I know of at least two websites where teachers and students can get
large discounts on software.  Where can we get good discounts on
laptops and desptop conputers?
Thanks, WEB7

Hello,

Depending on whether you are a teacher or a student, the process to
get discounts for hardware are different. In any case, companies
offering educational discounts often only include their low-end to
medium-end range models.

Also discounts are not as steep as they are with software, probably
because publishing a few extra copies of software has lower cost than
building a computer does. Rarely will you find the latest Desktops and
Laptops with discounts. You can get good deals though, depending what
school you go to and who you are (teacher or student).

The first and best place to check is with your school administration,
they will often have student/staff discounts at a specific retailer or
OEM. This is especially the best thing to do if you are a K-12
student.

Dell Computers has educational discounts, but these are only for
teachers. You would probably be required to fax in proof of your
educational affiliation, and they might only ship to the school
directly. Because your preinstalled operating system is also at a
discount rate, you will need to meet Microsoft's eligibility
requirements as well.

"Dell Education"
http://www.dell.com/us/en/edu/misc/segmenter_edu.htm

"Microsoft Education - Are you Eligible for Academic Pricing?"
http://www.microsoft.com/education/license/eligible.asp


Apple Offers Discounts on most of their desktops and laptops. You can
find out what discount you are eligible for by visiting (if you are in
the US):

"The Apple Store"
http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/routingpage.html


If you live near a University or College Campus, phone them up and ask
them if you are eligible to purchase a computer from them at
educational pricing. Try this even if you are a K-12 teacher or
student, it might work depending what the store's license is with the
hardware vendors. If they custom build their computers they might sell
you one at student pricing. Remember though that even if you are
eligible, desktop/laptop discounts are not as substantial as software
discounts ($50-$100 range usually).

In my experience, it is better to find a computer you want first, and
then ask the retailer/salesperson if they offer discounts for
students. In many cases they will match the discounts from Apple, Dell
or other major companies and you will be able to get around $50-$75
removed from your total. This will let you have the computer you
really want, and you will have more selection than just the often
limited models to which the educational discount applies.

Search Strategy:

Dell Education
://www.google.ca/search?q=dell+education&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&meta=

Apple Educational store
://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Apple+Educational+store&meta=

Some Personal Experience

Answer is very helpful.  Thank you very much. WEB7