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Computer Purchases for SIPA Students, Staff and Faculty
As a member of Columbia Univeristy, you are eligible for educational pricing for computer purchases with Columbia Vendors, Dell and Apple. Please note that Dell and Apple can change the discount on any product without warning. However, SIPA IT has worked with Apple to get SIPA additional savings as described below.
Disclaimer: SIPA IT is not responsible for making any recommendations or for support of any products you choose to purchase from any of the vendors listed below. If you have any questions regarding the purchase of a computer, please consult one of our technology staff members.
SIPA supports the following operating systems for administrators, staff and students in labs and offices.
- Microsoft Windows 7
Apple Custom Store for SIPA students, staff and faculty
Apple offers a customized online store offering systems to School of International and Public Affairs students, faculty and staff at a substantial discount. Discounts will mean extra savings over and above the education discount on selected computer bundles. Scroll to the bottom of the page for a link to the Apple Store.
Users are encouraged to choose the Operating System that they are most comfortable with, but they should consider the following before making a purchase:
- All currently available Apple Macintosh models use Intel processors, which means that in addition to Mac OS X you are capable of running Windows XP/Vista, Linux and other Unix flavors natively using Boot Camp or via virtualization software such as Parallels, VMWare, etc. However, Apple does not authorize the Mac OS to run on computers from non-Apple vendors such as Sun, Dell or HP.
- For more information on runing Windows and Mac software on every Mac, see http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/bootcamp.html. Note: You'll need a licensed copy of Windows and if not running Bootcamp will need virtualization software from Parallels or VMWare.
Discounts vary as promotions change.
*Users who wish to run Microsoft Windows/Vista or Linux/Unix on a Mac might incur additional costs to purchase licensed copies of the operating system and/or virtualization software from Microsoft, Parallels, VMWare, etc.
Dell computers can be purchased by logging in with your UNI at: http://finance.columbia.edu/content/computer-equipment-laptops-desktops
Note: Entering students who do not have an active UNI should call Dell at 1-800-695-8133 and give Columbia's Dell Member ID: US24184416.
Please review recommended laptop configurations.