Archive for June, 2012

Last night, Microsoft announced Surface – a potential iPad competitor. This tablet will run Windows 8 and features a really creative way to implement a keyboard.

Check out Surface.com for more information.

Curious about Windows 8? I will have a hands-on preview for you in my next post. Stay cool!

Apple’s back-to-school deal is now live!

Here are the details:

Visit this site if you are interested – http://store.apple.com/us-hed/browse/campaigns/back_to_school?aid=AIC-AOS-NAUS-EDU-BTS-June2012-Homepage-banner

Happy Shopping!

One question I get quite frequently this time of year is ‘what type of computer should I buy for school?’ During OAR days students and their parents are always curious about this as well. Of course, I’m here to help!

At Upper Iowa, we do not have requirements of what type of computer to use. You are more than welcome to purchase a Mac or a PC, and they will work with our various systems (Peacocks email, myUIU, Pearson Learning Studio). For our on-campus students, FREE wireless also works on a PC or Mac with a compatible wireless card. My only reccomendation is actually software that you put on your computer. You will want to purchase a copy of Microsoft Office, as your professors will be using the same software, and Office is a standard suite in many businesses as well after you graduate.

So, what are the deals right now?

First, if you’ve been on an Upper Iowa campus, you know that we predominantly use Dell computers. If you are a student, faculty or staff member of UIU, you can check out www.dell.com/uiu for discounted prices on new computers!

This summer, retailers are running a promotion to get a FREE Xbox 360 with the purchase of select Windows PCs. This is a fantastic deal! Details are located here: http://www.geek.com/articles/games/microsoft-offers-students-free-xbox-360-with-a-new-pc-20120521/

For the Mac lovers, check out Apple’s education store at www.apple.com . You may want to wait a bit before purchasing a Mac though. They are expected to announce some new models soon! Also, Apple typically runs a promotion over the summer and they give away gift cards or iPods with computers purchased for school. Keep an eye on that, and I’ll make sure to post to the blog if I hear anything.

How about some software for your new computer? Check out www.theultimatesteal.com if you are a student and purchase the Office 2010 (or 2011 for Mac) suite for only $99. There are other deals on that site for upgrades to Windows 7 as well. UIU Faculty and staff should contact the help desk directly if you would like to purchase Office for a discounted rate.

And finally, if you are looking for great prices on pretty much ANY electronic, check out my favorite place to shop online: www.newegg.com

Hope that points you in the right direction. Now… go spend some money! Have a great summer!