Are ALL students required to own a laptop computer?
No, but a number of departments require or recommend that their students have access to a computer in order to complete coursework. While there are a number of computer labs on campus, owning your own computer (particularly a laptop) offers many advantages.
Will the cost of a computer be incorporated into the tuition?
No, each student is responsible for purchasing his or her own computer.
Will financial aid include the cost of a computer?
Each student's situation is handled on a case-by-case basis. Students should contact financial aid as early as possible by phone 252.328.6610, by fax 252.328.4347 or by e-mail faques@ecu.edu.
Should I purchase a laptop or a desktop computer?
While a laptop costs more than a desktop, students are able to take a laptop to class and access the wireless network. Having a laptop also makes it easier to take your coursework with you when traveling.
Laptops enable in-class use of computers, which has proven to be beneficial in some classes. It is important to realize that most instructors will not make extensive use of laptops in class. In most classes, students WILL be using their laptops (or computers) for out-of-class assignments. Laptop users find the greatest benefit of owning a laptop is the mobility it offers; the can use it anytime, anywhere.
Desktop computers offer advantages of their own. They can be less expensive and students sometimes find working at a desk with a keyboard, mouse and monitor more comfortable. Desktops are also less prone to loss and theft. The nature of your academic work may influence your decision. We encourage each student to talk to his or her advisor before making a final decision.
Do you recommend a particular computer?
Students should have a computer that meets the specifications of their program. ECU's Dowdy Student Stores offers special pricing on computers from Lenovo and Apple. These computers are configured to meet ECU's network requirements and will meet requirements and recommendations of various academic departments. Any student who purchases one of the recommended computers will have special hardware and software support on campus that is not available for students with computers from other vendors.
Can I use any computer I want?
Students can obtain a computer from any source they desire. However, only those purchased through the ACE program will receive the full-scale support and benefits provided by the ACE program. The ACE program offers a support staff approved by the vendors of the ACE computers. Non-ACE computers will receive limited software support and no hardware support.
My parent's company has an employee purchase plan. Is it okay if I buy the same computer through them instead of through ACE?
Students can obtain a computer from any source they desire. However, only those purchased through the ACE program will receive the full-scale support benefits provided by the ACE program. The ACE program offers a support staff approved by the vendors of the ACE computers. Non-ACE computers will receive limited software support and no hardware support.
What if my grandparent buys the computer for me through ACE?
That is certainly acceptable. Make sure they use YOUR name for all warranty information. It will greatly simplify hardware support.
Will we use laptops in our classes?
That will depend on your academic department. Refer to our chart to see if your department requires or recommends a computer, and then contact them directly for the answer to that question. Most of them will be taught in either wired classrooms or wireless (network accessible) classrooms. However, note that students with laptops have found the most important and valuable uses for their laptops are out of class. Some classes do benefit greatly from in-class use of laptops.
Will I need to bring my laptop to class every day?
Only specific departments have requirements. There is NOT a university-wide requirement. Ownership is optional.
In the areas where a laptop is required, it will vary from class to class, but generally no. Your professor will announce when/if it is necessary. Some professors allow you to use them to take notes, and some will ask you to close them when they're not being used. Some students are distracted by having the laptops with them and do non-educational things when they should be listening. Others find them very valuable as note-taking and researching devices. Each individual professor will have specific rules. Very few classes use them every day. The value of having a laptop comes less in what happens in class than in having appropriate technology at all times and anywhere you need or want it!
What about software?
Is it okay if I install my favorite stuff when my computer arrives? Your ACE computer will arrive with a default configuration. Several departments will require specific software. Software will be purchased separately and installed by you. When possible, we will provide directions on this Web site and assistance in the ACE Support Center.
Will there be any special orientation or training?
Yes. There will be informational sessions at summer orientation; we will answer all questions related to computing on ECU's campus for incoming students. When school starts in the fall, we will have training sessions for students, helping you install software, properly configure your anti-virus software and how to backup data and more.
What if my computer breaks after I arrive at school?
The ACE Support Center will be available for warranty hardware repairs. Warranties will last at least three years. These services are only available for ACE-approved computers ONLY.
Where can I go for support?
All students are encouraged to call ECU's Help Desk or Student Help Desk with support questions. Help Desk technicians will either be able to answer your question or direct you to the best source. Walk-in support is available in the ACE Support Center located at 108 Rawl building on East Campus. There is also a walk-in support center for West campus, located in Laupus Library, room 3330 (in the Health Sciences Building).
What's covered by the warranty?
Manufacturer defects. ACE-approved Lenovo laptops will also include the accidental protection coverage. It will cover damage resulting from spilling drinks on the computer and screen damage. This coverage will not cover theft or fire; home owner's or rental insurance is recommended for that type of protection. ACE-approved Macintosh computers will not include accidental protection. It is recommended that you purchase this through SAFEWARE.
What about insurance?
We strongly recommend that you add a rider to your home owner's insurance or take out a small policy that covers fire and/or theft. Those things are not covered by warranty.
What should I do to protect against laptop theft?
We encourage students to buy protective laptop backpacks. The backpacks look like a normal backpack but have additional straps and cushion inside. Books in a regular backpack (without padded laptop compartments) will damage laptops! The padded laptop compartment is critical.
We encourage students to treat their backpacks like they would a purse - keep it with them all of the time, even in a bathroom stall.
For laptop owners, we recommend getting a laptop cable lock that can be attached to the laptop (there is a special port for them) when it is in your dorm room. These are available at ECU's Dowdy Student Stores, as well as at many suppliers of computer equipment. When your computer is out of your possession, it is most vulnerable to theft. You should keep your room door locked at all times for the safety of your laptop as well as your other personal items.
Thefts will occur. It is the responsibility of the student to protect their computer at all times.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
The ACE Support Center is in Rawl Building, room 108 on East campus across from the ECU Dowdy Student Stores.
You can call David Creech, ACE coordinator at 252.737.1241 / creechd@ecu.edu.
Purchase inquiries should be directed to ECU's Dowdy Student Store.
Phone: 252.328.6731
(Toll Free: 1.877.499.8398).
