OCAD Laptop Program


REMINDER: Nov 2, 2009: IMPORTANT FEES INFORMATION FOR LAPTOP PROGRAM STUDENTS

Due to an administrative change, the Software Fee*, Mobile Computing Fee* and Print Fee* will NOT be automatically added to your account at the time of registration: these fees will appear on your account within the next few weeks. As a result, the fees will not be due until January 2010.

As a reminder, the lowered fees for 2009-10 will be reflected on student accounts. Students who paid fees in the summer at the 2008-09 fee rate will be receiving a credit on their student account.

The one-time CAD Fee and Font Fee will be applied at time of registration, and are unaffected by the aforementioned change.

If you have any questions regarding these fees, please contact Andrew McAllister, Manager, Academic Computing at x304.

*Fees are subject to change year-to-year based on exchange rates, software bundles, negotiated pricing or other factors. Once you are a part of the Laptop Program, fees will be applied on an annual basis until such time that a student graduates, or withdraws from the program area in question. Due to software licensing restrictions we cannot image computers or offer support unless fees have been paid. Please see the section on Fees for more information.

Back-to-School iPod Touch Special Ends Soon

For students considering an Apple laptop, please note that the Back to School special ENDS SEPTEMBER 8th (Tuesday). Ken in the 317c store has limited supply of the hard drive promotion for the 2nd Year students on the 15" models.

HP EliteBook Price Drop: $1799

For students in Environmental Design and Industrial Design, there has been a price drop on the HP EliteBook 8530w to $1799.

Aug 25, 2009: Don't buy Snow Leopard for Mac OS X!

Apple recently announced that Snow Leopard will be available starting August 28, 2009. We ask that students do not purchase retail boxes of Snow Leopard, as OCAD will be negotiating pricing with Apple on behalf of the students in the Laptop Program and providing it through our imaging process.

 

Laptop Program Podcast

July 20, 2009: IMPORTANT FEES INFORMATION FOR LAPTOP PROGRAM STUDENTS

Due to an administrative change, the Software Fee*, Mobile Computing Fee* and Print Fee* will NOT be automatically added to your account at the time of registration: these fees will appear on your account once the Fall 2009 semester is underway. As a result, the fees will not be due until January 2010.

The one-time CAD Fee and Font Fee will be applied at time of registration, and are unaffected by the aforementioned change.

If you have any questions regarding these fees, please contact Andrew McAllister, Manager, Academic Computing at x304.

*Fees are subject to change year-to-year based on exchange rates, software bundles, negotiated pricing or other factors.

June 26, 2009: Updated Laptop Program Program Guide

Laptop Program Handbook Banner 2009

Please enjoy the eagerly anticipated Laptop Program Guide for 2009 – 2010. This guide has almost everything you need to know about being in the Laptop Program.

June 26, 2009: Updated Laptop Program Video

 

June 19, 2009: HP EliteBook 8530w Added as Recommended System for Environmental Design, Industrial Design and Material Art & Design

In order to serve you better, we're offering a non-Apple PC Laptop option: the HP EliteBook 8530w. This is a workstation class laptop with an AutoDesk certified Nvidia graphics card, rugged and attractive styling, and a great back to school price that includes on-site warranty and a free HP printer starting July 1, 2009. This laptop will be available through the on-campus store, 317c: The Store for Computers and Books.

June 18, 2009: Laptop Program Site Updated!

We've posted updated information regarding the fees for 2009-10.

June 10, 2009: OCAD 317c Store Update on Free Hard Drive Offer

Ken Walton from 317c: The Store for Computers and Books would like all students to know that they will still be offering the free 250GB hard drive offer (while supplies last) on the 15" and 17" MacBook Pro models only. The new 13" MacBook Pro model is not eligible for the free hard drive. Get it while supplies last!

June 9, 2009: Apple Releases New MacBook Pro Models

Surprisingly, Apple has just updated all of its laptop models and especially the MacBook Pro line with minor improvements across the line. We had no advance warning of this, nor hints, but this will be beneficial to students who still need to purchase their computers.

We recommend that all students review the Apple.ca website and speak to Ken Walton at 317c regarding pricing and availability of the models. http://www.apple.com/ca/macbookpro/

Ken Walton at 317c - The Store for Computers and Books
kwalton@campuscomputershop.com

June 1, 2009: Apple Back to School Special at OCAD: Free iPod touch.*

Plus a Free Hard Drive with MacBook Pro purchase.


OCAD Students are now eligible for a fantastic bundle through 317c: The Store for Computers and Books at OCAD. If you buy an Apple MacBook or MacBook Pro, you are eligible for a free iPod touch, but if you purchase a MacBook Pro, the on-campus store is extending a very limited time offer of a FREE 250GB hard drive with your purchase of Applecare. What a deal!

*Buy a qualifying Mac and iPod "with your Apple education individual pricing" from May 27, 2009, through September 8, 2009, and receive an mail in rebate up to $259.

Terms and conditions apply.

