Savings on Computers and Software
for Students and Staff

If you are considering the purchase of a new computer or some software, the first place you should go is the LTS Help Desk’s computer purchasing web page. In addition to great information on what to look for in a computer, the web page also links to information on getting great discounts on computers and software.

Deals on Apples and Dells:

Apple and Dell are the brands available at a discount to UW - Eau Claire students and staff. Apple offers education discounts through their Online Store for Education. Apple’s computer discounts are generally around 5%. Dell’s education discount starts at 7%, but select models are discounted up to 12%. These deals on Dell computers can be explored on their Education Purchase Program website, which is specific to UW Eau Claire.

LTS Help Desk coordinator Brandon Knuth suggests that mid to late summer is a good time to buy a computer from Apple or Dell because of their back-to-school sales. The back-to-school sales put on by Apple and Dell are in addition to the education discount you would normally receive. During the summer, Apple and Dell usually offer a free or steeply discounted printer. Also in the summer, Apple has traditionally run a buy a computer and get a free iPod promotion.

Discounts on Software:

Large discounts on many brands of software are offered through WISC (Wisconsin Integrated Software Catalog). It is pretty simple to purchase software through WISC via their website. All you need to do is select the software you wish to purchase, type in your username, and complete a standard online checkout.

Just to give a few examples of the great deals available currently on WISC: you can get Microsoft Office 2007 for nearly half off. You can also purchase Adobe Photoshop CS4 for $179.00, which is an incredible deal compared to the $999.00 listed on Adobe’s website.

It is important to note, when you purchase software from WISC, that there is a “no returns” policy. Also, all you will get is an install disc as the software will not be in retail packaging.

Buying a computer or software can be a confusing endeavor. If you have any questions on what to buy or how to get education discounts, the staff at the LTS Help Desk are eager to help. Stop by the Help Desk located in Old Library 1106, and they’ll happy to answer any questions you have.