Why by a G2G graphic

Why buy a laptop from the G2GMobile@VCU Program?

The best reason? Service!  VCU is committed to keeping your (or your student's) G2GMobile@VCU laptop operating as much as humanly possible.  Our G2GMobile@VCU service center is conveniently located in Cabell Library (Monroe Park Campus) with a satellite center in Sanger Hall (MCV Campus).  In many cases, we can fix a sick laptop while you wait.  If we do have to order parts, we provide convenient loaner laptops to use while we wait for parts to be shipped, usually overnight.  And we have equipment to allow us to extract precious files from sick harddrives, so in most cases, you won't lose that paper due on Friday.

Wait, can I get this service on my own computer?

Sadly, no.  You must purchase a G2GMobile@VCU laptop in order to take advantage of the fast service and loaners at the G2GMobile@VCU Service Center.  There is help available at the G2G Service Desk for non-G2G computers, but it is often not while you wait and no loaners are available.  We only stock parts and drivers for the G2GMobile@VCU laptops in our service center.

What are the other benefits of buying through the University’s G2GMobile program?

Any member of the University community, whether they are students, faculty, staff, or alumni, is entitled to purchase through VCU’s G2GMobile program. There are significant benefits:

  • Substantial discount negotiated by the University
  • Industry standard specifications chosen by VCU Technology Services specialists
  • Lenovo, an educationally-proven company
  • Proven robust and reliable design - extended warranty included*!
  • Fully compatible and pre-configured for University systems
  • Wireless connection to the VCU network
  • Full on-campus technical support (for the duration of your degree) through the G2G Service Center and Technology Services’ Help Desk
  • G2GMobile loaner pool during a hardware problems
  • Additional off-campus Help Desk support via email and telephone
  • Off campus warranty valid worldwide – Lenovo will provide service wherever you are
  • Additional software - virus protection and Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Integrated backup facilities

Why is it a good idea to buy a laptop using VCU’s G2GMobile?

There are several reasons why buying a laptop through the VCU-negotiated Lenovo partnership makes sense:

  • VCU has negotiated directly with the manufacturer to provide an excellent value product. An example of this is a comparison of the price you would pay on the street for the laptop alone (without the additional software, training and support package) from VCU’s G2GMobile package.
  • Each of the laptops that have been included in the program has been chosen with a four-year degree in mind. The specification is of a high enough level for them to continue to be useful while you are completing your senior year.
  • Wireless connectivity. VCU has and is investing extensively in wireless connectivity throughout the campus. All of the laptops featured have built in wireless capability. Please note that you must be physically on the VCU Campus to use the VCU wireless network.
  • Laptop loan pool. If your laptop needs to be taken from you for an extended period to be worked on by either G2GMobile service staff or Lenovo engineers, you will be issued a temporary replacement laptop from the University loan pool. Often, if it is not the hard disk or software load that is being worked on, the G2GMobile service staff will swap over your hard disk into the loan machine so that you can still fully access your files. This service is commercially unmatched in the private sector. The TS Helpdesk is open seven days a week, and any problems which you report to the desk are logged and a full service history is kept for your individual machine.

Why standardization?

VCU’s G2GMobile can offer these services to you through standardization of machines. If each laptop brought to VCU Help Desk was a different specification and manufacturer, VCU’s Help Desk could do little to support them. By standardization, VCU can provide infrastructure through wireless transmitters, specialized laptop use areas and G2GMobile service and Help Desk support adding value to your laptop ownership.

Why did VCU choose Lenovo (previously IBM)?

At the start of the VCU’s G2GMobile program, VCU issued a Request For Proposals to receive bids for the laptop contract. This process allowed VCU to evaluate bids from several leading manufacturers to ensure that VCU offers students and staff the very best quality scheme possible. VCU staff carefully examined the services that each company offered and the machines that were proposed. Lenovo was the winning bidder; we are confident that they offer the best option for VCU students.

Want to see more?  Check out these videos! (requires Adobe Flash 9 player, installed on most computers)

4-Year extended warranty?

Basically this warranty is an insurance against the failure of your machine for the entire duration of your degree. Should you encounter a problem, you simply return your laptop to the G2GMobile service center. The warranty and loan pool replacement process ensures that you are not left without a laptop during your studies at VCU. However the warranty also gives you coverage while on break! Should your laptop develop a problem during the holidays and you are unable to return it to the G2GMobile service center, you can contact Lenovo directly for service. The warranty is international. Additionally, the warranty is attached to the laptop itself rather than with you personally. This means that should you choose to sell it or give it to a family member in the future, the warranty will remain valid. More information about the warranty is available here.

What happens if my laptop is out of warranty?

G2GMobile service center will still support your computer just as any Lenovo depot service, but for a charge. Any work/parts which are needed will have to be paid by you. G2GMobile service center will help you manage this process.

Please note: warranty covers any breakdowns which may occur and does not provide cover against theft. To cover your machine for theft an insurance policy is required, either through a home owner’s policy or a policy specific to your laptop. G2GMobile@VCU computers are also equipped with an optional Computrace LoJack system already installed.  In order to take advantage of this system, you must purchase a subscription package at the time of purchase, which covers 4 years of computer monitoring for less than $30 per year.  If your laptop is stolen and the theft is reported to police, the LoJack system can trace the laptop and, in many instances, recover it, when the laptop is subsequently connected to the Internet.  For more information, see the details on the Computrace LoJack website.

*extended warranty is included on all student-purchased laptops and optional (but recommended) for all faculty/staff purchases.