Buy a Mac and get an iPod Touch


June 1, 2009: Apple MacBook 2009 Graphics tested: Great for 3D

If you are an Environmental Design, Industrial Design or Material Art & Design student, your Aluminum Unibody MacBook will run the 3D applications. We've tested Rhino and AutoCAD, and we were very satisfied with the performance of these computers. The MacBook is a great entry level computer for all students.

May 2009: Laptop Program 2009-10: Information for Incoming Students and for Students transitioning to 2nd Year

Part 1

 

Part 2

 

Material Art & Design Laptop Program Approved

For students currently in first year transitioning to Material Art & Design in second year, OCAD has approved a mandatory Laptop Program in your program area for 2009-10.

Software Program for First Year Design students (less Illustration) Approved

If you enter 1st Year in the Faculty of Design in any program area (except Illustration) you will be charged $215* and
receive Adobe Creative Suite Design Premium, Microsoft Office and unlimited access to Lynda.com software
tutorials. As a part of the Software Program, you may download and install the software on a home computer or
laptop as you choose, whatever is most convenient to you.

*Fees are subject to change year-to-year based on exchange rates, software bundles, negotiated pricing or other factors.

April 21, 2009:
Advice for Students Entering the Laptop Program in Second Year

1. Do not run out and buy a computer now. Wait.
There may be revisions to specs and pricing of current computer models. There may be Back to School Specials through 317c: The Store for Computers & Books in the summer.

2. Do not go out and buy software!
We provide this to you at a price lower than anyone can buy it.

3. Frequently check the Laptop Program Website.
We post what you need to know at http://www.ocad.ca/laptopprogram

4. Inform yourself about funding.
Contact Financial Aid for information on what your options are.

5. Ask us your questions.
We’re here to help you. Andrew and Myly can answer your questions.

April 21, 2009:
Top Questions from Students about the Laptop Program

Q: What if I am entering First Year and I already have a computer?
OR is my current computer appropriate for the Laptop Program in Second Year?

Here is an easy to understand chart that explains the compatibility with various hardware for each of the various programs.

Fully Compatible: These computers are recommended, supported, and we can image them.
Compatible: These are not recommended, but they are supported, and we can image them.
Not Compatible: Not recommended, not supported, and we are not able to image them.

Program

Graphic Design
Advertising

Industrial Design
Environmental Design
Material Art & Design*

MacBook Pro
(Aluminum unibody or previous)

Fully Compatible

Fully Compatible

MacBook
(Aluminum unibody)

Fully Compatible

Fully Compatible! We've tested this system with Bootcamp and consider it a great entry level laptop. The Nvidia graphics card works well with Rhino and AutoCAD.

MacBook
(white or black)

Compatible

Not Compatible: the graphics card in the white or black MacBook is not sufficient for demanding 3D applications.

Lenovo T500

This system is not recommended for this program.

Fully Compatible

Any other PC Laptop

Not compatible.

Not compatible.

 

Q: What if I am in first year and I want to buy a laptop?

You are not required to have a laptop in First year. Your classes will have bookings in the First Year Computer Studio, with some limited open studio access.

If you are entering the Faculty of Design in any program (except Illustration) you will join the Software Program in First Year. This program provides the Core Software bundle for students so that they may have greater access to digital tools, and accelerate their familiarity with the tools. You can install this software on your home desktop or laptop.

If you choose to purchase a laptop computer for convenience, there are two things to keep in mind. First, you must choose a system recommended for the program area you are going into. So, if you are entering Advertising or Graphic Design, the programs are mandatory Apple, and Industrial Design, Environmental Design or Material Art & Design are Windows based, and either an Apple MacBook Pro or Lenovo T500 is required. If you are uncertain of your program, or are considering switching, the safest option is Apple, as it is supported under both programs.

The other aspect of purchasing in First Year, is the cost over four years for your computer. Most laptops are only under warranty for three years, and after which time they can be prone to failure, poor performance or both. Here are the minimum cost implications for students:

1st Year Software Program, 2nd Year Laptop Program with Laptop Purchase in 2nd Year

Year

1st Year

2nd Year

3rd Year

4th Year

Participation

Software Program

Laptop Program

Laptop Program

Laptop Program

Hardware Cost

$0

$1349 – $1649

$0

$0

1st Year Software Program, 2nd Year Laptop Program with Laptop Purchase in 1st Year

Year

1st Year

2nd Year

3rd Year

4th Year

Participation

Software Program*

Laptop Program

Laptop Program

Laptop Program

Hardware Cost

$1349 – $1649

$0

$0

$1349 – $1649

More information on programs for First Year Students in the Faculty of Design is forthcoming. Please contact Andrew McAllister at amcallister@ocad.ca

Faculty of Art students may purchase software and hardware at 317c: The Store for Computers and Books.

 

*Material Art & Design Laptop Program and Software Program for First Year Students is pending approval in April 2009.


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Last Modified:03/11/2009 12:59:37 PM