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U of M Carlson School launches mobile computing program for undergraduate students and parents~ Lenovo's ThinkPad University Program to supply standard & high-end notebook computers ~
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL ( 3/19/2007 ) -- The University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management has partnered with Lenovo to implement its ThinkPad University Program, providing incoming and current undergraduate students with a worry-free, proven and affordable solution to purchasing a computer on their own. As college commitment deadlines approach, high school seniors and their parents face tough choices. Families fret anxiously over selecting the right school, applying for financial aid, and the overwhelming, and sometimes expensive task of purchasing a personal computer. Starting in the fall of 2007, all incoming Carlson students are expected to own a laptop that meets or exceeds the published Carlson School minimum laptop specifications. Current students will also have the opportunity to purchase a computer as early as summer 2007. The decision to launch a new laptop program was not unfounded. A recent survey of the parents of prospective Carlson School students revealed that nearly 92.5 percent of parents plan to buy a computer for their student to use on campus, and 90 percent of parents expressed interest in a laptop program that provides students with a laptop computer, software and full service support as part of the cost of attendance. "The new laptop program is an exciting addition to Carlson's already outstanding menu of student services, including career and internship services, study abroad programs and student groups," said Bob Ruekert, dean of the undergraduate programs. "Lenovo is a vendor we can trust and makes this purchase easier for parents and students alike." The Carlson School of Management Undergraduate Program's decision to implement a laptop program is in conjunction with the development of Hanson Hall as a "new way of doing business." Hanson Hall, the Carlson School's new undergraduate building scheduled to open in 2008, is being designed with laptop use in mind. Classrooms and student collaborative environments will be constructed and furnished to promote the most effective use of technology. Hanson Hall is being built to foster a mobile, collaborative learning environment and simulate a real-life business environment where group projects, class lectures and student participation can be facilitated through synchronized software inside or outside the classroom. Students will be able connect the existing University of Minnesota campus-wide wireless network and to print wirelessly in any Carlson School computer lab. Available laptop options Students and their parents will have the option to buy one of two competitively priced models through Lenovo. The company is offering its most technologically advanced solution and industry-leading notebooks with their award-winning ThinkPad T60. The special Carlson ThinkPads come with a four-year warranty with on-site repair available while they are enrolled in school. "Lenovo is honored to partner with the Carlson School in implementing ThinkPad University for their graduate and undergraduate populations," said Michael Schmedlen, education executive for Lenovo. "Carlson's commitment to innovative curriculum delivery and technology-enabled learning further differentiates Carlson as a global leader in management education." By purchasing a Carlson School ThinkPad, students are eligible for on-site hardware and software support, with a targeted four-hour turnaround on repairs and troubleshooting--an important service to college students and their parents who know all too well the frustration of viruses, crashing hard drives and expensive service charges. Under the agreement, students also will receive a 20 percent discount on peripherals such as USB flash drives, extra batteries, memory and other technology purchased through Lenovo. Students will be responsible for insuring and maintaining records of their machines. ---------- |
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