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Why Buy a Dell Latitude Laptop

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy recommends that all Pharmacy candidates purchase a Dell Latitude laptop.

TTUHSC SOP has negotiated with Dell Computers to offer special pricing on Dell Latitude laptops, which will meet the school's software and hardware configuration requirements.  By participating in this program, students will (1) receive a personal computer preloaded with all of the software and hardware configurations necessary to connect to the School's network (pending final approval), (2) will receive a full range of technical support from TTUHSC's computer technicians, and (3) will receive a three year on-site repair or replacement warranty (fourth year option available).

These special offers are for a Dell Latitude laptop not a Dell Inspiron. 

The Dell Latitude is designed with a longer product life cycle.  Dell maintains a consistent platform for a minimum life cycle of well over a year, which improves reliability and serviceability of the Latitude product line.  Our experience is that the Latitude product line has proven more reliable, and, when service is required, TTUHSC SOP has Dell certified repair technicians that can service the computers, as well as an inventory of parts for Dell Latitude computers.

I can purchase a Dell Inspiron with the same specifications for less, so why should I pay more for a Dell Latitude?

The Dell Inspiron is Dell's value line and Dell manufactures this laptop using the lowest price production parts available.  Changes to the Inspiron platform are made regularly to maintain a competitive edge and keep pace with the dynamic computer industry.  Since the product line is always changing, repairs are difficult because parts/drivers can be different between 2 exact models that were purchased days apart.  TTUHSC SOP computer technicians are simply not able to service an Inspiron effectively. 

SOP candidates who choose to purchase a personal computer other than a Dell will have limited technical support (i.e., installing a wireless card and configuring the personal computer for the network).  The operating system must be Windows XP Professional.  Technicians cannot support the home version of Windows XP and operating system upgrades are the student's responsibility.  (Upgrades only are available for download using your eRaider account at http://www.eraider.ttu.edu).  The student must also have available all necessary drivers for the laptop hardware.  Every effort will be made to connect the laptop to the network, but we cannot guarantee a successful connection.  Please keep in mind that a non-Dell personal computer may not connect or perform well on the school's network.

Note: TTUHSC SOP does not receive any benefit from this program.