Connected Across Campus
Connected Across Campus has provided an Apple MacBook computer with software to all full-time traditional undergraduate students. In past years, incoming freshmen were only offered a MacBook computer, however, for the fall of 2010 they will be given the option to select Apple's new iPad. After this, the MacBook and iPad program will be discontinued.
The iPad Bundle consists of: 32G iPad with Dock, Wireless Keyboard and Camera Connection Kit, 2 years of Apple Care, and iTunes Gift Card for iWorks+. Traditional undergraduate transfer students *Change* will be given the choice of a new MacBook with MS Office or a 16G iPad with iWorks. The MacBook will carry a 3 year commitment, meaning you could buyout the remaining years if graduation occurs in less then 3 years or you can just give it back. The iPad would not carry that restriction for transfer students. (Admissions counselors will be contacting students that chose the iPad to explain and allow you to change your selection if desired.) The MacBooks and iPads will be given out when the students arrive for the 2010 Fall semester.
We are now recommending that everyone associated with GFU that wants to purchase a MacBook or an iPad, do so via the Apple Education Online Store. We were not able to secure additional discounts for the iPads and the opportunity to get a free Touch with the purchase of a MacBook justifies purchases be made through the online store.
Should You Select the MacBook or iPad?
We are excited to be in a position to offer you a choice for your Connected Across Campus computing device. There are always a number of students who really do not need or want the MacBook so a choice is good. So here are some things to consider before making your choice.
Value: The actually value of the two choices will fluctuate due to all of the variables associated with a large order and various discounts that can be realized with Apple. But on a pure value proposition the MacBook choice will carry a slightly higher overall value.
Need for a Computer: It is almost a requirement today for a college student to have a laptop computer to fulfill the demands of academic life. Of course the MacBook complete with Microsoft Office fulfills those requirements. An important aspect of the iPad is that it depends upon a connection to a computer running iTunes for basic management. Because of this we do recommend that you have a computer (Mac or PC) if you only plan on selecting the iPad. If you do not have a computer and you still only want the iPad we will work out an arrangement for you to use our computers for personal iTunes management of your iPad.
Academic Computing: If you have questions about minimum computing requirements for you to be successful in your chosen major we recommend that you review our minimum requirements list for academic programs (link). For example a business major may need Microsoft Office which does not run on an iPad. The iPad does fulfill most academic computing requirements especially with the iWorks software that we are including. iWorks will offer format compatibility for turning in assignments typically in Microsoft formats. However, be aware that transferring and printing files is not a direct function at this time. You will typically be using your email as a means of transferring files that you work with on the iPad. Printing at this time typically requires a similar transfer, however, we are investigating interaction with our wireless printing service and we are providing more print stations on campus. The bottom line is that the iPad may be extremely flexible for use on campus but not so flexible for handling print or file output, there will typically be more steps involved.
E-Reader: The future computing device for college students may very well be driven by the E-Reader which the iPad is definitely one of the finest. However, we do not expect a significant amount of E-Textbook activity specifically developed for the iPad for the coming year. This will be the year that E-Textbooks will emerge so we do feel there is value for our students to have a device to leverage that opportunity. In general there is a growing amount of E-Books available that can be accessed by the the iPad as well as the MacBook. So yes the iPad may replace some books, but we cannot guarantee that.
Network WiFi: The iPad presents a potential problem in that it can only access the Internet via WiFi or via the additional 3G option. The George Fox University campus is almost completely covered for WiFi access except in some of the larger resident halls where we have always been able to fall back on the wired ethernet connection. All dorm common areas have WiFi coverage and GFU will be adding additional WiFi coverage with a focus on freshman dorms. Of course we have always allowed students to setup their own WiFi under our guidelines. So it is imporatant to keep this in mind and know that the IT department will work with any freshman iPad only situation to provide network access.
Ownership: The policy in recent years has been that the MacBook is officially owned by George Fox University for 3 years which relates to service and software licensing. The iPad does not carry the same options and is highly geared to personal ownership. So the plan for the iPad will be for the student to register the iPad via their iTunes account. GFU will provide an iTunes gift card sufficient for the purchase of necessary software such as iWorks, but the student will be responsible for all other iPad applications.
Intangible: The iPad is a wonderful device for consuming information. It is the finest truly portable Web Browser available which does translate into value for the college student who typically is accessing the Web for a large amount of information. We do feel that the iPad will be a more convenient classroom device, however, the MacBook is also capable of providing that functionality. So the iPad may not be the best choice for your only computing device, but we do feel that it offers great value as an additional computing device.
History of Apple Only Decision
George Fox University transitioned the Connected Across Campus (previously known at Computers Across the Curriculum), CAC, laptop option from offering a PC or an Apple laptop to offering only Apple laptop options beginning with the 2008-09 academic year.
If you have further questions about the cuurent CAC program, call the service desk at 503-554-2569 or e-mail us.
Specifications for 2009-10 computers
Specifications for 2008-09 computers