Overview
We get asked a lot about Macs from students who want to know what laptop to buy for school. We do support Macs, but there are some major differences in the support that we can provide, and it is important for students to know these differences before they make their decision.
Features | Dells | Macs |
|---|---|---|
Warranty length | 3 yr Complete Care standard, 4 yr opt | 1 yr standard, 3 yrs opt |
Spare parts on-site | yes | no |
Special Bucknell pricing | yes | no (educ discount only) |
Loaners | yes | yes |
Accidental damage (drops, spills) | yes, completely covered | no, not available |
Hardware troubleshooting | yes | yes |
Software troubleshooting | yes | yes |
Warranty service performed on-site | yes | yes, in some cases (shipping charges incurred if done off-site) |
Bucknell software pre-installed | yes | no |
Similarities?
- Troubleshooting and assistance for both hardware and software on both platforms
- Students are familiar with both Macs and PCs at the tech desk
- Assistance with configuring email, accessing the network, etc., is the same
Differences?
- No special pricing for Macs - only the standard educational discount
- No Bucknell software or image on the Macs - preinstalled and configured on the Dells
- No spare parts on-site for Macs - complete stock of parts for Dells for quick repairs
- Some Mac warranty work will be sent to Apple - all warranty work for Dells done on-site
- Warranty!!
Warranty coverage - the most important difference
Macs come with a 1 year parts and labor warranty that covers parts that fail. We recommend that it be extended to 3 years through AppleCare. This does not cover accidental damage like drops or spills.
Dells come with a 3 year Accidental Damage/Complete Care warranty as standard. This can be extended to 4 years in the Preferred model. This covers everything that might happen to your computer other than theft, including damage done by drops and spills.
Why is warranty coverage important?
If you drop your Macbook, or spill a soda/coffee/beverage on it, it is not covered by any warranty. We will need to order replacement parts from Apple or we may need to send your laptop to Apple for repairs. You will be liable for damages and repair charges such as:
- screen/display - $450-600
- hard drive - $70
- logic board - $700
- keyboard - $100
- superdrive - $200
- top case - $90
- bottom case - $300
If you drop your Dell Bison Laptop, or spill a soda on it, it is covered by warranty. We have replacement parts on-site and we can swap them out for no charge, usually within 2 business days, and provide a loaner for you while we do it.
- everything - $0
Recommendations
- iSkin - We strongly recommend that Mac users buy an iSkin, which is a keyboard cover to help protect your laptop if you spill a drink on it.
- External hard drive - We strongly recommend that Mac and PC users buy an external hard drive and back up all of your important data, including music, documents, and photos.
Questions?
Please give us a call at 570.577.7777 or email bisonlaptop@bucknell.edu.
