Student Life at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

The ACPHS Tablet Program

[Click HERE to order your ACPHS Tablet]

ACPHS utilizes information technology to the fullest extent possible to enhance the learning environment. Wireless access is available in all classrooms and throughout the campus.

The ACPHS Tablet Program offers a complete laptop package that includes a state-of-the-art HP 2730p loaded with the software needed for your ACPHS coursework and specially configured for easy connection to the ACPHS network. The benefits of participating in the ACPHS Tablet Program include:

Value – By partnering with HP and other leading software companies, ACPHS is able to make the laptop package available to incoming first year students (entering fall 2009) for $1,566.00 before tax. A comparably equipped 2730p would cost in excess of $2,000 if purchased through conventional retail channels.
Commonality – Having the same laptop as your fellow students allows for the formation of an extensive peer-to-peer support group.
Compatibility - The HP 2730p has been tested extensively for compatibility with the ACPHS network.
Laptop loaners – If your ACPHS tablet requires extensive repair, you will be loaned a laptop until yours can be fixed.
Software/hardware service and support – ACPHS IT staff will provide on-campus support (Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm) for students in the Tablet Program.

Why standardize?

In addition to making many of the above benefits possible, standardization allows ACPHS staff in the Support Center to familiarize themselves with a single unit. This specialization makes it easier for them to quickly answer your questions and fix any problems that may arise, thereby ensuring you get the most out of your tablet .

What is the difference between a computer purchased at retail versus one purchased via the ACPHS Tablet Program, if they are the same manufacturer and make?

• Most computer manufacturers make two different grades of computers: consumer and professional/business.

• Consumer grade systems are typically made with more generic parts, or the parts that the manufacturer can get the cheapest in bulk supply.

• Professional/business grade systems are typically made with name brand parts from major manufacturers.

• Consumer grade systems are the ones commonly sold online or via retail stores.

• Professional/business grade system can sometimes be found at retail stores and online; however, most of them have to be ordered via a sales representative with the manufacturer or through a major distributor.

• The computers that ACPHS recommends are in the professional/business class of systems.

• Manufacturers also make several different versions of a particular model. Version differences can be small (e.g., hard drive size) or significant (e.g., a different system/main board, wireless card or video card). These major component differences make it difficult for ACPHS to maintain a consistent software suite image.

• ACPHS will only fully support the HP 2730p model recommended via the Tablet Program web page.

If you would like to purchase your computer through the ACPHS Tablet Program, please click here, and you will be taken to the ATEC web site where you will be able to place your order.

Incoming freshmen who choose NOT to participate in the ACPHS Tablet Program are directed to purchase a laptop with the following specifications:

• Tablet notebook (required)

• Windows XP or Vista operating system (required)

• 2GB RAM (recommended)

• 80GB hard drive (recommended)