Laptop Program > Introduction > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions


Model Selection and Cost Lease Terms Reservation and Payment Process Warranty and Insurance Laptop Use


What does the program cost?
Models are priced by Tier. Tier 1 is the base model, Tier 2 is the mid-range model, and Tier 3 is the "power-user" model.
Tier 1 HP: $365 per semester
Tier 2 HP: $450 per semester
Tier 3 HP: $590 per semester
Tier 1 Apple: $420 per semester
Tier 2 Apple: $670 per semester
Tier 3 Apple: $900 per semester

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Which model is right for me?
Several factors must be considered when selecting the laptop that is right for you, including your major and/or emphasis, what additional software you plan to use, which type of computer you are most comfortable with (PC or Apple), and what special capabilities you would like your laptop to have. Students majoring in music or graphic design are required to lease a Tier 2 or 3 Apple; those majoring in art or business (particularly those emphasizing in web information technology) are urged to enroll in the program at the Tier 2 level or above. If you plan to use advanced software for editing film, generating graphics, and/or similar functions, it is recommended that you select a Tier 2 or higher HP or Apple.

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What accessories, services, and software are included?
All laptop packages include:
  • Laptop-specialized backpack
  • USB memory key (a less-volatile alternative to floppy disks for mobile storage)
  • Security device to lock laptop to a desk
  • Standard manufacturer-issued accessories (AC adapter, telephone cable, etc.)
All members receive full technical support on campus. If an issue cannot be resolved within 30 minutes, or if hardware repairs are required, a loaner laptop will be issued to the student for the interim period until their laptop is repaired.

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Is the process different for business, graphic design, and music majors?
No-students with these majors fill out the same form as all other students.

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Can I still sign up if I will be attending for less than four years? (Transfer students, Advanced Degree Placement students, and students entering with sophomore standing)
Yes

Students attending APU for one year can lease a refurbished laptop for one year. The laptop can either be returned or bought-out after one year.

Students attending APU for two years (i.e., those entering as juniors) can sign up for a single two-year lease.

Students attending APU for three years can lease a refurbished laptop for one year and then lease a new laptop for the following two years. The second leased laptop is theirs to keep upon graduation. However, there are a limited number of refurbished laptops available each semester. Interested students should submit reservation forms as early as possible.

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What happens after two years?
Although the laptop program is designed to last all four years, students must choose one of the following options at the conclusion of the second year:
  1. Re-Enrollment
    Students are encouraged to re-enroll for the following two years. A brand new model of laptop is issued, and the old one returned. Students may select any new model of their choosing. After the full four years, the second laptop is theirs to keep free of charge.
  2. Withdrawal
    If you no longer wish to continue in the program, simply return the laptop at the end of the lease, or buyout the laptop to keep it. Buyout prices vary each semester, depending on market value and model.

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What happens after four years?
If the student has been involved in the laptop program for all four years and has returned the laptop from the first lease, the second leased laptop is awarded to him or her at the end of the lease with no buyout cost.

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What happens if I leave APU?
Students and parents are urged to consider the laptop program commitment carefully. It is a contractual agreement—if the student leaves APU for any reason, the lease terms remain in full effect.

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If I want out of my lease, what should I do?
  1. Buyout the laptop and keep it.
  2. Return the laptop. We will attempt to have the lease assumed by another student, but this occurs on a rare basis and is not always possible.

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Can I buyout my laptop?
Yes. Laptops can be bought out at any time during the lease. The buyout price varies each month depending on market value and model of laptop. However, for most students, buyout is only a worthwhile decision at the end of the lease.

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How do I sign up?
Contact our office for a reservation form. Return it to us by mail, fax, or in person before the deadline. Reservation forms turned in late will be filled in mid-October.

The reservation form is available at the reservation center on this website. The form can be opened and completed using Adobe Reader (available here for free). Complete the form, print it, sign it, and submit via mail or fax to:
    University Laptop Program Coordinator
    Information and Media Technology East
    901 East Alosta Avenue
    PO Box 7000
    Azusa, CA 91702-7000

    Phone: (626) 815-6000 x. 3746
    Fax: (626) 625-3743

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I mailed or faxed in my reservation form. Now what?
We will call you once we process your form, and provide you with a confirmation number. Please note this number for your records.

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When and where do I pick up my laptop package?
Distribution occurs during Orientation Weekend each September. Students will also attend a laptop program orientation session once the laptop is received. Further information about this is provided in August.

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How will I be billed?
At the beginning of each semester a charge is automatically placed on the student account. This enables students to pay for their lease through financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans).

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What is covered by the warranty?
Defective components are covered by the warranty. However, if it is found that the equipment was dropped, water was spilled on it, etc. the student will be charged for the repairs.

