Requirements
MBA Laptop Computer Requirement
A cornerstone of the University of Alabama MBA program's professional leadership in technology is the requirement that MBA students have a laptop. The laptop requirement allows incoming MBA students to leverage the substantial technology-based opportunities at Alabama and to enhance their overall MBA experience through improved:
- Linkage to internships, external projects, and employer sponsors
- Uniformity of student and program technology capabilities
- Academic work team flexibility and communication
- Learning in pre-MBA and MBA courses
One of the MBA program's primary objectives is to provide such resources and tools for students to enhance their educational experience at The University of Alabama and make them more marketable. A laptop computer insures that computing capability is available to you at all times and at all locations. The Manderson MBA laptop program allows students to take full advantage of the many opportunities available for their own educational and professional development.
Rationale Behind the Laptop Program
An obvious impetus behind the Manderson MBA Laptop requirement was the sheer increase in productivity and communication efficiency that individuals experience with personal, immediately accessible laptops. The premium placed on academic work teams, external communication with employers in specific concentration areas, and development of leadership in technology in The University of Alabama MBA program also necessitate students have their own laptops. The rationales behind the Manderson MBA Laptop requirement include:
- Facilitate communication within academic work teams
- Gain uniformity of program technology
- Support a greater use of educational software tools in course assignments that require a minimum hardware configuration
- Facilitate communication with external constituents such as employer sponsors, internships, and external projects
- Ensure proper delivery of pre-MBA training materials that will require a minimum hardware configuration
- Support the overall Technology Enhancement Package that incorporates the Pre-MBA Leadership in Technology Program
- Building on the tradition of excellence in technology evidenced by Computer World magazine ranking the Techno-MBA program 4th in the nation.
Purchasing a Laptop and Meeting the Computer Requirement
The procedure for the purchase and support of one's Manderson MBA Dell notebook
is relatively simply and almost entirely serviced by Dell. Following 
admission
to the MBA program an incoming student will receive a flyer that highlights
the notebook requirement and directs them to the web site for purchase of their
systems.
The notebook computer will be shipped directly to the student. The student will be responsible for payment to Dell and for the return of any merchandise.
The suggested quote includes a three-year at home warranty, plus complete
care from Dell. Dell will provide all hardware and software work specified
in their warranty. Microsoft will provide some operating system software warranty
work in accordance with their terms. Other vendors will provide any other
additional software or hardware assistance. Please visit the HelpDesk website for
configuration and bama email instructions.
The University of Alabama has made arrangements to offer special pricing on the Dell Latitude D620 laptop which meets our hardware requirements (See laptop minimum system requirements). The URL below provides an 'Auto-Login' feature that will enter the University of Alabama MBA account code and the access key for you.
NOTE: When you click on this page, you will need to locate the link that says "read more" in order to get the appropriate access codes for your discount.
You may call Dell at 1-888-987-3355 to make a purchase. If calling, please use the ID code listed on the log-in page to specify that you are an MBA student at The University of Alabama.