1) Choose Your Laptop

This year, you have the choice between four pre-configured Lenovo laptops: ThinkPad T430, ThinkPad X230, ThinkPad W530, ThinkPad X230 Tablet. See the 2012 Laptop Brochure for more information.

Which laptop should you choose? Personal preference dictates your choice, of course, but before you make your decision, learn something about Microsoft OneNote:

• Microsoft OneNote 2010 site
• Microsoft OneNote 2010 Introduction on YouTube

Many of our students use OneNote creatively and extensively to create study guides or personalized textbooks, and if you think you will want to do this, you should choose the tablet PC.

In 2010, students were polled and a majority said that they would recommend the tablet.  A potential drawback is the price: the tablet is generally the more expensive option. Take a look at the 2010 survey results for more information.

Please note: If you don't choose a specific model, we will order a ThinkPad X230 Tablet for you.

2) Choose Any Accessories

The 2012 laptop brochure includes a list of accessories for your laptops (anything from printers to LoJack).

3) Fill out the Order Form and submit your order by Monday, July 23

Attached to the laptop brochure is an order form. You must place your order by Monday, July 23, 2012.  Again, if you don't order a laptop, a laptop order will be placed for you (by default, anyone who has not specified their laptop choice will receive a ThinkPad X230 Tablet, which you will need to purchase during orientation).

4) Payment

Every year, we recommend that students pay for their laptop during the NC Tax-Free Weekend. This year, the Tax-Free Weekend is August 3-5.  That doesn't mean that you have to wait to order your laptop on that weekend! When you submit your forms , the Student Stores representative will process your credit card payment on the NC Tax-Free Weekend to save you money. If you are not paying by credit card, you may pay in person during that weekend to purchase your computer tax-free.  More details are available in the laptop brochure.  If you do not pay for your laptop in advance (or on Tax-Free Weekend), your purchase will not be tax-free.

For those who qualify, your computer may be purchased in whole or in part with your financial aid funds. Unfortunately, sometimes your funds may arrive after this date; thus, you may need to purchase the computer up front and then reimburse yourself when you receive your financial aid package.