Below are the most frequently asked questions about the Mobile Computing Program and it's details. If you do not find your answer here or have an inquiry about something more specific please call 860-486-1959.
Q: I have a question regarding the BADM 291 class, schedule, time, exam etc.A: All questions regarding the syllabus, class location, time, content should be directed to one of the professors.
Their names can be found on the BADM 3001 course web site at http://users.business.uconn.edu/pbasu/BADM291S08.htm
Q: My parents want to buy me a notebook computer. Will I be able to use this notebook for my BUSN classes?A: No. Participation in the Mobile Computing Program is MANDATORY for all junior and senior Business students at the Storrs campus. The new building was designed to accommodate the ubiquitous experience. The School of Business believes that participation in this program is vital to your academic success.
Q: Will I be able to keep my notebook during the summer session or do I have to return it to the School of Business?A: Yes, assuming you will be returning for the fall semester. The notebook computer will remain in your possession until you either graduate or voluntarily leave the university.
Q: Does the Mobile Computing Program include insurance coverage for damage or theft to the notebook?A: Yes. The notebook computer does have insurance coverage for either damage or theft although, it is limited to one occurence per year. In the case of a theft, you are required to obtain a police report. Please note that the insurance coverage is provided for those times when an accident is unavoidable. The coverage does not mean you should be careless with the laptop.
Q: I will be on a Study Abroad program next semester, can I still participate in the Mobile Computing Program.A: Yes. You will be able to pick up your notebook computer prior to leaving for your studies. The School of Business ITS department will remain your 1st contact for all problems related to hardware and software while you are away.
Q: What notebook computer will I be using while participating in the School of Business Mobile Computing program?A: The School of Business has again chosen the IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad for students beginning the Mobile Computing in the spring 2008 semester.
Q: How do I participate in the Mobile Computing program?A: When your plan of study calls for you to start taking business courses that require notebook computers (typically in your 5th semester), registration for those courses will be blocked by People Soft unless you first register for the Mobile Computing Labs. To start, you register for BADM 3001, and that registration will start the paperwork for you to receive a notebook computer prior to the start of classes in the nest semester.
Q: How do I get my notebook computer?A: Students who have registered for BADM 3001 (Mobile Computing Lab) will be able to pick up their notebook computer in room 211 of the School of Business on Saturday August 23 & Sunday August 24, 2008 (times TBD). Students should be sure to bring their UConn ID with them. Information regarding the deployment will be included with the informational package mailed directly to the students' home address during the winter break.
Q: Is the notebook computer mandatory for all classes?A: Two required courses (ACCT 2001 - open to freshmen and ACCT 2101 - open to sophomores) do not require notebook computers in class. For every other 3000-level course for business majors at the Storrs campus, students should be able to participate with a notebook computer in class. Some courses will use the computers more than others, but the technology will be an integral part of preparing students for their careers.
Q: If I am required to participate in the Mobile Computing Program, how much will it cost me?A: The business technology fee is currently set at $475.00 /semester. The fee will provide students with a new notebook computer, all necessary software, on-site technical support, the use of a loaner laptop when needed, and damage/theft coverage. Upon completion of your School of Business career, you will have the option to purchase your notebook computer. The buyout cost will be set at the beginning of the program (dependent on market conditions and the precise configuration of the machine). Students are not required to purchase the computer they have been using (it may be returned to the School of Business prior to graduation).
Q: I've seen laptops advertised on TV for much less. Why does the School of Business laptop cost so much?
A: The semester fee of $475.00 includes the laptop, a backpack, Ethernet cable, memory key, software (including upgrades), re-imiaging services, on-site technical support, a loaner pool, defective hardware swaps and insurance.
Q: I am interested in the buy-out option, but have heard rumors that if I do you will "wipe" my hard drive and I'll loose all my data. Is this true?A: No. If you choose to exercise the buy-out option, we do nothing to your laptop. It remains intact. Microsoft grants you perpetual "use rights" to the current software. It is your responsibility to remove any other University owned software (such as anti virus) that has been provided to you while a student at UConn.
Q: If I decide to 'buy-out' the remainder of the lease agreement, what will it cost me and what do I get to keep?A: The total cost to buy out the lease is determined by the number of lease payments remaining on your notebook plus the End of Lease buy-out + tax. If you decide to buy-out, you keep everything provided to you originally (IBM notebook, back pack, USB memory key, cables, documentation and warranty). If you are graduating, you are also granted perpetual use rights to all Microsoft software currently installed on your system.
