Buying: Advice and Info
For a quick list of popular computing products typically used by UW-Madison students, see our Student Computing Checklist. Get answers to frequently asked questions about student computing at UW-Madison.
Before you purchase equipment, come to DoIT for information,advice, and great prices. Check out the Online Tech Store, email info@doit.wisc.edu, call (608) 265-7469, or visit us at 1210 W. Dayton St..
Tech Store Showroom
At the Tech Store at 1210 W. Dayton St., you can view and test a variety of technology products, including computers, printers, monitors, software, networks and more. Our consultants can help you assess your computing needs and find solutions that fit your budget and academic needs.
Online Tech Store
At the Online Tech Store, you can find DoIT-recommended products, comparisons, information concerning compatibility and other advice.
Computer Discounts
Higher Education discount programs are available for Dell and Apple computers.
Dell
These customizable computers are purchased directly through the Dell Higher Education online store or by phone. Starting in late June 2009, DoIT will stock and sell a select number of standard Dell laptop and desktop configurations
Before you buy, take a look at our Dell Recommended Systems for "Budget," "Standard" and "Advanced" computing needs.
For more information on Dell purchasing options and to make sure you get the Higher Education discount, use this link:
Apple
The DoIT Tech Store stocks and sells standard Apple computer system configurations. Purchase these in person at 1210 W. Dayton St. or the online DoIT Tech Store. You can also customize these computers to better meet your needs at the
Apple Store for Higher Education.
Before you buy, take a look at our Apple Recommended Systems for "Budget," "Standard" and "Advanced" computing needs.
When purchasing online or by phone you can choose to have your computer shipped directly to your home. UW Housing and private residence halls will also accept deliveries starting approximately one to two weeks before classes start. Check with your specific residence hall for details.
DoIT is an authorized warranty service center for Apple and Dell.
For other product recommendations and other information, see our Student Computing Checklist.
Tech Store consultants are available to discuss your computing needs and recommend appropriate solutions. Contact them at (608) 265-7469, email, or in person at 1210 W. Dayton St.
Software Discounts
You can choose from hundreds of popular software programs at educational discounts. The best discounts are on Microsoft office suites, operating system upgrades and Adobe graphics and multimedia software products. Antivirus software with anti-spyware protection is free.
DoIT has negotiated special Microsoft and Adobe software deals at savings of up to 85% for UW-Madison students. Students can purchase perpetual licenses for the latest Microsoft Office suites for Windows and Mac, and the latest Vista Business or Vista Ultimate Upgrades on DVDs/CDs for $72 to $77 each in person at the DoIT Tech Store, or online at the Wisconsin Integrated Software Catalog (WISC).
DoIT also has special student deals on Adobe, AutoCAD, FileMaker, mathematical and statistical software products and more. Visit WISC for more information about these products and other software deals.
Security software with antivirus and spyware remediation is available to UW-Madison students at no charge and can be obtained in several ways: You can download it free (high-speed Internet connection is highly recommended). You can pick up a free Security CD at the Tech Store or at SOAR Resource Fairs. Or, you can use a campus computer lab to download and burn it to a CD.
For more information about software products at the DoIT Tech Store, visit the Online Tech Store or contact the Showroom at (608) 265-7469.
Parts and Peripherals
RAM (memory), hard drives, USB flash drives, scanners, printers, Ethernet cards, wireless cards, cables and more are available at competitive prices.
For more information or assistance in selecting parts, contact the Tech Store Showroom at (608) 265-7469.
For pricing and availability, contact Sales at (608) 262-7253.
Supplies
You can purchase, printer paper, laser printer cartridges, ink cartridges, mailing labels and more. For questions about supply sales, call (608) 262-7253, email or see the online listing.
Rentals
DoIT offers short-term rentals for a limited number of Dell and Apple laptops, and other related equipment.