcharging?
- Will you install Vista on my program laptop?
- Will the Lenovo laptop that I purchased last year run Vista?
- Will UNCG reinstall all of the applications on my SLI laptop after upgrading to Vista?
Cost
- How much will the laptop cost?
- Is there financial aid available to help me purchase a laptop?
- Is there a charge for having my laptop repaired at the Laptop Support Center?
Ordering Information
- In the Apple Store, I clicked away from the Store tab and now when I try to return to it, I end up at a different Apple Store. How do I get back to the UNCG Apple Store?
- How do I place an order?
- How do I get a printer?
Network
- Is wireless access available all over campus?
- Is there Internet access everywhere at UNCG?
- Is the UNCG network secure?
- Would my computer be secure from other students?
Contact Information
How can I make a suggestion or ask a question about the laptop program?
Participation
- Who will be eligible to participate in the program?
Any current UNCG student is eligible to purchase a laptop. Students who elect to purchase a program laptop gain the same benefits as students who purchase a program device to meet the University requirement.
Note: Alumni and those who have withdrawn from the University are not eligible to purchase a laptop through this program or receive on-campus technical support.
- Is participation mandatory?
In the fall semester of 2007, all incoming traditional freshmen (full-time, non-transfer, etc.) will be required to have a laptop that meets the program's minimum requirements. Please review the program's Minimum Requirements for Non-Program Laptops if you are considering purchasing a non-program laptop.
- How do I participate in the program for this academic year?
During the 2007-2008 academic year, the recommended program laptops will be made available for purchase by all students. Information on buying a program laptop will be available on the Student Laptop Initiative Web site. Students who elect to buy a program laptop will gain the same benefits as those students who purchase a program device to meet the University requirement. See the next question for more details.
- What are the benefits of purchasing a laptop through the UNCG program?
There are many benefits to purchasing a laptop through the program.- Program laptops have been selected to meet the requirements of the University's academic computing environment.
- Program laptops are configured to work with the campus wireless network.
- Program laptops come preloaded with software required for academic use.
- An on-campus support center will be available to provide support services, including warranty repairs, for owners of program laptops.
- By purchasing a program laptop, you are covered by the campus Microsoft license agreement, entitling you to upgrades at no additional cost while you are enrolled. When you graduate, you are granted a single, perpetual license to the version of the software loaded on your laptop at the time of graduation.
- What if I already own a laptop or desktop computer?
Desktop computers will not meet the University requirement to have a laptop. Students may bring non-program wireless laptops to meet the University requirement if that laptop meets the minimum standards set by the Academic Technology Coordinating Committee (ATCC). The suitability and operation of a non-program laptop is the full responsibility of the student. Non-program laptops are not eligible for support, and it is the responsibility of the student to purchase and load the recommended academic software.
- If I don’t have a laptop, can I still purchase one? If so, is there a due date?
Students may purchase a laptop at any time from the vendors' sites. The newest models will be available May - July.
- Will graduate students and currently enrolled UNCG students be eligible to purchase a laptop through the program?
Yes. All current students may elect to buy a program laptop.
- What if I am a part-time student?
Part-time students (undergraduates enrolled in less than 12 credit hours) are also eligible to participate.
- Are there other laptop requirements at UNCG outside of the Student Laptop Initiative?
Yes. Some schools and degree programs have laptop requirements separate from the Initiative. You should contact your department to determine the particular details of your program's requirement.
Hardware/Software
- What type of laptops will be offered?
There are two recommended laptop vendors: Lenovo/IBM and Apple. Lenovo offers three devices and Apple offers three. Each vendor will offer a less expensive model that meets the minimum requirements of the Student Laptop Initiative and a high-end model that offers better performance. There are six laptop models in all. Some departments will require a particular vendor or model for students enrolled in their program. If a student's department does not have a stated requirement, the student may purchase any of the four laptops. Details for the six models can be found on the laptop information page.
- What operating system and software will be included?
A selection of software will come loaded on laptops purchased through the program. This software was selected by the ATCC as meeting the general computing requirements of required participants. A list of the included software is found on the laptop information page.
- How do I get a copy (on CD) of Microsoft Office or the operating system for my laptop?
Microsoft licensing has allowed UNCG to distribute Office, Windows XP, and Vista media to Student Laptop Participants at a cost of $5.00 per copy. Please fill out the appropriate form to request your copy:- Microsoft Campus Agreement for Office (PDF: requires a reader such as Adobe Reader)
- Microsoft Campus Agreement for Vista (PDF: requires a reader such as Adobe Reader)
- Microsoft Campus Agreement for XP (PDF: requires a reader such as Adobe Reader)
- Will UNCG provide all of the software that I can access in the computer labs?
No. Only a subset of programs available in the computer labs will be licensed for use and preloaded on program laptops. Students are eligible to purchase select additional software at a discount. Your instructor will let you know if you need additional software for a class.
- Is there software specific to my major?
Possibly. Students should contact a representative of their major for more information.
- Will the laptops have a warranty?
With the exception of the laptop battery, which has a one-year warranty, program laptops have a three-year warranty at the time of purchase. Lenovo/IBM owners can elect to extend this to four years at any point during the three initial years of coverage. The on-campus service center will perform warranty repair work on program laptops.
- What about protection against accidental damage for my Lenovo or Apple laptop?
Lenovo/IBM ThinkPads purchased through the program are covered for three years under the ThinkPad Protection service. It protects against accidental damage due to power surges, drops or falls, liquid spills, and LCD damage caused by a drop or a fall. Any accidental damage covered by the ThinkPad Protection service can be repaired at the on-campus service center.
