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We have prepared a detailed section
with information to help you decide what is the right choice for
you. The recommended computer guidelines below under
"Recommendations" should help you decide on a configuration that
will work best for you. In addition,
Computer Showcase
has "Exclusive Laptop
Offers" through Dell, Lenovo and Apple Computers to help you stay within your budget. |
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| Exclusive Laptop Offers |
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DELL
Computers
Choose from several recommended DELL computers that fit your needs and/or
budget. |
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lenovo
Computers
Choose from several recommended lenovo computers that fit your needs
and/or budget. |
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Apple Computers
Choose from several recommended Apple computers that fit your needs and/or
budget.In our environment, we
recommend you purchase a Mac Book Pro. |
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Go Windows!
Important! The Ross School of Business is primarily a
Microsoft Windows environment. Some software used as part of
the curriculum, and some current and new services offered by
the school, will only run on a Windows-based computer. With
the release of Apple’s new Duo Core Intel processors, you
can now run Windows on a Macintosh laptop by using
commercial software (Parallels) or using Apple’s free
BootCamp software.
This decision is yours to
make, but you might be at a disadvantage if you use a
Macintosh. |
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| Shopping Around |
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Retailers and on-line vendors may provide computer packages at competitive
prices. Make sure your vendor provides the following
services:
- Configures all the standard and optional
hardware components (including wireless and network cards)
- Offers a 30 day money back
guarantee
- Provides a warranty period of at least 90
days
- Offers local support in Ann
Arbor
Give
preference to vendors who offer on-site or next day support with the longest
warranty.
Stay with recognized brand names when
selecting computer systems and components - components advertised as
"compatible" may have conflicts with other components once installed.
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| Recommendations |
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What
to Buy for the MBA Program?
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Go
Windows!
The Business School is a
Windows environment. Macs are not able to use some
services.
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Go lightweight! You
will be carrying it around much of the day. (5-6lbs
at most; many students opt for ultra-lightweights under 2lbs)
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Special Offers
on Laptops! Every year, Michigan Business students can
take advantage of great deals on laptops. Once this
year's offers are available, links above will take you to
lenovo and Dell's special offers.
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SEE OUR SPECS
and other guidelines for making a decision.
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In
general, buy the "best"
system that you can afford, with preference given to:
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processor (Pentium M is better for
mobility. Pentium IV is better than Pentium III.)
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speed (measured in MHz, with 1GHz being faster than 500MHz)
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memory (known as RAM. Note memory may be a more important performance
factor than the speed of the processor.)
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weight (5-6lbs at most;
many students opt for ultra-lightweights under 2lbs)
The higher these numbers, the longer the life you can expect from
your system. You will also need a wireless and/or Ethernet card and Microsoft Office software.
Buying a Laptop FAQ
- Answers to our
most frequently asked questions.
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| Software |
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MS
Office
You will need the Microsoft
Office 2007 suite. You may or may not have
an option to have this bundled with your new computer.
There is special pricing on this suite for enrolled
students through the University of Michigan
Computer Showcase.
Due to issues with analysis functions in Excel 2007,
you will also need to download the
Excel 2007 Regression Tool Charting Fix.You can also use Office 2003, but you will need the
Microsoft Office 2007 Compatibility
Pack in order to work
with documents created in Office 2007. Before
installing the Compatibility Pack, make sure all
necessary
Microsoft Office updates have been installed.
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The University of Michigan Computing Showcase
The University of Michigan offers hardware and software for students through the UM Computer
Showcase. The Computing Showcase
is on the lower level of the Michigan Union. Check their website
for information on hours, products, and pricing.
The Computer Showcase hosts a Computer Kickoff
every fall. Throughout the year, they offer educational
pricing on hardware and software and accessories such as Palm Pilots.
Microsoft Office 2007 is available for
approximately $50 through the Showcase. The Windows Vista is also available for a substantial
discount.
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Suggested
Laptop Configuration |
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Windows Vista Specs
If you plan to
upgrade your laptop's Operating System to Windows Vista, consider the
following minimum hardware specs when purchasing your laptop.
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Processor: Dual core 64 bit processor
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Memory: 1
GB
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Graphics: Support for Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM), DirectX
9, and has at least 64 MB of graphics memory
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Storage: At least
40 GB hard drive minimum preferably over 80 GB.
Hardware Specs
Try not to go
below the recommendations listed below. If price is an issue, and you need to make trade-offs, some
minimum recommendations are provided.
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Pentium M, 1.8GHz or faster preferably dual core
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14" (12" for ultra-lightweights) XGA or SXGA
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1 GB of RAM or more (minimum 512MB)
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80GB hard
disk or larger; (40GB minimum)
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PCMCIA card slot(s).
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External or built-in
802.11a/b/g Wireless Network card that supports WPA security, and an
external or built-in
Ethernet card - to connect to the
Business School network. For external wireless cards we recommend the Cisco Aironet
802.11 a/b/g Wireless Cardbus Adapter. These brands are known to work best
with our network - do not settle for slightly cheaper brands, as you may pay
for it in performance.
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Sound card and built-in speakers.
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DVD +/- RW combo drive
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Carrying case
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Windows Vista or Windows XP Professional version with
Service Pack 2.
- See the Software page for other recommended student software.
page for a list of software provided by Ross
- It is highly recommended that you
purchase a 3yr. service contract with your laptop.
Useful Options
- USB Pen Drive (also referred
to as USB Jump, flash, or key drive) - 256 MB or
more.
- USB External hard drive.
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Printer (Laser or Inkjet).
Make sure an Inkjet printer has separate cartridges for
color and black ink.
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A backup battery.
Battery life is hard to gauge. Expect a 1-3 hour life for a fully charged
battery.
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