Methodist University - Methodist University Featured Notebook Computers

Methodist University Featured Notebook Computers

Dear Methodist University Student:

Those of you enrolled in the PGM program will be required to acquire a laptop computer in order to work with point-of-sale (POS) software, supply-chain software, tournament software, and on-line programs recommended by the PGA of America.

During our recent visits with PGM students fulfilling their summer internship requirements, the efforts by the PGA of America to guide its membership toward the effective use of business software solutions were obvious. The POS programs that interface with guests, players, suppliers, course marshals, maintenance crews, and human resource managers require a higher level of education in computer technologies.

We have arranged with IBM a special price on a ThinkPad configuration that will function with both wired connections in dorm rooms and wireless connections in classrooms and the library. This recommended configuration is available to all members of Methodist University community. As you make comparisons through competing online sources or retail establishments, we believe you will find that the program IBM is making available to us represents a great value.

Please visit http://www.lenovo.com/shop/deals/methcoll for all the details, including:

	Four-year on-site coverage through IBM personnel,
	Four-year insurance protection,
	Latest features with regard to capacities and speeds.

Below is a document addressing questions you may have. Feel free to contact if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the University

IBM ThinkPad FAQs

Q: Why have you made arrangements with only one manufacturer?

A: We evaluated five brands. On-site service and support for four years strongly influenced our decision. This service and support will be provided to you directly from IBM regardless of where your machine is located. Whether you are at home on break, or on campus you only need to contact IBM for technical service and support.

Q: I see these machines advertised all the time for less money.

A: Of the five brands we investigated, the price differential with similarly equipped units was negligible. When service and support for four years was compared, the references we investigated at our peer institutions around the country consistently pointed to IBM as a company that met its on-site commitments in a timely manner.

Q: I already own an ABC notebook/laptop PC. Do I have to go buy another machine?

A: You may use your existing notebook/laptop PC. If the WiFi (802.11b and/or 802.11g) specifications match those of the recommended IBM T-41 ThinkPad, you will be able to connect your machine to the Methodist University network. Please be aware that you will be on your own to make the connection work for you. Methodist University faculty members are not trained on all of the various combinations of equipment. The Methodist University network support personnel are only responsible to provide a network signal.

Q: I am planning to buy a new notebook/laptop PC. My favorite aunt works for an IBM competitor and has promised me a better discount on her company’s product. How should it be configured?

A: Print a copy of the IBM specifications, including operating system, application software and on-site service and support (www.lenovo.com/shop/deals/methcoll) Share these details with your aunt so she is able to provide a compatible configuration. Remember, Methodist University faculty members will not be trained to help you should you encounter a problem with your new non-IBM PC. Similarly, the Methodist University network support personnel are only responsible to provide a network signal.

Q: Will possession of a notebook/laptop PC be a requirement for all Methodist University students?

A: Yes. The day is coming when this will be required. Initially, it is strongly recommended for students of the Reeves School of Business, and required beginning in the fall of 2005 for students enrolled in the Professional Golf Management concentration.

Q: Are there any expected cost savings over the course of four years as a result of this expenditure.

A: Yes. National Public Radio reports that the average college student spends $3,000 over four years, or $750 per year on textbooks. Spreading the cost of an IBM T-41 ThinkPad over the same four year period amounts to $530 per year or $265 per semester. Use of the POS and supply chain software in the classroom recommended by the PGA of America will serve to reduce the need for certain textbooks. In fact, many of the faculty of the Reeves School of Business are turning to the use of Internet and on-line resources in lieu of textbooks that apparently change from year to year only to benefit publishing houses. While we can not commit that every dollar spent on an IBM T-41 ThinkPad will result in an exact reduction in textbook costs, we can assure you that this tool, much like pens, paper, and textbooks, is becoming indispensable in the workplace.

Reeves School of Business

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