There is no accidental damage plan included for the Apple laptops. However, there are third-party policies available that you can find by searching the Web.
- What about theft or fire insurance?
ThinkPad Protection excludes theft, loss, or damage due to fire or intentional acts. Students (and parents) are encouraged to contact their current insurance provider to ask about covering the laptop under their current homeowner's or renter's insurance.
- What do I do if my SLI laptop breaks?
If the problem is covered under warranty or ThinkPad Protection, the student may bring the laptop to the Assisted Helpdesk Center (AHC) for repair. A limited number of loaner laptops will be available for students whose laptops are being repaired.
Note: Non-SLI machines can be taken to the AHC for limited consulting services (related to wireless only). You will need to contact the manufacturer for hardware support and the software technical support for software support.
- Will I be able to get my laptop repaired on campus?
Yes, there is an on-campus service center for persons who purchase a program laptop.
- When connecting to the Lenovo Ultrabase Docking Station, does the battery have to be removed from the laptop to prevent overcharging?
The Ultrabase Docking Station has a switch inside that kicks it over to AC power when a ThinkPad is docked and the battery is fully charged. It is not necessary to remove the battery from the laptop.
- Will you install Vista on my program laptop?
Yes, but only as part of the latest UNCG image.
- Will the Lenovo laptop that I purchased last year run Vista?
- If you purchased a Lenovo laptop through the SLI in 2006/2007, it will run Vista, AERO, and even FLIP 3D. However, the 2006 models will perform better with more RAM.
- In preparation for increased resource requirements for Windows Vista, and for extended battery life*, Lenovo has made available to UNCG Student Laptop Initiative participants an upgrade bundle consisting of a new laptop battery and an added 1 GB memory stick.
- The separate price of these two items is normally $125 for the battery and $85 for the 1 GB memory stick. The bundle price for the combination is $125. The upgrade bundle is available now at the UNCG-Lenovo e-store. Please go to the Purchase a Laptop Web page and select the link to Shop the Lenovo Student Laptop Initiative models.
Note: The laptop battery has a warranty for one year only.
- Will UNCG reinstall all of the applications on my SLI laptop after upgrading to Vista?
We will install Vista as part of the newest UNCG image, which includes standard software. However, you must reinstall any personal software applications yourself.
Cost
- How much will the laptop cost?
Current pricing information is available on the laptop information page.
- Is there financial aid available to help me purchase a laptop?
Yes. Information is available through the Financial Aid Office. You can read about the UNCG Laptop Grant online. In addition, be sure to check the Lenovo and Apple web sites for any special payment plans.
- Is there a charge for having my laptop repaired at the Laptop Support Center?
For information about our schedule of fees, read What is ThinkPad Protection and what does it cover?.
Ordering Information
- In the Apple Store, I clicked away from the Store tab and now when I try to return to it, I end up at a different Apple Store. How do I get back to the UNCG Apple Store?
This problem has been reported to Apple. In order to get back to the UNCG Apple Store, you will have to start over from the Purchase a Laptop Web page. You must place your order before leaving the Store tab.
- How do I place an order?
Visit the Purchase a Laptop Web page. From there you will be directed to the purchasing sites prepared by the selected vendors for use by program participants.
- How do I get a printer?
Printers and other peripherals and supplies are available though the vendors' Web sites at a discount to UNCG students. Follow the links on the Purchase a Laptop Web page to reach the private vendors' sites.
Network
- Is wireless access available all over campus?
Academic buildings, a few administrative buildings, and some outdoor areas on campus currently have wireless coverage. For a complete list, please read UNCG Locations with Wireless Service (PDF: requires a reader such as Adobe Reader).
- Is there Internet access everywhere at UNCG?
Internet (Web) access is available through the wireless network described in the previous answer. The student computing labs also provide Internet access to current students. Resident students may connect their personal computers to the campus network in the dormitories through ResNet; this provides Internet access.
- Is the UNCG network secure?
UNCG is in the process of refreshing its wireless network. For information about the project, go to the Wireless Refresh Project web page. During this transition, you may have access to one or more of the following wireless networks:- UNCG-Visitor
The UNCG-Visitor network is an open, unsecured network with bandwidth limitations and is intended for use by non-UNCG guests. Access is restricted to basic Internet use only. Access is denied to any sensitive UNCG systems. Simply connect to the UNCG-Visitor network using your built-in wireless client and open a browser to login. - UNCG-FacultyStaffStudent
The UNCG-Faculty/Staff/Student network is only accessible via 802.1X authentication and once authenticated, the traffic is encrypted. Access is available to the same set of services as the current wired network. To obtain access to this encrypted network, wireless clients will be required to configure their workstations for 802.1X authentication. - UNCG-XXXX (where XXXX represents the classroom building)
These building networks represent UNCG's legacy wireless network, limited to current students, faculty, and staff. A user name and password are required and the types of traffic that can be passed over these networks are limited to increase security. Although these networks are not encrypted, applications that use encryption can operate with the use of a VPN client.
- UNCG-Visitor
- Would my computer be secure from other students?
While every attempt will be made by the University to provide a safe computing environment, the student user shares a great deal of responsibility for taking sensible precautions. Training and documentation are available to students to educate them about safe computing practices. All program laptops will come with a firewall and antivirus software.
Contact Information
How can I make a suggestion or ask a question about the laptop program?
Technical or purchasing inquiries regarding the laptop program should be directed to 6-TECH at 336-256-TECH (8324) or 6-TECH@uncg.edu. For information on requirements specific to your major program, contact your major department or advisor.