Package Contents

Overview

The Berklee Laptop Package includes an Apple Macintosh laptop computer, a 25-musical-key external keyboard controller, a USB audio interface, and software applications used in the core curriculum. Much of the software included in the package is pre-installed and configured for the Berklee environment. Updates to the included applications are provided free of charge while the student is enrolled at Berklee. However, this is only after the college has thoroughly tested and evaluated any new software release. In order to maintain classroom and educational continuity, changes are made when the college as a whole transitions to an updated version.

The computer comes with a three-year warranty from Apple which includes worldwide service and support from Apple Computer. In addition, support is available from Berklee's Academic Technology department via the Student Computer Support Center.

The warranty ensures that Apple-authorized technicians will perform repairs, and parts and labor will be covered for three years. The plan includes global repair coverage, which can be very important if you travel abroad.

Please note: items not covered under warranty include, but are not limited to:

  • Physical damage (breakage, cracks)
  • Liquid spills
  • Cosmetic damage (scratches, dents)
  • Damage or failure due to abuse, neglect, or inappropriate use
  • Extreme physical or electrical stress
  • Consumables, such as batteries and power supplies, unless due to defect
  • Loss or misplacement of the computer
  • Theft

Berklee strongly recommends that students protect and care for their computer as they would any other valuable resource. Repairs not covered under warranty can be very expensive. We also strongly advise students to investigate alternate means (personal insurance or other insurance) to protect them in the event their computer is damaged or stolen. If breakage or other damage occurs (regardless of fault), the student is liable for the cost of any and all repairs or replacement. Safeware Inc. does offer laptop insurance to Berklee students. (http://www.safeware.com/berklee")

Computer specifications and included software

The special Berklee Laptop Package for the Fall 2011, and Spring 2012 semesters includes the following:

  • Apple MacBook Pro computer (model MC721LL/A), 2.0GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, 15.4-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen display
    • 4GB (two 2GB SO-DIMMs) of 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM; supports up to 8GB
    • 500GB hard drive; 5400 rpm
    • AMD Radeon HD 6490M graphics processor with 256MB of GDDR5 memory
    • slot-loading 8x optical drive
    • AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (802.11n), built-in Bluetooth 2.1, Gigabit Ethernet
    • full-size backlit keyboard
    • multi-Touch trackpad
    • FaceTime HD camera; Thunderbolt port with support for DVI, VGA, dual-link DVI, and HDMI
    • One Thunderbolt port (up to 10 Gbps), one FireWire 800 port (up to 800 Mbps), two USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps), SDXC card slot
    • Three-year AppleCare Protection Plan Extended Warranty. Note: The AppleCare Protection Plan is subject to terms and conditions, which are provided on the AppleCare Protection Plan website at http://www.apple.com/support/products/proplan.html
  • M-Audio Oxygen 25 Musical Keyboard/MIDI Interface
  • Line6 POD Studio UX2 audio interface
  • Software products listed below while the student is enrolled at Berklee. This means that the student may use these software products while they are enrolled at Berklee, and get updates to these applications when the college transitions to a different version during their enrollment. (When they leave Berklee, students may continue to use the version they have at that time, but will no longer qualify for free updates.) Please note that the majority of manufacturers do not provide discs as part of the agreement. However, students are able to make a backup of the applications if they wish, and can also get applications installed at the Student Computer Support Center. Due to changes in the curriculum, some of these software products may change or be deleted at any time.
    • OSX Operating System
    • iLife (iMovie, iDVD, iPhoto, iTunes, GarageBand)
    • Finale
    • SmartMusic Studio
    • Microsoft Office
    • Reason
    • Digital Performer
    • Filemaker
    • KitCore

Throughout any academic year, Berklee anticipates that new software and updates to existing software may become available. Information on eligibility, obtaining, and installing updates will be posted on http://my.berklee.net and is also available from the Student Computer Support Center. It is extremely important that students regularly check Berklee's online resources to view the latest information.

Please note that the contents of this package are subject to change (modifications, additions, deletions) at ANY time. The academic and technology leadership at Berklee work closely with vendors to create a package that best supports the needs of students. However, purchase of this package does not constitute an agreement whereby Berklee is responsible to continue to provide any past products or services, nor a commitment by Berklee to provide future products or services.

Must additional software be purchased?

The Berklee Laptop Package includes all necessary software to cover the needs of the typical first-year curriculum at Berklee.

The purchase of other software is at the discretion of the individual. However, please note that some Majors at Berklee require the purchase of a Major Bundle (additional hardware and software to support the major). Some specialized classes may also require the purchase of additional software.




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