Mobile Computing Program
Overview | Questions and Answers
Overview
At Bentley, the pioneer amongst colleges in mobile computing, the Mobile Computing Program integrates information technology across the entire campus and gives students the edge they need to compete for and thrive in careers in the information age. Now in its 22nd year, Bentley continues to set the pace for Mobile Computing Programs. The program provides a fully wired and wireless campus, business-class mobile computers, robust software, and seamless on-site services.
The Mobile Computing Program was developed and is continually refined with input from students. The current program is the shining result of contributions from 22 years of preceding classes.
Entering students receive a professional notebook computer that is good to go: fully loaded with the latest business software and network ready.
Students at Bentley have their choice of network access across campus and in the residence halls; utilizing wireless when on the go and plugging in when in need of higher speed access. Information can be accessed anytime, anywhere on campus.
On a 2-year replacement cycle, a program recommended by students, computers are replaced at the start of their Junior year, maintaining state-of-the-art technology throughout the undergraduate experience.
Questions and Answers
Question: Why does Bentley have a mandatory Mobile Computing Program?
- Uniformity in the classroom – Professors can prepare lesson plans knowing all students have the required software
- Reliable technical support – Help is always available
- Technology baseline – All students have a level playing field with more than enough computing power to be successful in their studies
- Placing a mobile computer in the hands of every student ensures Bentley graduates are technically savvy entering the business world
Question: What if I have a mobile computer already or if someone wants to give me one as a gift?
Please do not buy your own computer. Participation in Bentley's Mobile Computing Program is mandatory. The Bentley mobile computer is provided as a tool to support the curriculum. A standard platform for all students, with Bentley software pre-loaded, prevents configuration issues from distracting classes.
Question: How will I use my mobile computer?
At Bentley, you will use your mobile computer to create homework assignments, interact with faculty and fellow students, conduct research for papers and projects, e-mail friends and family on- and off-campus, organize student events, and receive important Bentley news and information. Computers are used everywhere: in the classroom, dorm rooms, library, dining centers, and outside on the grounds. Each student living on campus has his or her own network port ('port-per-pillow') in his or her dorm room. Bentley has also implemented the latest 802.11g wireless networking infrastructure across campus, including residence halls and classrooms. Students living off campus are strongly encouraged to subscribe to a local internet service provider. So wherever you live, you will be connected. With a mobile computing platform, the full resources of Bentley will always be at your fingertips.
Question: What other resources can I access?
- Wired and wireless connectivity across the entire campus
- Internet resources from anywhere on campus
- Over 75 electronic databases including Lexis-Nexis Academic, Factiva, Forrester Research, Euromonitor Global Market Information, Valueline Research Center, Accounting Research Manager, Standard & Poor’s Net Advantage, ACM Digital Library and Thomson Research.
- Specialized software from the Virtual Computer Lab
Question: What if I'm not experienced with computers?
That's not a problem. Bentley will teach you computer basics when you pick up your mobile computer. In addition, an introductory computer course (IT 101) is required and provides you with the essential computing knowledge you'll need. There are student consultants to assist you and a Student Computer Help Desk. Computing Services provides hardware repairs and software support. You will be amazed at how much help is available.
Question: What kind of mobile computers do Bentley students use?
For the 2009-2010 academic year we will distribute the HP EliteBook 6930p notebook computer with the following specifications:
- Intel Core 2 Duo T9600 2.8 GHz Processor
- 14.1” WXGA+ screen w/webcam
- 4 GB DDR2 RAM
- 250GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive
- 6 Cell 55W Battery
- 8 Cell Detachable Travel Battery
- DVD/RW drive with LightScribe
- Integrated Gigabit Ethernet card
- 802.11a/b/g/draft-n Wireless Network Card
- Bluetooth 2.0+
- Fingerprint Reader
- SD Card Reader
- Backpack with a padded computer sleeve
