Dell Laptop Ordering Information

2008-2009

How Do I Determine if I Need to Purchase a New Laptop?

The Trevor one-to-one computing program begins with the fifth grade; all students in grades five through twelve own their laptop. Please review the information below to determine if your child will need a new laptop for the 2008-2009 school year.  

• Rising 5^th Graders - Students entering grade 5 in September should purchase one of the Dell models selected for the school laptop program (specified below).
• Rising 9^th Graders - Students entering grade 9 in September who purchased their laptops as 5th graders should replace their machine with one of the Dell models selected for the school laptop program, as the warranty on four year old machines will soon expire. If, however, the laptop was purchased when the student was in grade 6, 7 or 8, it should be under warranty next year.  If you are uncertain about the warranty status, please visit the Dell website by clicking on this link Check Warranty Status and follow the instructions on the page to determine the expiration date.  Alternatively, you can call Dell customer service at 1-888-977-3355 and ask a representative for the expiration date.  Either way, you will need to provide a Service Tag ID, which is located on the underside of the laptop.
• New Trevor Students - All new Trevor students entering grades 5 through 12 in September should purchase one of the Dell models selected for the school laptop program.
• Upper School Students - Current Upper School students who do not fall into any of the above categories, but would like to replace their laptop with a new machine, should purchase one of the Dell models selected for the school laptop program. (Replacement is optional and is not recommended for students who have a functional program laptop that is under warranty.)

Laptop Program Models for 2008-2009

Two Dell models have been selected for the Trevor laptop program – the Latitude D430 and D630. Both machines have ample computing power, but there are some distinct variations in size, weight and processing speed between the two models, as reflected in the chart below. 

Both the D630 and D430 come loaded with the Windows Vista Ultimate operating system, Microsoft Office Professional 2007 and Trevor Day School's customized academic software image. Also included is a comprehensive four year warranty that incorporates Dell’s Next Business Day on-site service plan and Complete Care accidental damage program. The laptop program models are top quality, yet substantially discounted for Trevor families.

How Do I Decide Which Model to Purchase?

The D630 has a faster processor and hard drive, more memory and will be more responsive than the D430, but the D430 has adequate processing power for most Trevor student’s academic computing needs. The D630 has a larger screen, an internal DVD drive (that can be removed) and will better support multi-media applications than the D430.  The D430 has an external DVD drive, but students do not often use DVD drives at school so this is not a major factor. The chief advantages of the D430 are that it weighs approximately 1.37 lbs less than the D630 and has a significantly smaller footprint.  When deciding which model to purchase, consider weight/size vs. processing power.  For students in grades 5 through 8, carrying a lighter laptop between home and school may offset the benefit of the D630’s additional processing speed.  Students who are not concerned about the extra 1.37lbs, should purchase the D630. 

Why Do I Need to Purchase a Designated Laptop Program Model?

If you will be buying a new machine we ask that you select either the D430 or D630, as all students will be required to have a fully functional Dell laptop program model at school on a daily basis. The program laptops come with all of the software applications needed by Trevor students to do their course work.  Without a program laptop, students will not be able to complete some of their assignments.

Please keep in mind that Trevor does not have the personnel and resources necessary to support multiple laptop product lines and operating systems. We have only a few technicians available to maintain more than 750 computers, dozens of printers, audio-visual equipment, SMART boards and more.  Our technicians are not trained to work with out-of-program laptops and diagnosing problems on a “foreign” model may require an excessive amount of time. The continued success of our laptop program is dependent upon the cooperation of the Trevor community.  We thank you for understanding.

When Can I Purchase a Program Laptop?

The D430 and D630 laptops may be purchased now online via Dell's web page for Trevor by clicking on this link - Dell Premier Site. Alternatively, orders may be placed by telephone at 866-257-4711.  If you order by phone, be sure to tell the sales representative you are a Trevor parent and purchasing a laptop with the Trevor custom image so you receive the correct configuration and price.  The web page will allow you to upgrade the hard drive for the D430 or D630 to suit your child's personal needs. To view the options, click the Customize link in the D430 or D630 section on the Dell web page. The hard drive upgrade option is not necessary for a student to have a successful technology experience at Trevor Day School, but available if your child plans to save music or large video files on his/her machine.  You also have the option to purchase an additional A/C adapter so your child will not have to carry the adapter between home and school.  Please order the laptop prior to August 8th, to be certain that your child receives the machine before the beginning of the school year.

Important Notes:  

• The Dell web page on which you enter Shipping Information includes email address fields.  Please be sure to enter your email address. 

• If the laptop comes with an MS Office CD, please do not install it, as it is already included in the software image on the hard drive.  When you initially open MS Office you will be prompted for a key code.  Use the code that comes with the Office CD.

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Laptop Backpack or Carrying Case

If you are interested in purchasing a backpack or carrying case specifically designed to hold and protect a laptop, you will find several to choose from on the eBags website which can be accessed by clicking this link - eBags.  Make sure the bag you select is the correct size for your laptop model. The dimensions for the D630 and D430 are provided in the table above.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.