Carthage offers both a computer purchase program and a lease program for students interested in laptop computers. We recommend the leasing program because it offers the best value and services at low cost and insures that the student has current hardware and software.
What is the cost?
$900 per year - fall, spring, and J-term, payable on or before July 15th. Two payments of $450 each can be made in July and December if you prefer. An optional lease for Summer School is available for $100.
New! If you lease your laptop for three consecutive years, you will own it at the end of the third year.
What is provided?
- IBM laptop computer - Click here for model information
- Carrying case
- Color inkjet printer and cable
- Network card, cable, software and installation
- MS Office software that matches campus standards
- Norton Anti-virus software
- Operating system upgrades to match campus standards
- On-campus warranty repairs and other repairs at a cost
- Available loaner units during repairs
What must I do to participate?
- Indicate your intent to participate in the program by June 15. Participation is done on a yearly basis with payments due before the beginning of each semester.
- Print a Laptop Lease Participation Agreement (in PDF format) or request one by calling 262-551-5900.
- Fill it out and return it to the Computer Center, Carthage College, 2001 Alford Park Drive, Kenosha, WI 53140 with your fall term lease payment by July 15. Please make checks payable to Carthage College - Computer Services.
What are the advantages?
There are many advantages to the leasing option. The primary one is the higher level of service that is available. Compare the options in the table below:
| Item |
Lease Program |
Student Purchase Plan |
Acceptable Brand Purchase |
Other Purchase |
| Network Configuration by Carthage staff |
Yes |
Yes, at additional cost |
Yes, at additional cost |
No |
| Support for Windows and software problems |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
| On-campus hardware repair (warranty or pay per repair) |
Yes |
Yes, warranty only |
No |
No |
| Automatic Windows upgrades as needed |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
| Installation of standard campus software (MS Office) |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
| Automatic upgrade of standard software as needed |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
| Loaner units during repair |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
| Includes printer and accessories |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
What are the rules?
- The laptop you are leasing belongs to the College. You must keep it in working order. Breakage, damage, or failures must be reported to the Information Desk and repaired immediately.
- No unauthorized modifications may be made to the laptop hardware such as memory upgrades, component changes, etc. External peripherals can be connected, however.
- Laptops must be checked in at the Computer Center each term as instructed
- You may not change the configuration of the computer or add unauthorized software to it. If you do, the computer will be re-loaded with its original software, which may result in loss of your personal files.
- The laptop and all of its components must be returned to the Computer Center at the end of the spring term unless a summer lease is arranged.
- Any items not returned at the end of the lease will be charged to you at a pre-determined price.
Do I get to keep the laptop at the end of the lease?
Yes, if you have participated in the Lease Program for 3 consecutive years. This policy began in 2005.
Isn’t it cheaper to purchase?
Many services, including software upgrades and available loaner units, are not available with a purchased unit, so a direct "dollar comparison" is not applicable. The leasing model insures that a student has a working laptop computer and printer with campus-compatible software available to them consistently throughout their education without a considerable up-front cost.
How do I get more information?
If you have specific questions, please contact Matt Brzeski or Carol Sabbar at helpdesk@carthage.edu.
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