Auburn University
Auburn University
Office of Information and Instructional Technology

Auburn University
 

LAPTOP UPDATE FOR FALL 2011

HSOP students have the opportunity to select from a variety of vendors to satisfy the laptop requirement.  You are not required to purchase from the vendors below.  HSOP OIT fully supports Windows-based systems, and provides limited support for Apple/Mac hardware and applications.

The laptops are used for a variety of tasks, including: on-line research, website development, email contact with faculty and other students, course evaluations, on-line testing, pharmacotherapeutics, presentation design and development, on-line course material access and download, Rx software installation, electronic medical records, portfolio applications, general coursework documentation, database development, assignment submissions, etc. Each year new uses are integrated into the curriculum.

NOTE:  Incoming students are NOT required to have their laptops set up by HSOP OIT this year.  Most resources are now online.  You can download free AntiVirus software (Sophos) from AU Install once you have your username and password established for login.  Go to: www.auburn.edu/download

 

Laptop Minimum Requirements: Most current laptop models will meet basic minimum hardware requirements with little or no configuration upgrades. If you own a laptop that is currently running XP or Vista, you should be able to use it for the foreseeable future. You are not required to have Windows 7; however, most new systems will come with Windows 7, so that is why the minimum requirements list as such.

bulletOperating System: Windows 7 Professional (XP or Vista are also acceptable)
bulletMicrosoft Office 2007/2010 (Pro/Ultimate recommended)
bulletProcessor: Dual-Core (or comparable) Processor 2.0 GHz or better
bulletRAM: 2 GB (3-4 GB recommended)
bulletHard Drive: 80 GB or more
bulletOptical Drive: DVD/CD+/-R/RW Recorder
bulletNetworking: integrated 802.11 b/g/n compatible wireless and 10/100 ethernet port

Suggested Additions or Upgrades
bulletWindows 7 Media Center
bulletUSB Flash Drive 1 GB or more
bulletColor Printer - laser or inkjet
bulletWebcam - built-in or USB

Auburn University Office of Information Technology has negotiated with various vendors to provide our students with the latest technology at a considerable discount. Each program is a bit different, and several makes and models of laptops will be available. Please review the information and on the vendor websites to make the best purchase decision.  Go HERE for more information.

Some considerations to take into account:

bulletMake and Model of the hardware (Sony, Dell, HP, Apple, Lenovo, and many others)
bulletPrice (from about $500 and up)
bulletFeatures (consider processor speed (minimum Dual-Core (or compatible) 2.0 GHz), screen size, weight, memory/RAM (2GB minimum - recommend 4GB), hard drive size (80GB minimum), etc.)
bulletNetworking (integrated wired and wireless preferred - 802.11b/g compatible)
bulletWebcam - used for connecting to faculty via videoconferencing. 
bulletPre-Installed Software & Applications (we strongly recommend Windows 7 and MS Office 2007/2010 Professional or Ultimate - includes Access)
        NOTE: Academic versions are okay - check with the AU Bookstore for availability and pricing
bulletAU provides Sophos antivirus software to all students free of charge, so you do not need to purchase an antivirus application
bulletAU provides Outlook email and scheduling application
bulletHSOP provides several Rx applications via direct install or network
bulletWarranty (1 year is typically standard, with multi-year at additional cost)
bulletRepair and Damage Options (fast turnaround, local service)
bulletPeripherals (such as PDAs, printers, memory sticks, CD-RW, DVD, etc.)
bulletFinancing Availability and Terms (multi-year options available)

Wireless access (802.11b/g/n) is available throughout HSOP. However, you will continue to need a standard 10/100 ethernet port - either integrated or via PCMCIA card.

You may purchase at any time once the vendor site is linked. You are not required to purchase from our list of vendors, but you should meet minimum specifications.

If you have an existing laptop that meets or exceeds minimum specifications, or can be upgraded to meet specs, you do not need to purchase an additional laptop. Apple Macintosh laptops are acceptable, but not all applications are compatible with Macs. You may not be able to complete some assignments with Macs. There is limited support for Mac on campus.

HSOP policy requires that you have a laptop available for your use.
Contact the Office of Academic and Student Affairs for more information.
You are not required to purchase selected models or from the vendors on this page.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your laptop purchase, contact the vendor for specific hardware and financing information, or HSOP OIT for general information on issues relating to software, networking requirements, etc. You may contact Barry McConatha at 334-844-8362 or Dennis Duty at 334-844-8308.

Remember, this is a purchase, not a lease. This will be your computer. All hardware and software are your responsibility. Warranty service and repair must be handled through the vendor. HSOP OIT will be available to diagnose problems and handle networking issues.