Q. How do I benefit from buying my computer from Juniata Computer as opposed to a store like Sam's Club, Costco, Best Buy, or Staples?
The owners of Juniata Computer are both graduates from Juniata College who worked with the college's IT personal for several years. We evaluate notebooks models to sell to students so that they will be the most prepared as they enter a completely different pedagogical atmosphere. Each year, we receive feedback from the college IT personnel as to what they recommend students entering college should be bringing, so the choices we offer are guaranteed to meet or exceed the college's minimum requirements. Large department stores aren't worried about those minimum requirements as they are only concerned about making a sale.
Juniata Computer also installs only trusted software and configurations that a student will need to be prepared for joining the college network. Department stores install "bloatware" on their machines that takes up spaces and makes the computer run slowly right out of the box. We reformat every computer before you receive it to ensure that the computer is only running what I student would need to start off their college career.
Finally, Juniata Computer customers benefit by having a trusted individual to call with questions or problems. We will gladly and personally answer any questions you have about the system before and after you purchase it. If you purchase a warranty, we will also gladly assist and facilitate and communication with the manufacturer to have hardware problems fixed as quickly as possible. No department store can offer the individualized attention and support that Juniata Computer can provide students during their college career... we guarantee it!
Q. What kind of warranty is already included with the computers available through the notebook purchase program?
A four year extended warranty is included with every Dell computer purchase. A three year warranty is included with every Apple computer purchase. The Dell warranty includes accidental damage while Apple's warranty covers hardware problems only. We provide the maximum amount of warranty offered by the manufacturer to ensure that the computer is covered throughout as much of a student's tenure as possible.
Q. I would like to order an accessory that you do not offer in your online store. Can you special order accessories?
Absolutely. If you would like to purchase a accessory or specific model of an accessory that we do not offer, we'd be happy to provide you an estimate for that accessory. To obtain a quote for special order accessories, e-mail info at juniatacomputer.com or call (814) 531-5185.
Q. Does Juniata Computer offer any other notebook options that are not listed in the store?
Yes. Juniata Computer can offer any Dell notebook to interested customers. To obtain a quote for a notebook that is not in the store, e-mail info@juniatacomputer.com or call (814) 531-5185.
Q. What is the difference on Juniata's site between "Recommended Minimum Specifications" and "Required Minimum Specifications"?
Think of these options as "Typical Specifications" and "Minimum Specifications." Because of the ambiguity of the term "Maximum Specifications," it is hard to use this term when speaking about technology. We try to provide a mix of "Maximum Specifications" (depending on the model and manufacturer) and "Typical Specifications" for you to choose from, as we understand everyone has a different budget. We will never sell a computer that is even close to the "Minimum Specifications" outlined on Juniata's site. We promise that any computer you purchase from us will be more than powerful for every student's needs throughout their entire college tenure.
Q. Do you accept any other form of payment besides credit card through Google Checkout?
Yes. Juniata Computer will also accept a personal check or cashier's check. If you would like to pay with a check, please call us at (814) 531-5185 to place your order. Please note that we place a hold on the order for up to 7 days until the check clears the bank. Once the check clears, we will proceed with ordering your computer and accessories.
Q. How do you determine when I will be charged for my purchase?
If you select that you would like the computer shipped, we will assume that you want the computer as soon as we can order it, receive it, install the software, and ship it to you. Unless otherwise specified, we will charge your credit card as soon as the order is placed. If you would like us to deliver the computer on freshman move-in day, we will wait until six to eight weeks before move-in before we bill your card and place the order. You must select the 'freshmen move-in' shipping option when you placed the order so that we do not charge your card and order the computer early. We always recommend that our customers place orders for immediate shipment upon arrival so that the student can get acclimated with the machine before their arrival.
Q. How long does it take for a notebook to ship?
The time it takes for a notebook to ship varies on how long the computer takes to ship to us so that we can configure it. Typically, the Dell assembly and shipping process takes 2-4 weeks, and the configuration process takes a few days. However, we advertise that the entire process, from the time that you place your order until the time the computer ships to you could take 4-6 weeks. Note that orders placed closer to move-in may have a longer wait time as Dell is flooded with orders for new notebooks as college move-in dates approach.
Q. When I make a purchase, how do I know that my information is secure?
Juniata Computer uses Google Checkout to handle and complete all online transactions. We've chosen Google Checkout because they offer one of the most secure systems on the Internet to process credit card transactions. Google uses secure HTTP with 128-bit encryption to ensure the data that you provide them is transported over the Internet in the most secure manner possible. To read more about the safety features Google Checkout utilizes, visit: http://www.google.com/checkout/testimonials.html
If you feel more comfortable providing your information over the phone, Juniata Computer can process your credit card information in-house, or you can pay using a personal check. To place an order, give us a call at (814) 531-5185 and we'd be glad to assist you in any way we can!
Finally, you can be assured that Juniata Computer will never, EVER sell your personal information to a third party. Once your transaction is processed, we keep only critical information necessary to maintain your warranty and support contract, as well as proof of sale. This information is kept on highly encrypted servers that are checked and patched for vulnerabilities on a daily basis.
Q. Does the warranty I purchase include non-hardware related issues such as viruses, reinstalls, and general troubleshooting?
No. The warranty that you purchase covers only hardware. If you run into any non-hardware problems, Juniata Notebook Purchase Program customers are eligable for a significant discount on our technical support services. We can also perform any hardware related replacements on your behalf for the same discounted fee.