Laptop Purchasing FAQ's
How do I purchase the required Laptop Computer?
PHONE
The required laptops are to be purchased directly from Systems Plus Computers through the web at the Cushing Academy's Technology Web Site or by calling Systems Plus Computers Education Number. To contact the Cushing/Systems Plus Computers laptop ordering representative Peggy Perrault by phone call 603 643 5800 x141 or the toll free number 800-388-8486.
ONLINE
When should I purchase the required laptop computer?
Cushing Laptops will be available on or after June 1, 2009. It is the intention of the program that ALL students who are required to purchase a laptop shall do so prior to July 16, 2009 if at all possible. Cushing families will be contacted by Cushing Academy's Systems Plus Computers representative to facilitate the ordering process during the summer months if new student orders have not been placed. Vendors experience supply shortages during the summer months, and we do not want our students to experience delays getting their laptops. In the event that there are any issues related to the machine itself, most of these issues are resolved prior to the start of classes. Laptops not ordered by the suggested July 16, 2009 date may not be ready at Orientation. We realize for some families it will not be possible to order before the suggested date, please understand we will make every effort to have your students’ laptop ready as soon as possible.
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Which models of laptops are available through
the Cushing's Laptop Initiative?
This years model is the Lenovo Thikpad R400. Please note that even though there are different variations of Lenovo ThinkPad R400 currently available online, students should only purchase the Cushing ThinkPad available through the Cushing's Laptop Purchasing Program website. Cushing Academy negotiates special pricing for the laptop with specific software, hardware and warranty requirements which all students are required to purchase.
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Can I order the specified laptop with different
features?
Only the specific Lenovo R400 ThinkPad configured at System Plus Computers carries the Cushing Academy pre-loaded software and special discounted pricing. Therefore, you will not be able order a computer with a different software configuration. However, you may order a computer with some different hardware options and additional accessories. There are two configuration options available at the Cushing-Systems Plus Computers web site. In addition, you can select a backpack or carrying case as an option. Personal printers, required school calculator, security locks, and other accessories will also be available.
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What payment options are available?
Payment is made via Credit Card by ordering over the Web or by phone. Contact the Cushing/Systems Plus Computers laptop ordering representative Peggy Perrault by phone at 603 643 5800 x141 or the toll free number 800-388-8486.
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Where will my laptop be delivered to and when will I be able to pick it up?
Your laptop will be delivered directly to Cushing Academy and will be available for pickup as part of the registration process. There are no exceptions to this policy. The school has decided to use this method so the laptop can be added to the Cushing Network and configured properly.
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Can I purchase a Laptop if
I am an international student whose permanent address is outside the
United States?
Yes. You can order the machine over the web or over the phone 603 643 5800 x141 or the toll free number 800-388-8486 with Cushing/Systems Plus Computers laptop ordering representative Peggy Perrault; once ordered the machine will be shipped directly to Cushing Academy.
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If I have trouble ordering a Cushing Laptop through
this program, what should I do?
If you are having trouble with the ordering process, we encourage you to do one of the following:
Send an email to tech@cushing.org Best efforts will be made to respond by E-mail within 24 - 48 hours. Or, feel free to call the Technology Office during the week at 978-827-7171.
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What if I already have a laptop
that I want to bring it to campus to use instead of the laptop
that Cushing mandates? Or can I purchase or bring another brand name
computer to Cushing?
The purchase of the Cushing laptop is mandatory for all incoming students in the fall 2009. A similarly configured machine from another vendor is not an option. Students who do not purchase the specific Cushing laptop will not receive the same technical support from the Technology Department and may be subject to additional support fees.
Specifically, this means that the Technology Department will service machines bought through the program first, regardless of the order machines are brought to their attention. In addition, students who do not purchase a laptop under the Cushing laptop program will not be eligible to receive loaners in the event their computers are under repair if loaners are available. It is important that all students have the required hardware and software needed for school. The Technology Department can not service laptops under warranty by vendors outside of the Cushing Laptop program due to restrictions by the manufacturers.
* * * * * A Special Note on the new Intel-based Macintosh computers:
While the newer Intel Macs can indeed run Windows, there are several issues with using Macs here.
(1) First and most important, we are unable to service Macs on-site because our technicians are not Mac-certified. If your Mac needs repair, we will not be able to help, and will have to direct you to contact Apple on your own over the phone or through their support web site.
(2) In addition, we will be unable to provide loaner computers when your Mac breaks if loaners are available. What we do here is swap out broken parts for loaner parts with our Cushing laptop systems, and that will not work with computers that do not use the same, identical parts, such as any Mac.
(3) Macs are not supported for network services, such as chat, network printing and file server.
(4) Lastly, please note that running Windows on a Mac requires you to go out and purchase a copy of Windows in order to legally run it, so that is an added expense.
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