Laptop rental service now available on campus.
19 Jan 2009
Short- and long-term rental periods, with option to buy.
As part of a joint initiative between the John Rylands University Library, STARS and IT Services, the University is now offering staff and students an affordable, fully supported laptop rental scheme. The scheme is provided in partnership with Dinosaur Supplies and will provide wireless-enabled laptop computers that are pre-configured to connect to the University network.
Dinosaur Supplies are based in Bolton and specialize in selling most well known and mainstream brands of printers and printer consumables for the wholesale trade, businesses and educational establishments.
Dinosaur will fully finance and operate the laptop scheme, providing individuals with the opportunity to hire a laptop model of a high specification from two trusted manufacturers: Hewlett Packard and Toshiba. Both are fully covered with a full manufacturer’s warranty and also insured against theft, fire and accidental damage.
The laptops are provided at an affordable cost on a daily, weekly, monthly, semester and yearly basis. The scheme also offers the option to buy the laptop outright, or for those who hire on the long-term rental agreements there is an option to buy at the end of the term for a small nominal charge. The daily rentals will provide students with the opportunity to work flexibly anywhere within the Library between the hours of 9am and 5pm and without having to wait for access to the computer clusters. Those who choose to hire a laptop for longer periods have the added benefit of 24 hour access to a laptop on campus or in their hall of residence or private accommodation.
On campus, support is provided at the Dinosaur Supplies desk, located on Blue 1, in the John Rylands Library. Amit Patel, a second year Computer Science undergraduate from the University, is working for Dinosaur Supplies on his Industrial Placement and will be providing the support in terms of user enquiries, orders and assistance. The placement provides an opportunity for Amit to acquire and develop hands-on skills and workplace experience.
Another service that Dinosaur Supplies will provide is the corporate hire of laptops for awaydays, training and workshops. All laptops will be branded with The University of Manchester logo to create a professional image for external clients. For further information, please visit the personal purchasing section: