Bison Laptop Models
Dell Latitude and Apple Macbook Pro - we are in the process of preparing our models for the Fall 2012 year
Which do we recommend?
It is a matter of choice - some users prefer Macs, and others prefer Windows. Macs have far fewer issues with malware, like fake anti-virus programs that take over your computer. But . . .
One crucial difference is the warranty. One crucial difference is the warranty . One crucial difference is the warranty. One crucial difference is the warranty. One crucial difference is the warranty.
Let's say it again: One crucial difference is the warranty!
The Dell warranty that is included with all Bison Laptops is outstanding - Complete Care means that your laptop is covered, no matter what you've spilled on it, or how you've dropped it. Apple Care does not cover accidental damage, so drops and spills mean that you need to buy new parts, which can be very expensive.
What software comes on the laptops?
Macs come with a full suite of standard Apple software - iLife (iMovie, iPhoto, iDVD, iWeb), Safari, Apple Mail, etc. It does not have any Bucknell-specific software.
The Dells come with a complete Bucknell pre-configured image. When it arrives at your house, it will have:
Communication:
Firefox and Internet Explorer with Bucknell bookmarks
All Bucknell-Specific Applications Pre-Installed:
Bucknell Wireless Networking configured
Bucknell Drive Mapping Utility
Bucknell Bug, for Bucknell weather
Campus Alerts Monitor
Installers that are on the laptop, ready to be installed:
Bucknell VPN client (with profile setup already)
Do you have any recommendations if I decide to buy a Mac?
Yes, we strongly recommend a keyboard cover (iSkin, KB Cover, Moshi) and the extended Apple Care warranty. Spilling a soda on a keyboard can quickly ruin the $700 logic board. We include iSkins and extend the warranty because we see so many instances where an expensive repair could have been prevented by a $25 iSkin! We also strongly urge you to use the outstanding Time Machine backup software on your new Mac.
How can I find out more about the models and specifications, and do I have any options to change any of the specs?
Call us at 570.577.7777 or email us at bisonlaptop@bucknell.edu. While we have limited the options that are available, yes, there are some upgrades that you can choose when purchasing your Bison Laptop.
Should I buy an external hard drive?
Yes! We have not included a drive in the standard configuration, because some of you likely already own an external hard drive. But you should plan on buying and using an external hard drive to back up your data - we see students who lose hard drives (and documents, pictures, music, etc.) all of the time at the Tech Desk!
Both Macs and PCs have hard drives that fail - Macs are no better or worse than PCs in this regard. Back up all of your data! We do not restore data from failed hard drives.
