Students InTouch
The Apple MacBooks at Oklahoma Christian provide several unique technological options that enhance the university's mobile learning goals and allow it to better meet the educational needs of the students.
Ease of Use
Apple's legendary ease of use is important in an educational setting. Users spend less time tweaking and frustrated and more time being productive.
Compatibility
The MacBooks can run Microsoft's Office suite on either platform: Office 2007 under Vista and Office 2008 on the Macintosh side. The two versions of Office are produce cross-platform files, so that a student using one operating system can send a file to another student or faculty member and know that the files will be usable. Users will still have access to the same file-storage portions of the network as well as access to the university's many printers and wireless network.
Multiple Operating Systems
The MacBooks, with their Intel processors are capable of running multiple operating systems under Apple's Boot Camp software. The MacBooks contain BootPicker a software product that lets the user choose to boot up in either Apple's Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) or Windows Vista. The laptops also come with Parallels Desktop installed, which allows users to run Windows Vista within the Mac operating system, so users can run Windows applications alongside Macintosh applications for the best of both worlds.
iLife Software
The MacBook laptops include Apple's iLife software suite. These applications allow students to create various media. With iWeb, users can create classy webpages for courses or personal use. iMovie is an easy way to create and work with digital video. iPhoto allows the collection and editing of thousands of digital photos. GarageBand lets the user easily create music with different instruments and sound effects. iDVD allows students to burn DVDs from their laptop. The built-in iSight cameras allow for online collaboration with faculty or other students from anywhere with a network connection.
Technology Specifications for 2010
The basic technology configurations will include the White MacBook and the option of an 8GB iPhone or 8GB iPod touch (Option of iPod or iPhone not included for Graduate Students).
Standard MacBook Configuration:
The White 13-inch Macbook
- 2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
- 2GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB
- 250GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
- nVidia GeForce 9400M
- 13.3" Glossy Widescreen
- SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
- AirPort Extreme Card
- Bluetooth
- Built-in iSight camera
iPhone or 8GB iPod touch (See note below)
Upgrade Options:
Undergraduate Students(UG) and Graduate Students (GS) can choose to upgrade from the standard configuration. We encourage new students to visit with their academic advisor for system recommendation based on their discipline. Upgrade pricing is provided below. New UG students that desire to upgrade will be sent a link via email to order and pay for their upgrade online prior to attending New Student Orientation. Graduate students that plan to upgrade must contact their graduate program contact to reserve their upgrade.
- The aluminum 13-inch MacBook Pro. ($245.00 upgrade) 2.26 GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB DDR3 Memory, 160GB Hard Drive, NVidia 9400M Video, SD card slot, 13.3" LED-Backlit Glossy Widescreen.
- The aluminum 15-in MacBook Pro. ($845.00 upgrade) 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo, 4GB DDR3 Memory, 320GB Hard Drive @5400RPM, NVidia 9400M+9600MGT w/256MB, SD card slot, 15.4" LED-Backlit Glossy Widescreen, Illuminated keyboard, FireWire 800 port.
Note: Models and configurations may change throughout the summer due to vendor upgrades. These upgrades are not predictable and can result in students receiving systems that vary from the specification described above. The information listed on this site is the configuration of those systems currently being purchased for distribution to new undergraduate students. Once a student is issued the the laptop and iPhone or iPod touch they will not be able to return the equipment to upgrade to a later model. If the student desires, they can choose to delay receiving the equipment until August to help ensure the most current equipment for that distribution cycle.
The choice of the iPhone / iPod touch applies only to undergraduate students qualifying for participation in the mobile computing program. Some graduate programs do not participate in the mobile computing program.
Full specs from Apple.com MacBook | MacBook Pro 13" | MacBook Pro 15"
iPhone vs. iPod touch (Undergraduate Students Only)
The University will provide, as part of the mobile computing initiative an Apple iPod touch to each qualified student. Students may choose to receive an Apple iPhone 3GS in the place of the iPod touch by applying the value of that iPod toward an iPhone with AT&T. You will also be given the opportunity to upgrade the iPod touch or iPhone from the standard model offered. If you choose to upgrade you will be required to pay the upgrade charge as part of the selection process.
Understanding the differences between the iPod and iPhone:The iPod touch will provide you with most of the same basic software access and features including WiFi as the phone just without access to the cellular voice and data network. There is no contract or service agreement required for the Apple iPod touch.The iPhone requires activation and a 2 year service contract with AT&T Mobility. Those students that choose the iPhone will be responsible for all charges incurred above the standard upgrade eligible price of $199.00 including activation charges, AT&T required deposits, and the monthly service charge.
Laptop Protection
To protect the laptops, new students will get their choice of an attractive Applesac carrying case (details).
