The UConn School of Business continues to integrate interactive technology into the graduate business curriculum and therefore requires the use of a laptop computer by all full-time MBA students. The laptop computer provides business students access to a wide range of educational resources and well-supported tools for communication, collaboration and learning.

Infrastructure across the School of Business and UConn campus provides free access to a secure wireless network as an integral part of the UConn MBA experience. Every member of the class is able to take advantage of the flexibility, information resources and other important benefits wireless technology offers.

UConn full-time MBA students have three convenient options for acquiring their laptop computer, however only options 1 and 2 fully ensure compatibility in the program and provide a high level of functionality and support through UConn School of Business Information Technology (SBIT) department.

OPTION 1:  MOBILE COMPUTING PROGRAM (LEASE )

The UConn School of Business Mobile Computing Program allows the school to take advantage of quantity pricing of hardware and software, and to pass along these cost savings to students while maximizing the technology refresh cycle. Each student in the Mobile Computing Program receives a new laptop computer that meets the connectivity, software (some professors may require course specific software), and hardware configurations outlined by the UConn School of Business and MBA Program.

For the 2009-10 academic year, the School of Business Mobile Computing Program includes:

1. Laptop – Lenovo T400 with latest technology
2. Pre-configured for both School of Business and University of Connecticut networks
3. Software – School of Business image pre-loaded, including MS Office2007 Enterprise
4. Free Microsoft software upgrades during business career
5. Backpack with School of Business logo
6. USB 2.0 memory key (2GB minimum); ethernet cable
7. Technical support available Monday – Friday within the School of Business
8. Warranty work performed by authorized technicians on-site  
9. Loaner laptops available while your laptop is being repaired
10. Insurance coverage including theft and damage caused by spill, drop, power surge, and fire
11. Payments are made over 4 semesters and included on UConn tuition/fee bill
12. End of lease buy-out option

The fee for the Mobile Computing Program for the 2009-10 academic year is $460.00/semester (fall & spring). The optional buy-out cost is determined at the start of the lease and is normally in the $400.00 range.

One of the primary benefits of this lease program is that it allows students to spread the cost of their laptop over 4 semesters and may be covered by financial aid.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT
All students in the Mobile Computing Program (Option 1) have full and complete access to on-site technical support provided by UConn’s SBIT. SBIT provides quick, comprehensive on-site support for students. Students can receive assistance with virus/spyware protection and removal, software/hardware operation, and technology integration/usage. Students will also receive loaner equipment ASAP onsite if their program laptop requires extended hardware or software repairs.

OPTION 2:  LAPTOP PURCHASE THROUGH UCONN

An alternative to the Mobile Computing Program offered by the School of Business is to purchase the recommended laptop directly through the UConn-approved provider, Genesis Capital Group, Inc. of South Windsor, CT.

Students choosing the purchase option will receive benefits 1-10 of Option 1 above.

The purchase option also allows students to customize their laptop by increasing system memory, selecting a larger hard drive (these options do not impact the software configuration).  Students can also purchase additional accessories to enhance their laptop.

The base price for the laptop computer for the 2009-10 academic year is $2,042.00 (plus tax).  Students purchasing their laptop are also required to purchase the MS Campus agreement which would provide the operating system upgrade to UConn’s current standard and Office 2007 Enterprise. The additional cost is $35.60. 

The advantages to purchasing your laptop computer directly include a slight reduction in cost over the lease option and the ability to customize and upgrade your machine. The primary disadvantage to purchasing over leasing is that the cost is borne up front and does not usually qualify for financial aid through the University (benefit 11 of Option 1 above).

Students selecting the direct laptop purchase option should contact Genesis directly at 860.610.0699.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT
All students who have purchased the School-approved laptop through Genesis Capital (Option 2) have full and complete access to on-site technical support provided by UConn’s SBIT. SBIT provides quick, comprehensive on-site support for students. Students can receive assistance with virus/spyware protection and removal, software/hardware operation, and technology integration/usage. Students will also receive loaner equipment ASAP onsite if their program laptop requires extended hardware or software repairs.

OPTION 3:  PERSONAL LAPTOP PURCHASE

UConn MBA students are strongly encouraged to select Option 1 or 2 as they provide full access to UConn SBIT resources as well as ensure optimum computing compatibility during classroom use.

However, students do have the option to purchase a laptop on their own. Students selecting this option must ensure that their system meets the minimum laptop configuration required of all incoming MBA students. As already mentioned, this standardization of hardware and software helps ensure the best possible learning opportunities for students. Minimum standards include:

No Support Included
Students choosing Option 3 are solely responsible for the support, configuration, maintenance and repair for any failure related to his/her system. Documentation may be provided for access to certain School of Business resources. No direct support will be provided for these resources, including email, network and wireless access.UConn SBIT does not have the ability or the “authority” to support laptops purchased outside of Option 1 or 2.

The decision to purchase a laptop on your own (Option 3) has the potential to create technical incompatibilities in some courses in the program. Students selecting this option will be asked to sign a statement of understanding indicating his/her understanding of the decision's ramifications.

For additional information regarding the laptop requirement/program, please contact the UConn School of Business Information Technology (SBIT) via email at help@business.uconn.edu or by phone at 860.486.5450.