First-year students in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management found something new on their college shopping lists this year: a customized Syracuse University computer.

Management teamed up with Computing and Media Services and IBM Computers to build a notebook computer specially designed for Syracuse students. Although the laptops are not a requirement, the school highly recommends purchasing one of the two models, which cost $1,209 and $2,079 apiece.

As CMS saw the trend of computer technology moving toward the use of mobile devices, it sought to expand its Air Orange wireless Internet service, said Gary McGinnis, director of CMS client services.

At the same time, Management found that a majority of its students also use notebook computers, said Andrew Covell, director of information technology. The two ideas came together to launch the pilot program of creating a customized laptop for Syracuse students.

The idea became possible thanks to the advancement of wireless technology on campus and the lowered cost of notebook computers, McGinnis said.

Covell and Matthew Hiemstra, manager of computing services, worked together with McGinnis and took part in IBM’s ThinkPad University program. Sponsored by IBM, the program encourages the use of technology in classrooms and works together with schools to create a computer to suit their students’ needs.

ThinkPad is already in use at schools such as Arizona State University and the University of Akron. Syracuse hopes that through the program, faculty can integrate technology into the classroom more and enhance student learning, Covell said.

Sarah Chung, a freshman Management student, saw no use in buying the specific laptop, because she had one of her own she could use.

The advantage of the SU laptop is the convenience factor, which may appeal to many who are contemplating buying a new device, Covell said. The customized SU package includes pre-installed McAfee antivirus software and an Ethernet cable. The computer is pre-configured to campus network settings such as ResNET and contains a pre-installed wireless network card.

While Management is the only school at SU taking part in the program, other schools may join as the use of wireless Internet and mobile devices becomes more popular, McGinnis said. CMS is also increasing the number of AirOrange ‘hotspots’ where mobile devices may be used. The service is not as reliable as direct connection due to the limited number of hotspots, but is still sufficient for the average user, Hiemstra said.

Information regarding the new computer was sent out to freshmen and new graduate students over the summer to encourage those who were already considering buying a new computer to get the Syracuse version, Covell said. The computers were also distributed to a few faculty members, with the hope of increasing the utilization of technology in the classroom, he added.

Published on September 7, 2003 at 12:00 pm