Mobile Computing Program (MCP) Frequently Asked Questions Pricing
Help on Arrival
Questions about MCP
Ongoing Support
Repairs & Problems
Software Included
Alternatives to MCP
What if I can't find my question answered on this Frequently Asked Questions list?
You can send us your question via e-mail to mobile.computing@jhu.edu. We will answer it directly by e-mail, and it may make it to this FAQ in the future! I see laptops for much less than MCP models. What's good about these "deals"?
Lower priced laptops are available, but they don't always provide the same value. When comparing low-cost mass market consumer systems with MCP systems, you may find the following differences: | MCP Systems | Bargain Systems |
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| Components | Business-class systems use standardized components that easier to support. Components will be replaceable for a longer period in case of damage or failure. Systems built from a reliable source of higher quality components. | Even with the same nameplate, consumer-class systems may differ from unit to unit, making standardized support more difficult. No guaranteed production cycle and exact replacement parts not always available. May have been built with lowest possible cost components at build time. | | Support | MCP purchasers have access to loaner systems if their systems are being repaired. | Unless you rent a laptop or purchase a loaner plan through your reseller, you're on your own. | | Configuration | Contain a mainstream business-class processor chip, hard drive, and memory capacity that provide the best compromise between performance and price. | May contain a slower low-end processor, smaller or slower hard drive, and less memory. | | Operating System | Come with "professional" or "premium" versions of the Windows operating system. | May come with Windows "home" or "basic" versions. | | Warranty | Come with full three-year warranties. | Come with one-year warranties or less. | Damage
Insurance | Most come with three-year damage insurance protection. The system will be repaired or replaced in case of accidental damage. | Available only at extra cost, or not at all. | | Setup | Systems are set up to JHU specifications. Symantec AntiVirus and Windows Update are configured to receive automatic updates from the Hopkins network. Hopkins wireless network access is preconfigured. JHSecure VPN software is preloaded for transparent and secure Hopkins network access outside the Hopkins network. | Systems require configuration to meet JHU security standards and to work with the Hopkins wireless network. Bundled software may or may not be included. |
Return to top When I get to campus, where can I get help with my MCP system?
Hopkins IT Services staff will be ready to assist students with both MCP systems and Resnet connection problems. For 2007, these SWAT sessions will be held in the student residences on the Friday and Saturday during freshman move-in, and the Tuesday through Friday of the following week. AMR 2 Social Lounge
Friday, August 31, 2007 10AM-4PM
Saturday, September 1, 2007: 10AM-4PM
Tuesday, September 4, 2007: 10AM-4PM
Wednesday, September 5, 2007: 10AM-4PM
Thursday, September 6 2007: 10AM-4PM
Friday, September 7, 2007: 10AM-4PM
Return to top Whom can I call for questions about the program?
Students and their parents may call the MCP support line at 410-516-3382. This number will be answered between 8:30AM and 5:00PM (USA Eastern Time zone), Monday through Friday. Faculty and staff may contact the IT Support Center serving their location. The Support Center can be reached at the following phone numbers: Homewood campus: 410-516-HELP
JHMI East Baltimore campus: 410-955-HELP
JH@Eastern campus: 443-997-HELP
The Support Center will log a service ticket for you which will be assigned to the appropriate IT staff person. Return to top Who at Hopkins provides ongoing support for MCP systems?
After the "SWAT" move-in and orientation for students, mentioned above, students can obtain support at the Technical Assistance window, located near the vending machines in the basement of Garland Hall on the Homewood campus. Faculty and staff benefit from increased familiarity with the selected models among their desktop support staff. Hopkins IT Services can serve as a clearinghouse for information on getting problems solved for these models. Return to top What happens if my MCP system breaks?
The MCP support line at 410-516-3382 has information on who to contact for a warranty repair on your laptop, and can offer various in-house services, such as software reloading on student models. For students who purchase systems under this program, a pool of loaner laptops is available for use while their system is away for repair. (Notes: For whatever reason, if you fail to return the loaner upon notification, your student account will be charged for the cost of the system. Also, in all cases, users must be responsible for making their own backups of data files.) Additional help for students, such as training and consulting on laptop and software usage, is available from the Krieger Hall Computing Lab at the Homewood campus (410-516-4242). Most MCP systems come with a three-year warranty as well as a three-year insurance policy, which covers against accidental damage, especially to the display screen, which is not covered by the warranty, and is the most expensive component to repair. The Safeware insurance recommended for Apple notebook systems also covers fire, theft, or loss, and has a $250 deductible. Dell CompleteCare, ThinkPad Protection, and Toshiba SystemGuard cover only accidental damage. For more information, see the detailed insurance information provided on the web pages for each device. Return to top What software is installed on my MCP system?
MCP systems for students contain software that was preloaded and preconfigured by IT@JH. MCP systems for faculty and staff personal use include the standard manufacturers' software image, including the operating system and manufacturer value-added utilities and applications. On student systems, preloaded software content varies depending on the year the MCP system was purchased. Most include Adobe Acrobat Reader, Windows Media Player, QuickTime, Symantec AntiVirus for virus and spyware protection, and JHSecure VPN Software for secure access to the Hopkins network via wireless and from outside Internet providers. Internet Explorer favorites for helpful Hopkins and Baltimore metro web sites are also included. Microsoft Office is not part of the software bundle, but is available for purchase at a reduced cost through the Software Licensing department. For more information, call 410-516-7780 or e-mail software@jhu.edu. Return to top What if I am not interested in the MCP systems?
If you not interested in one of the systems offered under this program, you can get information on other computers on the "JumpStart" site run by Student Technology Services, a department composed primarily of students, whose goal is to maintain a supportive information technology environment for students on the Homewood campus. Technical Assistance will also offer limited support to you for your system, but you will not have access to loaner equipment or warranty support. Return to top
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