Computer Resources & Technology

Computer Requirements for Undergraduate Students

Technology is a critical component in business today and students will need the necessary technology tools when starting as a freshman. As part of the Eller College Tablet PC Initiative the Eller College of Management requires students to come to campus with technology that meets certain requirements. From our technology research, we've learned that business students prefer to use Tablet PCs, which have all the functionality of regular laptops, but also enable several other applications: taking notes in your handwriting with pen-based technology that easily converts to text without retyping, collaborating in groups more effectively with a twist of the screen to share information, studying throughout campus and after hours with wireless internet connectivity, recording lectures with synchronized PowerPoint slides, organizing class notes in one place, and much more.

In order to better serve our students, The University of Arizona has negotiated special discounts and warranties with Gateway that offers students several benefits at no additional cost. For instance, if a Tablet PC purchased through the UA Bookstore needs repairs, students can take the computer to the service center in the UA Bookstore on campus. The UA Bookstore will honor Gateway's four-year warranty and work on the computer free of charge.

Software

The software environment at the Eller College of Management is based on Microsoft Windows XP. Students are required to purchase the Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003 (Excel, Access, Word, Publisher, Outlook, and PowerPoint), which can be purchased at the University of Arizona Bookstores for $74 (student licensing price). Additionally, students will need Microsoft Visio 2003. Please check your major's website or consult your major advisor to determine additional software that may needed.

Tablet PC Specifications

Tablet PCs are highly recommended for anyone in school and/or business. They provide the same level of performance as desktop or laptop computers and can be used for everything from taking notes in class to giving presentations. They are also useful when involved in group or team projects as finding a place to meet for everyone that includes access to a computer is often difficult. Below are minimum hardware/software standards for the Eller College of Management Undergraduate Tablet PC:

Eller Technology FAQs

Q. I heard that the University of Arizona has an arrangement with Gateway for computers. Is this true, and how can I take advantage of this offer?

A. The University of Arizona and the Eller College of Management do indeed have a special arrangement with Gateway to offer Tablet PCs to the Eller College of Management undergraduate students at a reduced prices only through the website linked above. You may find other low-priced offers, but when computers are advertised for a very low price, make sure you read the fine print and compare them feature by feature.

Q. Are most of the classrooms used for taking business and pre-business courses wired to allow students to charge their batteries?

A. The reason we recommend spare batteries is precisely because you cannot be guaranteed that a classroom will have a place for you to charge your batteries (or use the AC adaptor). Not all business classes are taught in McClelland Hall. However, all of the multimedia-equipped classrooms inside McClelland Hall do have power receptacles at the desktop. The remaining classrooms and the main auditorium in McClelland Hall have power outlets on the walls, but are generally not in a location convenient for use with laptops. You also have the option of purchasing a spare battery. Battery capacity has improved significantly over the last few years, so be sure to check the specifications on your laptop or Tablet PC.

Q. Do most of the classrooms used for taking business and pre-business classes have wireless Internet availability?

A. It depends. Not all business classes are taught in McClelland Hall. However, in most areas of McClelland Hall (to include most classrooms) the Internet is accessible via wireless networking technology (see http://it.eller.arizona.edu/services/resources/WLAN.aspx for more information). Some of the multimedia-equipped classrooms in McClelland Hall also have a network jack at the desktop allowing the student to use non-wireless based network connectivity. Our recommendation is that you purchase a Tablet PC with integrated wireless technology (802.11b/g).

Q. How do I get on the Eller College Wireless Network?

A. Go to http://it.eller.arizona.edu/services/resources/WLAN.aspx for information on configuring your wireless.

Q. Where can I get technology support for my Tablet PC?

A. The Office of Student Computing Resources (OSCR) provides technology assistance to all UA stduents. See http://www.oscr.arizona.edu/ for more information.

Also be sure to purchase one or two USB-based flash drives to save all your work. We recommend 512MB.

  
For additional information, please contact us.