• Minimum/Economical: BPMI majors or those needing a computer until admitted into major program and wanting to participate in College of Design Laptop Program.
• Recommended: Matches the College of Design Laptop program specifications since these are the recommended minimums for most majors within the college.
• High Performance/Advanced: For majors that work with 3D modeling, animation, etc. to include additional memory, hard drive space, graphics card upgrades. Contact us at techcyteorder@iastate.edu to place a special order.

Deciding a major for your college can be challenging and we understand that! We also understand that buying a laptop is a 4-year investment and you want to purchase the right one to get you through college, and potentially longer. Our team can discuss the majors you are potentially interested in, and discuss your computer recommendations accordingly. Get in touch with us during your in-person orientation visit or reach out to us using the Contact Us button below.

TechCyte is the authorized campus store for Apple and Dell computers and provides computer models from both of these brands. We are also the on-campus vendor for laptops and 2-in-1 tablets from Microsoft.

APPLE
Education Pricing:
As the Apple Authroized Campus Store, Cyclones save between $100-$400 with education pricing on Apple computers compared to other retailers.

DELL
Education Pricing:
Cyclones save an extra 10-15% OFF the retail price on Dell computers with education pricing.

4-Year Dell Premium Support Plus Warranty:
Compared to a 1-year Dell warranty that other retailers provide with their Dell laptops, TechCyte provides a 4-year Dell Premium Support Plus Warranty with all our Dell computers. This warranty includes unlimited repairs and one accidental damage repair per year during the 4-year warranty period. Exclusions include fire, theft, complete submergence, Acts of God, intentional damages, etc.

OTHER BRANDS
Cyclones save 7% with no sales tax at the ISU Book Switch to a tablet or desktop that they order through TechCyte. This also includes computer components and peripherals like external monitors, solid state drives, printers, and any cables and accessories, etc.

There are strong arguments on both sides here. Some retailers will tell you that the longer you wait, the more technology improves. TechCyte recommends buying after the spring revisions (usually early June) to allow more time to get familiar with your new computer, set up the required software and understand your accessory needs (adapters, cases, external mouse, etc. Plus, it's one more thing off your plate when classes start!

We provide our Major Success guide to help narrow down your choices in device based on the expectations of your major and how you plan to interact with your device. Since each student is unique, we work with each student to determine a computer that will best fit their needs. If you can't make it in to the store, give us a call during business hours or send us an email any time and we'll help figure out the best computer for your needs.

Office 365 ProPlus for Students is a free add-on for Office 365 that the University has access to as part of the Student Advantage program. Students can log in to Office 365 and download the latest version of Office for free. Office 365 will work on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. Requires an active ISU email address.To get started, go to office365.iastate.edu. Our on-campus Solution Center can also provide assistance online or by phone at 515-294-4000.

Windows has the ability to run on a Mac device with the use of virtual machine software such as Parallels and VMWare Fusion. Parallels is available as a 1-year license through TechCyte.

Every student will need Microsoft Office which is free for students. Some students will need specific software packages for their major, which instructors will inform you of once classes start. Much of this recommended software is available for free for students. View the IT Software for Students site for more information.

For virus protection, it is recommended that you keep your device’s operating system up to date to keep your computer secure. Both Mac OS and Windows offer built in anti-virus and malware detection.

• Click here for more information on how to protect your device with Windows Security.
• For more information on MacOS Security, click here.

Internet service throughout all residence halls have been upgraded to support the latest wireless technology. Wireless access points are located throughout the halls and in each room. There are three ethernet data ports on the bottom of each wireless access point. For faster service, use an ethernet cable to connect your device. Wi-Fi is available across nearly all of the ISU campus, including many outdoor spaces.
If you have any questions or concerns about your internet connectivity, please contact the IT Solution Center!

Technology service and repair is available on campus through the TechCyte Service Center right here in the Iowa State University Book Store. Our staff officially trained and authorized to repair devices from these brands.<> br
Click here for more information about our Apple and Dell authorized service center.

For assistance with University specific access or programs (i.e. e-mail issues, Workday Student, ISU Account Specific support, network connectivity issues not related to hardware) the Solution Center is available in the Parks Library.
Click here for more information about the Solution Center.