Installing software and wireless network cards frustrate some students purchasing a laptop. Alex Dale, manager of the computer department at Spartan Bookstore, aims to make laptop buying easier and eliminate some of those hassles.

"The big benefit for students is no installation fees for support," Dale said. "We help them install a wireless card and offer support for the machine if they bring it in."

Students purchasing their first laptop have several options including Fry's and the campus bookstore. Each store has its pros and cons.

Dale said he and his staff are available to assist. He said another benefit of buying on campus is the staff's knowledge about the laptop requirements with different departments.

While the bookstore doesn't carry the entire line of computers in stock, a few of each brand are available, he said. Depending on which laptop the student is buying, there can be a wait from 10 days to three weeks.

There was an isolated case, Dale said, where the longest wait was six weeks, but it was on the Apple Powerbook models because they were introducing a new LCD screen.

He said the orders that took longer were during the back to school rush. Lauren Howard, an art major, purchased her laptop from the bookstore because of the convenience of being on campus.

"It was cheaper than going somewhere else," Howard said.

She said the computer department staff was friendly and understood the requirements for the wireless laptop initiative.

Howard was disappointed with the false information about receiving a free iPod in the mail after purchasing the PowerBook.

"Some stores sell their own warranty and want the buyer to extend it as much as possible," Dale said, but the bookstore works with the manufacturer on a specific warranty plan.

Other benefits the bookstore offers are financing options to pay for the computer. Dale said they offer their own financing through Spartan Shops and there are no credit checks.

"It's great for international students who don't have a bank account," Dale said.

Prices for the laptops are renegotiated every three months, he said, and close to December, prices might drop on some models.

Daniel Bassett, computer sales supervisor at Fry's Electronics, said his store is one of the most competitive when it comes to laptop purchases.

"We have supervisors that run the department and they go out to the competitors and check their prices weekly," Bassett said. "If they are lower, we lower ours."

The supervisor at the Fremont store said Fry's has a 15-day low price guarantee. If Best Buy or Good Guys has a cheaper price, buyers can bring in their receipt and receive the difference back.

"We have a satisfaction guarantee ... one of the only electronic retailers that offers 15 days," Bassett said. "If you don't like it, you don't have to worry about paying for a restocking fee. He said buyers dont need to worry and all they need to do is bring in their receipts and a full refund will be issued.

Sonia Montoya, a public relations major, said she purchased her laptop at Best Buy. "They had better prices plus three rebates," said Montoya who purchased an HP.

"They informed me and didn't pressure me to make purchases."

The sales team members at Fry's, Bassett said, offer their own time and experience to help the buyer out. "They give their personal number just in case to help you out," Bassett said. ÒWe want to make sure you're happy and you keep it."

Fry's, he said, offers the best selection of any electronic retailer including Fujitsu, a worldwide brand only sold at the store. They also carry HP, Compaq, Sony, Toshiba and Viewsonic.

Bassett said the stores policy is if doesn't know the answers, it will find out. He makes sure every question from the customer is answered.

Some students choose to buy directly from the manufacturer, eliminating the middlemen at the store. Lindsay Bughey, an industrial design major purchased her laptop straight from the Sony Web site. She said the Sony's were more reliable for design programs like CAD, computer assisted design.