-
1 of 10
-
2 of 10
-
3 of 10
-
4 of 10
-
5 of 10
-
6 of 10
-
7 of 10
-
8 of 10
-
9 of 10
-
10 of 10
Dude, you’re getting a Dell
Archive
Comments
Story
The Office of Information Technology’s new laptop loaner program means students may now check out laptops like they’re library books.
Four high performance Dell c800 laptop computer systems are currently available for loan in the MP-121 computer lab.
“These state of the art laptops are checked out just about all the time. They’re super laptops,” BSU Student Laptop Program Coordinator Stephen Henderson said.
To check out a “loaner laptop,” a student must fill out a form for each semester they want to use a laptop.
The form is called the Borrower’s Responsibility Form, which says the student is financially responsible for any loss or damage to the $3000 computer.
Also, if the student knows they will need a laptop in a future month, it may be reserved in advance.
The systems may be checked out for seven days.
Any student wishing to check out a system must be at least a part-time student and must have their University fees paid.
According to Henderson, overdue laptops carry a $50 fine for each day after the due date.
If only hours late, $20 is charged per hour until the amount reaches the $50 per day maximum charge.
Laptops not returned 24 hours after the due date, however, are considered stolen.
“We won’t hesitate to call the police if a computer is late. I would hate to have to call the police,” Henderson said.
The four laptops have wireless network adapters that make it possible for Internet access from almost anywhere on campus without any hook-ups or plug-ins.
The computers use Microsoft Office 2000, containing Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access programs.
Any student who has laptop checkout questions should go to MP-121, where the laptops are stationed, and ask the lab technician.
Originally, Henderson said the program started when the construction management department requested three laptops for use at an annual conference they were attending in Reno, Nevada.
The CGC liked the idea, but wanted the laptops to benefit all students rather than just one department in the college of engineering.
He said they added one more laptop to the originally requested three and gave $10,000 to start the program.
Susanne Winkleman assistant in the office of information technology said the program will influence the community in a positive way because students who previously did not have access to a laptop will now be able to borrow one.
She also said the computers are also useful for students who are ill; a student in the hospital is currently using one of them.
“It’s a resource most students can’t afford,” Winkleman said.
Mary Margaret Rice
