A computer is a significant purchase and an important tool for your child. It’s important to ensure your investment is protected, four critical things to consider:
Backup Services & Devices – Viruses can damage or destroy crucial files like term papers and other important documents. Online backup sites such as Carbonite (www.carbonite.com) and Norton Online Backup (http://www.symantec.com/norton/online-backup) automatically back up files and protect them online for about $5 a month. A flash drive or pocket media drive can also be used to back up files and start at under $20.
System Recovery DVD – Windows encourages you to create a “recovery” disc that will allow you to reboot from that DVD in the event your operating system has a problem. Unfortunately, many people don’t take that extra step. When you order your new PC, you can often order the recovery DVD included with your purchase for under $20. It’s a one-time inexpensive purchase that will more than pay for itself when you have a problem.
Extended Warranty – No matter how careful you are accidents happen. You can fully protect your HP PC from damage and drops with an extended warranty. HP will arrange for shipping to and from the home or campus for necessary repairs.
CompuTrace LoJack for Laptops – Unfortunately, crime is an issue on every campus, CompuTrace is Lo-Jack for your computer. Once a student reports their computer stolen, CompuTrace will track that computer once it connects to the internet and contact local police to alert them to the stolen device.
HP Academy has a peace of mind bundle on sale now through September 28, just in time for back to school, that includes two of these four services. 2yr HP Care Pack Accidental Damage Protection Services with LoJack for Laptops (product code on website HC688B): You can save up to 54% when purchased with an HP Compaq, G-series, Pavilion, TouchSmart, or Envy laptop.
HP Academy provides an exclusive education discount on PC’s, printers, and a wide variety of supplies and accessories including many of the products mentioned here. HP Academy also has knowledgeable real people available to help you choose your PC and to walk you through the specs, call 800-632-8251 today to get a great deal on a computer and also the peace of mind that your investment will be protected.
As someone in the high tech field and a parent of an incoming College freshman, I find this list right on the mark. For a laptop I think that a bumper-to-bumper is a good for most people, but especially for a college student.
As far as backup, another online option is Mozy, which offers 2GB free and unlimited for $5.00. It also now provides the option to backup to a local disk also.
One final item to look at is the packages and services that the college offers. The school my son is enrolled offers a few laptop options in conjunction with HP. While the prices weren’t the cheapest, it included onsite support, full warranty, and loaners for his four years at the school. We decided that the convenience and peace of mind was worth the extra money.