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 and great prices. Check out the Online Tech Store, email info@doit.wisc.edu or call (608) 265-7469.
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 computers must be purchased directly through the Dell Higher Education online store or by phone.
Before you buy, take a look at our Dell Recommended Systems for "Budget," "Standard" and "Advanced" computing needs.
Engineering students should review College of Engineering's computer recommendations.
When you are ready to configure and buy your computer use this link to make sure you get the Higher Education discount:
Apple
DoIT stocks and sells standard Apple computer system configurations. Purchase these in person at the DoIT Tech Store or buy them online through the DoIT Tech Store or the Apple Store for Higher Education. At the Apple Store for Higher Education you can also customize the computer to better meet your needs. Be sure to select “ College or university student” under Personal Purchases, and identify UW-Madison as your school.
Before you buy, take a look at our Apple Recommended Systems for "Budget," "Standard" and "Advanced" computing needs.
When purchasing online or by phone directly from Apple or Dell 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. Until April 2008, the DoIT Online Tech Store is restricted to orders shipped within Dane County.
DoIT is an authorized warranty service center for Apple and Dell. Enhanced warranties (WiscCare) are also available if manufacturers' limited warranties do not meet your requirements.
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 West Dayton Street.
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 Windows XP Pro, Vista Business, or Vista Ultimate Upgrades on DVDs/CDs for $72 to $89 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, modems, 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.