Tablet PC
Tablet PC Background
J. B. Speed School of Engineering's Tablet PC Program began in Spring 2006 when the faculty passed a resolution that all freshman engineering students would be required to have a tablet PC for use in Speed School classes. The requirement went into effect Fall 2007. In Fall 2009, the tablet PC requirement is extended to include freshman, sophomores, juniors and all transfers who still need to take 1st/2nd/3rd year Speed School courses. By 2011, all Speed School students should have tablet PCs.
Students are required to personally purchase a tablet PC from a vendor of their choice, based on specified requirements and recommendations. Most Speed School students will purchase the tablet PC through iTech Xpress (U of L's on-campus computer store). iTech Xpress offers a discount and warranty service on a model selected by Speed School faculty. However, students may purchase a tablet and receive service elsewhere, as long as minimum specifications are met and the tablet is comparable to the recommended tablet.
Required software is available to all Speed School students via a $25 technology fee, accessed each semester to all enrolled Speed School students. Software for the fall semester is available beginning July 1 and can be downloaded after registering for the fall.
Detailed information on the program, hardware, and software is listed on this website as it becomes available. Questions concerning the program may be addressed to Associate Dean Mike Day at day@louisville.edu. Student viewpoints are expressed through the Student Tablet User Group (STUG).
For Students Entering Fall 2009
For Fall 2009, Speed School is recommending purchase of the tablet PC through iTech Xpress. The recommended tablet for Fall 2009 is the HP EliteBook 2730p. The recommended tablet fulfills all hardware specifications set by Speed School. The tablet is available at a discount for Speed School students and warranty repair service is available directly from iTech Xpress. For tablets under repair, a loaner tablet will be provided for tablets purchased via iTech Xpress.
The HP EliteBook 2730p is available in its basic configuration from iTech Xpress at a cost of $1573. This is a 41% discount from a list price of $2662 for a customized HP tablet (see HP site for comparable tablets). To receive the discounted price you must go through the iTech Xpress portal (click here to order - link available soon). The basic configuration includes a 3-year warranty with accident and theft protection (repair service provided by iTech Xpress).
For students who wish to have a tablet PC ready for pickup at orientation, tablets should be ordered by March 25 through iTech Xpress. After March 25, students will be directed to the vendor's website (via iTech Xpress) and tablets will be delivered to the student's address. Since delivery of tablets from the vendor may take 8-10 weeks, the vendor only guarantees delivery before the start of classes if the order is made by June 1. Purchases after June 1 may run the risk of delivery after the start of classes. Those who wish to customize their tablet or order additional accessories must login to the vendor site (via iTech Xpress) to place their order. For example, you may wish to add on 2GB of additional RAM for $25. This would be a very desirable upgrade.
Although all incoming students must have a tablet PC, it is not required that it be purchased through iTech Xpress. Students may choose another vendor or model, but it must be a "tablet" meeting requirements. Tablets purchased elsewhere will also need to be serviced elsewhere, and are not eligible for a loaner tablet while under repair. Be mindful that models purchased through retail outlets may have only a one-year standard warranty with no accident or theft protection. Also, some tablets may also have only a touchscreen and not be equipped with the more desirable active digitizer.
Last update: 02.26.2009
