Student Computer Ownership Programme 2000

by Noel Laam

The Campus Wireless LAN has been an important and effective supplement to the campus network since its inauguration in March 2000. It has since provided a useful alternative for the whole CityU community to overcome the spatial problem to access the computing facilities and services on campus. In order to help our students to take full advantage of the Wireless LAN, the University and the 3 renowned computer companies, IBM, Dell and Compaq have jointly organised the Student Computer Ownership Programme 2000 in late October. The 3 vendors offered up to more than 40% discount on their products to all our students, and this exceptional privilege was extended to our CityU staff as well. Beside notebooks, desktop and handheld computers were also on offer to give us a wider range of choices.

 

Below was a summary of the Programme:

IBM

Dell

Compaq

Promotional Period

3 - 31 October 2000

25 September - 26 October 2000

25 September - 25 November 2000

Order Format

Ordering during the Roadshow + Direct order form

Web ordering

Web ordering

Price Range of Computers

HK$10,900 -19,200

HK$3,999 -15,903

HK$4,140 -15,720

Types of Computers

Notebook:

i) ThinkPad 1series Celeron 500

ii) ThinkPad 1 series PIII 650

iii) ThinkPad 240 PIII 500

iv) ThinkPad T series PIII 700

Desktop:

i) Dell Dimension L Celeron 566MHz

ii) Dell OptiPlex GX110

Notebook:

i) Dell Latitude CSxH500xt

ii) Dell Latitude CPxJ750GT

Desktop:

i) Armada E500 PIII 700

Notebook:

i) Compaq iPAQ Desktop PIII 500

Handheld:

i) Compaq IPAQ Color Pocket PC H3630

Installment

12-month interest free installment

N/A

6/12-month interest free installment

Enquiry
Hotline

Yes

Yes

Yes

Model Display

Yes

No

Yes

While both Dell and Compaq provided Web ordering, IBM has set up a Roadshow to allow us to try the different models, ask questions and place order on the spot. All of them provided a hotline for students and staff to enquire further about the products. Lots of enquiries were received during the promotional periods, and we were glad that the Programme had gained so much support from you all. The delivery of computers was arranged right after the orders were confirmed, and most of them have already reached their owners’ hand by December.

Judging from the popularity of the Programme, it was obvious that the need for computer upgrade, desktop, notebook and handheld alike, among students and staff was keen. If the demand required, we would surely consider organising it again in the future.