Specifications

Can I get more RAM? A larger hard disk? Other graphics card? German keyboard?

NO OPTIONS! We did this a few years ago, and learned it the hard way. There will only be EXACTLY ONE laptop configuration.

Linux

Can't we get Linux instead of Windows?

1. Usability and interoperability is higher for more people if we offer the most common configuration, which de facto is a Microsoft-based installation.
2. In our complex environment it's already challenging to support one operating system and set of applications on student laptops; adding more would increase complexity and effort required.

You can of course go ahead and install Linux for yourself. See the questions regarding Price and Software below.

Mac

I have a Mac. Is that okay?

Maybe. That largely depends on the requirement imposed by the professors, lecturers, and the requirements of the courses taken. Network and email will work. Desktop support for Mac is not available.

PC

I already have a Windows PC. Can I bring that?

Sure. It'll be difficult to use in the classroom, though

If it is sufficient can not easily be answered. See the questions regarding Linux and Mac above.

Power Connector Germany's power outlets might differ from where you bring your PC/Laptop from. Buy a converter IN YOUR COUNTRY. It will be very hard to find an adapter here.

Gaming

Can I run game X on the laptop?

Maybe. The laptops are not designed or intended for heavy gaming. The goal is to provide a reliable, proven, robust laptop for studying, with a good balance between capability and mobility for a decent price.

Bundled Software

I don't want the bundled software.

Sorry, no options, see above. After prices have been settled, you could try and configure the same laptop and services in a retail shop. You'll see, that even if you don't use the bundled software, the package will still be cheaper than a comparable retail laptop without the software.

Own PCs, Jacobs' Software

I have my own computer, but would like to have the Jacobs Software.

The usage rights of the software which comes with the laptop is tied to the purchaser of the laptop, not Jacobs University. We are not allowed to give away that software to others, and won't.

Cabling

Do we only have to bring laptops with us, or is there any cables, phone lines, specific lines we should take?

You'll also need a patch cable to connect the laptop in the rooms. Standard Cat5 will suffice, though we recommend Cat6e+ Do NOT USE A CROSS-OVER CABLE. It has to be a STANDARD PATCH CABLE.

They are available in every retail computer store, incl. downtown Bremen-Vegesack. Within the library, those cables can be lent for in-library-use-only from the circulation desk, though the library is also equipped with wireless network.

Laptop packages issued from Jacobs University contain such a cable.

Price

I can get a better laptop for a lower price!

Go ahead, buy it and be happy. Please also mind the bundled services which are available world-wide. And the included software. And the payment options available.

Netbooks

A netbook is even cheaper than a laptop, I can get one of those!

We can not recommend using a netbook for study and research. Applications will be very slow and the display will be too small for serious use.

Network

Does my computer work in Jacobs University's network?

Most likely, though this can not be reliably answered.

WLAN

Does my computer work in Jacobs University's wireless network?

Almost as likely as before. If it doesn't, buy any 802.11b/g PCMCIA WLAN card. There are computer shops in Vegesack or Bremen downtown, or you can buy it online.

Computer Accessories

Can you sell me a network cable? A WLAN card?

The issued laptop package includes a network cable.

IRC-IT does not sell computer parts!

If you require any computer accessory see How to obtain computer accessories for details (requires login), or check with any computer shop in Vegesack or Bremen downtown, or any online computer shop. For short time use in the library only, there are network cables available at the circulation desk.

Late Ordering

Can't I wait and see, if I require a laptop, and buy one later?

The laptop package for orientation week is a one-time offer. Orders received after the deadline can not be fulfilled. Mind manufacturing and delivery times! At later times you might just want to buy a laptop and software and services at any retail or online shop.

Withdraw Ordering

I ordered a laptop, but now I don't want one.

Jacobs University is paying for the laptop, and so you have to. You agreed to a legally binding contract for purchasing a laptop. You will be charged for it. Please make up your mind in time.

Jacobs IT Student Support

Beyond the Dell services, what services are available from Jacobs regarding laptops?

Jacobs University provides IT support for students, by students. It is a best effort operation, and success rate and quality will be higher for the standard laptop as purchased from Jacobs University. See IT Student Support for additional details.