Q: Will I be able to purchase my notebook computer upon completing my degree?A: Yes. The current contract allows students to buy-out the remainder of their lease. The buy-out cost is specific to the model and the number of lease payments already made. The buy-out cost includes the notebook computer, the carrying case, all peripherals and any balance of warranty coverage remaining. Our Microsoft Campus Agreement license also allow us to grant perpetual use rights to students upon graduation.
Q: I will be a junior next semester and my parents were planning to buy me a laptop. Is there any way to buy a laptop with all the programs through the school?A: No. Participation in the Mobile Computing Program is a requirement. The program allows the school to standardized on both hardware and software while taking advantage of volume buying discounts. We in turn pass along those savings to the students while at the same time offering on-site technical support.
Q: I have recently been accepted to the School of Business as a freshman. I understand that I will have to participate in the Mobile Computing Program starting in my junior year, but I would like a computer on campus during my first 2 years. What do you recommend?A: We recommend that freshmen carefully consider their computing needs before making a purchase. Sometimes a desktop is the best option. But, if you really do want a laptop, we recommend that students contact Geoff Boulay of Millennium Computer Solutions of South Windsor at (860) 289-3632. Sometimes they have refurbished laptops available at a very reasonable price. Another option is the UConn Co-op. They offer educational discounts plus on-site warranty support for many major brands. http://www.bookstore.uconn.edu
Q: I will be a sophomore next semester and was curious if I could participate in the Mobile Computing program even though I will not be taking any 3000 level courses. A: Unfortunately, no. In an effort to maintain uniformity and equality among peers, and since the program is built on a 24 month usage period, we must limit the notebook requirement/fee to just the junior and senior undergraduates and full time MBA students here in Storrs.
Q: I will be a senior for the fall semester and will be branchfering from a Regional Campus to Storrs. Will I need to participate in the Mobile Computing program?A: Yes. But, if your business career will be completed in less than 4 semesters, you should contact Louise Gisleson at (860) 486-1959 to discuss your options.
Q: Who do I call if I cannot connect my notebook computer to the internet while in my dorm room? A: ResLife Technology offers all UConn students living in the dorms help with your computer-related problems such as connecting to the Internet. They can be reached at 486-4087.
Q: Where will I be able to print?A: The School of Business has a peripheral room on the second floor (room 225) for printing. There will be a fee for printing so we encourage you to purchase a printer.
Q: I'm having problems with my School of Business notebook computer. How do I request help?A: Please submit a request
hereQ: I plan to change my major from business. Can I keep my School of Business notebook?A: The Mobile Computing Program is open only to business students. You must inform the school as soon as you request a plan change at MobileComputing@business.uconn.edu . You must then decide to either return the notebook or to 'buy-out' the remainder of the lease agreement.
Q: I would like to purchase Microsoft Office Professional for my personal computer. Do you know where I could purchase at a discounted price?A: Yes. The UConn Co-op (Bookstore) offers both Microsoft Windows upgrade and the Office Professional package at discounted prices for any University of Connecticut student.
http://bookstore.uconn.edu/
Q: Are there any limitations to the hardware warranty on my laptop?A: Yes. The battery has a one year warranty while the remainder of the laptop has a 3 year warranty. This is typical of all laptops regardless of manufacturer. All the more reason to use the battery with care and caution. If you would like additional information on how to extend the life of your battery, please send an e-mail to help@business.uconn.edu
Q: Can I change the configuration of my system?A: Changes that will not reduce the value of the notebook may be made. The only requirement is that the system must have, at a minimum, the same configuration that it had when issued. Additional options or accessories can be order directly from http://www.millenniumcomputer.net or by phoning 860-289-3632 ext 202.
Q: Since I have to sign-up for the Mobile Computer Program this spring as part of my Fall course selection process, why can't I receive the notebook computer just before I leave campus this May so I can have it to use thru the Summer?A: We spend the next few months testing new models. Once we have decided on the model we will issue this fall, we place an order, receive the systems, install all the necessary software, test the units again, and prepare the necessary paperwork. The notebooks will not be ready to distribute until mid August.
Q: I've read that I should remove my battery if I tend to use on ac power for extended periods. Why?A: If you primarily use your computer with the ac adapter attached and only infrequently use battery power, battery deterioration may occur faster if the battery is constantly charged at 100%. Lowering the charge thresholds for your battery and periodically resetting the battery gauge will help increase its lifespan.