• Why can’t I use the laptop I already have?
• Why is the fee for the laptop program higher than its value?
• Can I install Linux on the laptop?
• Why not a MacBook?
• What if I don’t want to keep it at the end of the program?
• Will all my classes require the laptop every day?
• Can I do whatever I want to the laptop, install programs, etc.?
• Will I be using this laptop with students during my placements?
• I am not comfortable with computers. Will I be able to do this?
• Is there a contract for this program?
• What if I want a different model than the one chosen?
• If I break the laptop due to carelessness am I in trouble?
• Who backs up my data?
• What happens at the end of the program?
• What if the laptop is lost or stolen during the program?
• Limited Laptop Pilot Program

• We can’t provide technical support for it.
• We can’t install licensed software on it.
• We can’t get the accidental breakage warranty on it.
• We can’t guarantee you will be able to do everything required with it.

*See FAQ for the Laptop Pilot Program

The laptop program fee not only includes the cost of the laptop but also the cost of accidental breakage warranty, software licensing, support, and fees for the online environments we use.

Yes you can.  This will open up access to plenty of useful open source software programs.   Please do it with the dual boot option so that you still have access to XP and the windows applications preinstalled.  You may find connecting to the Laurier wireless network requires you to do some trial and error configuring. You will be your own for support for the Linux side of your laptop.  If it gets messed up, no problem, it can be re-imaged.

At this point in time there we are not offering Macs because too few people are asking for them and the extra cost of the Macs is prohibitive. 

If you choose not to keep the laptop at the end of the program you have two options.  Laurier will buy it back from you for the wholesale used value of the machine.  Or, after you get it back following the final re-imaging, you can sell the laptop privately to anyone you choose.

Not likely in every class on every day.  The laptop is a tool and as such may not be a tool you use for everything.  However, it would be wise to have it with you unless you absolutely know it will not be needed.

Yes you can install any software you have a legitimate license for.  However, we do suggest some types of software should be avoided, like file sharing programs.  Remember, if you mess up the machine you will be inconvenienced until it can be re-imaged.  You may want to avoid doing anything to the laptop that would make a prospective reference or employer question your professionalism if they see it.

This is up to you.  We would suggest you don’t since you need your laptop to complete the program and these machines aren’t intended for use by young students.  However, there may be times when you choose to use it with students under your direct supervision.  We do place laptops in the professional development schools (PDS) specifically to be used by the staff and students.

Yes you will be able to do this.  We have had people start the program afraid to take the laptop out of the box when they get it.  This doesn’t last long.  You will get comfortable with the laptop and start using it very quickly.  The environment here is supportive and promotes exploration.  Don’t worry about making mistakes, or not knowing how to do everything.  This is the place to make mistakes and learn. 

Yes and you will read and sign it when you get your laptop.  It outlines Laurier’s responsibilities to you and your responsibilities to Laurier.

Sorry, that is not an option at this time. See response to first question.

Yes and no.  You will be inconvenienced by the incident.  When you bring it in for repairs it will get fixed.  Software problems are usually resolved with a quick re-imaging.  Hardware problems usually get you a loaner laptop for a week or so until yours is fixed.  If your hard drive is not the hardware problem then it is swapped into the loaner so you don’t have to worry about restoring your files from backup.  The accidental breakage warranty is good for only one hardware event a year so don’t make carelessness a habit. 

You are responsible for backing up your data.  If you aren’t in the habit of backing up regularly to a safe place, start today!  If you need help getting started with good backup habits, just ask when you start.

At the end of the program you will hand in your laptop so that the hard drive can be wiped clean and the factory installed software reinstalled.  This requires that you back up your data prior to handing in the laptop. You will then get this same laptop back.  It is at this point that ownership of the laptop transfers to you. 

If your laptop is lost or stolen then you will need to purchase a new laptop from us to complete the program.  This will be less expensive than the initial laptop program cost since you will only be paying for the laptop itself.  You should ensure that your household/renter’s insurance covers the laptop so that paying for a second machine doesn’t cause you financial hardship. 

For the 2012-2013 year there is a pilot program with limited spaces, that enables participants in the pilot to use their own laptop if it meets the Faculty of Education's minimum requirements. Details re: applying for this laptop pilot program will be included in the acceptance package.

No guarantees are made that any applicant for this limited space pilot program will be accepted into the pilot program.

You must be fully registered to attend the 2012-13 B.Ed. program before you can apply for this pilot program.