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Student purchasing options

General Recommendations

Any modern computer with at least 2GB of RAM, WiFi or Ethernet Capability, and a three-year warranty meets the Student Technology Collaborative's recommendations. In general, we recommend that you purchase business-class computers, such Dell Latitudes, HP Business Notebooks, and Lenovo ThinkPads, rather than consumer-grade computers. Business-class computers are made from more reliable components, and will be less likely to experience failures.

We also recommend that you purchase the following items along with your laptop:

Note that some bundles below may include some of these items.

• External Hard Drive
• Laptop lock
• On-site Warranty Support
• Accident Protection (i.e. Dell's CompleteCare, Not available for Macs)
• CompuTrace LoJack (Anti-theft software, PC Only)

STC strongly suggests that you purchase an external hard drive for backing up your data. Every year we have more than a hundred students come to us with failing hard drives. If they don't have backups, their data is at risk of being lost forever.

Software

When purchasing software, keep in mind that Yale offers some software to students for free via downloads at the Yale Software page. It is recommended that all student with Windows PCs visit this page to download Symantec Endpoint Protection. Advice for purchasing software is also available at that page.

Microsoft Office

For students who want to purchase a discounted version of Microsoft Office for Windows or Mac, please visit this page.

Partner Stores

We have worked with Apple and Dell to configure recommended computer packages for you. STC specifically recommends that you purchase one of the recommended systems from the stores linked below.

Dell

All Dell computers purchased through the partner store come with a Complete Care (accidental damage coverage) warranty. With many Dell-certified Student Techs (STs), we are often able to repair under-warranty Dell computers within 2 business days. This makes the repair process hassle-free, as you do not have to coordinate with Dell's general warranty support.

Apple

We also have a similar warranty repair program with Apple, and have certified technicians who will either repair under-warranty Apple computers or facilitate their repair through Apple. However, Apple currently does not offer a manufacturer's accidental damage warranty.

GovConnection

Yale also has a purchasing agreement in place with GovConnection, which provides Yale students discounted prices on various products. This includes Adobe software, cables, accessories, etc.