Certain parts—namely laptop batteries, are not covered by warranty, or are sometimes covered for one year.

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What are the details of the insurance policy?
The insurance policy covers all damages and theft within the U.S., with a $1,000 deductible. Therefore, the student is responsible for all non-warranty repairs up to $1,000. In case of theft, paying the $1,000 deductible will get the student's laptop replaced. For those who desire greater protection, we recommend looking into an independent insurance company; many offer extremely affordable insurance specifically for laptop computers.

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My laptop is lost or stolen. What should I do?
  1. If it was stolen on campus, file a Campus Safety report within 24 hours. If necessary, Campus Safety will file a report with the Azusa Police Department.
  2. If it was stolen from an off-campus location, file a report with local authorities. Once a report has been filed,pick up and complete a Loss, Damage or Theft Report (available from the laptop program office and from the laptop program website). The completed form and a copy of the police or Campus Safety report must be submitted to IMT within 48 hours of the incident.
Accidental Damage Service Definition?
    Service Definition
    The Customer receives protection against accidental damage to the supported hardware products part of this service.

    Accidental Damage is defined as physical damage to a Product caused by or resulting from a fortuitous incident. Covered perils include fire; non-intentional liquid spills in or on the unit, drops, falls, collisions, and electrical surge. This includes damaged or broken LCD, or broken parts.

    Accidental Damage does NOT COVER theft, loss, normal wear, consumables, and intentional acts of damage or exclusions as detailed in the SERVICE LIMITATIONS section below.

    Major parts replacement as detailed in the SERVICE LIMITATIONS sections below is limited to one each year pear year.

    Service Limitations
    The unit may have to be repaired at the manufacture location, as not all replacement parts may be available locally.

    The service may be performed at an IMT designated repair facility by a laptop service professional or other authorized representative.

    At the IMT Laptop Programs discretion, service will be provided using remote diagnosis and support or other service delivery methods, or a combination of remote diagnosis and support and service delivered at the IMT designated repair center. Other service delivery methods may include the shipment of parts specified as customer replaceable like e.g. floppy drive or ac adapter. The Laptop Program will determine the appropriate delivery method required.

    Services such as the following, but not limited to, are excluded from the service:
    • Troubleshooting for interconnectivity or compatibility problems
    • Services required due to failure of the customer to take avoidance action previously advised by the manufacture
    • Geographic coverage may vary
    Services such as the following, but not limited to, are excluded from the service:
    • Damage caused by failure to provide manufactures recommended maintenance or operating specifications
    • Damage due to war or nuclear incident, terrorism, unauthorized attempts to repair equipment, use of damaged or defective media
    • Data, business interruptions, obsolescence, cosmetic damage, rust, change in color, texture or finish, wear and tear gradual deterioration
    • Error is design, construction, machine programming or instructions to the machine
    • Fraud, theft, unexplained or mysterious disappearance, misuse, abuse or willful act


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    How do I backup my files?
    All of the laptop models offered through the program come with CD drives that are capable of burning CDs. A single blank CD can store up to 700MB of data, and CD burning is easy on both the HP and Apple models. To backup a few files at a time, such as an important paper or project, you can use your USB memory key, which is also included in your laptop package.

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    How do I update Windows and Norton Anti-Virus? (HP users only)
    • Windows
      • Right-click on My Computer (from the Desktop or the Start Menu) and select Properties
      • Click the Automatic Updates tab
      • Choose Automatically download the updates and install them
      • Click OK
    • Norton Anti-Virus
      • Double-click the gold shield icon at the bottom right of the screen
      • Click LiveUpdate
      • Click Next
      • Click Finish

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    How do I update my Apple laptop? (Apple users only)
    • Click the Apple logo in the top left corner and choose Software Update
    • After Software Update finds the updates needed, click Install Items
    • Restart the computer as needed

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    How long should my battery last when it is fully charged?
    Many factors can affect battery life. For example, a laptop will probably last longer if network connections are disabled and the CD drive is removed-but this is not very practical for most users. Also, power management features can be utilized to extend battery life; the screen can be dimmed or the laptop can be set to automatically go into sleep mode after a certain number of minutes of inactivity. However, under normal circumstances, the HP models have a battery life of approximately four hours; Apple models have a battery life of approximately five hours.

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    Can I install additional software?
    Of course! Just keep in mind that all software you install must be in accordance with all Student Life policies and the IMT Acceptable Use policy. As stated in the Acceptable Use policy, if you submit your laptop for service, IMT has the ability to uninstall any software that interferes with proper laptop function or is not in accordance with the above mentioned policies.

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    I am curious about what is and is not supported by the Laptop Program.
    The Laptop Program has put together a pdf clarifying what its Software Support Structure.

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