Purchasing a Computer

Framingham State College now requires all incoming new students to own a wireless laptop.  Each year, the college secures a competitive price based on best value, warranty and service for a recommended laptop for students and the College to purchase.  For the 2006-2007 academic year, the Dell Latitude D620 was selected.  This purchase agreement gives you a great laptop at a discounted price.  The added value of support and service from our vendors is tremendous.  You are not required to purchase one of these laptops.  However, any laptop on campus must meet the following minimum specifications and networking requirements to qualify for limited support from the Helpdesk.   

Operating System: Windows XP Professional
Processor: Pentium M 730 1.6GHz 
Memory (RAM): 512MB
Hard Drive: 40GB
Other Drives: CD-RW/DVD (player)
Network Interface Card: Ethernet card 10/100/1000 and Wireless 802.11a/b/g Card
Ethernet Cable: CAT 5 patch cord (RJ45 connectors)  

For more information on the Dell laptop, please visit http://its.frc.mass.edu/itn/laptop.htm.

Borrowing a Laptop Computer

Framingham State College started the laptop requirement for freshmen in fall 2002 and for transfers in spring 2003.  All students who were admitted before that time are eligible to borrow a laptop from the College for the semester. 

All students eligible to borrow a laptop can pick them up at the Laptop Helpdesk, located on the Lower Level of the Arthur M. Doyle Technology Center, during the first week of classes.  Laptops will not be distributed in class.  You must bring your FSC ID or another picture ID when you pick up the laptop.  When you receive the laptop, you must immediately inspect it for physical damage.  You will be charged for any non-warranty damage when the laptop and/or wireless card is returned.  You will also have to sign a standard contract to borrow the laptop and/or wireless card. 

PLEASE NOTE:  IF YOU HAVE YOUR OWN LAPTOP YOU DO NOT NEED TO BORROW ONE FROM THE COLLEGE.

If you borrowed a laptop from the College you must return it to the Laptop Helpdesk located in the Lower Level of the Arthur M. Doyle Technology Center by the date specified on the contract.  You need to bring everything that the laptop came with (i.e., carrying case, power adaptor and wireless cards).  The laptop and components will be checked for damage.  After you sign the returned portion of the contract you will be given a copy as proof of the return.  If you do not return the laptop by the date stated in your contract, you will be billed the for the original purchase price of the laptop.

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