Computer/Laptop Requirements

If you have a desktop or laptop that meets the minimum specifications, you can categorize yourself as an Option 2. MacIntosh or PC are acceptable.

You will not need to purchase software for your computer for Option 1. Option 2 computers will need a Windows XP Professional, Windows VISTA Business, or Windows VISTA Ultimate operating system. Computer Services does not install or upgrade operating systems on Option 2 computers.

Yes, it is mandatory. If you choose option 1, you will need to attend a laptop configuration and training session based on assigned Academical Society. Student Affairs will notify you of your session. At this session, you will receive your laptop and configure it to work with the NSU network. At this session, you will also receive a training on using NSU technology and library resources.

All NSU medical students must have a ISP.

If you select option 1, you have four year, next day service. You may contact Dell directly at (800) 822-8965 to arrange for service or repairs. Dell provides next business day service and will arrange for a technician to meet you at your home, office, or at HPD between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Mondays and Fridays and 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Tuesdays - Thursdays. Dell technicians diagnose computer problems initially via telephone and dispatch a technician to make service repairs based on the telephone diagnosis. Dell makes every effort to complete service and repair on your laptop with next business day service. However, sometimes this time frame is not always possible, particularly if parts are on back order. If it takes more than a few days to repair or service your option 1 laptop, the Medical School will try to provide option 1 students with a loaner laptop. Loaners are not guaranteed and are available only to option 1 students.

Students selecting option 2 will be responsible for their hardware repairs/service needs. We recommend that you obtain a four year warranty.

Yes, students selecting Option 1 are purchasing their laptop from Dell. The COM simply facilitates the order. Check out Dell’s web page at http://www.dell.com/ to review warranty and technical support information.

What if I choose Option 1, take delivery of my laptop at a configuration session, and then decide to withdraw from medical school?

If you decide to withdraw from medical school on or before September 1, and return your laptop in “like new” condition to the Office for Student Services, in its original packaging, Dell will not bill you for the laptop. However, Dell retains the sole right to determine whether the computer is in “like new” condition.

Option 1 students will be billed $1,760.00 by Dell for their laptops. This entire sum will be placed on the Fall tuition bill.