Computer Loaner Program

Our Computer Loaner Program is designed to keep you working even when your computer isn’t!

When you purchase a notebook computer from University Computers you are automatically enrolled in our Computer Loaner Program.  As part of this new service we will provide you with a loaner if your computer has to be repaired.  The Loaner Program covers your new computer for the life of its warranty.  When you buy your notebook through University Computers, you can relax knowing you’ll have a working machine whenever you need it.  And not just any working machine – when you get a loaner from UC, you’ll also be getting:

• A loaner that you can keep for the entire length of your repair, available as soon as your computer is diagnosed.
• A loaner in the platform you purchased.  If you have a Mac, you’ll get a Mac.  If you bought a PC, your loaner will be a PC.
• A secure and protected computer.  Both anti-virus and anti-spyware programs will be pre-installed with the latest updates, so you can feel confident surfing the web and checking your e-mail.  We’ll be sure to have the latest Operating System security patches installed, too.
• Microsoft Office and the BU VPN client pre-installed to even further cut down on set-up time.  We’ve done everything to make sure you’re up and running as fast as possible.  We can even transfer your data from your broken computer to your loaner for a $90 data transfer fee.
• All the accessories you need to start working immediately.  A carrying case, AC adapter, battery, Ethernet cable, and external mouse are all included with your loaner so you can take your notebook straight to the library, dorm, or local coffee shop and start working!

The complete terms and conditions for the Computer Loaner Program are listed below.  They are also available for reference on your Checkout and Liability Form.  If you accept a loaner from us, you are bound by the terms and conditions of the program.

Terms and Conditions

The Computer Loaner Program (hereafter “Program”) covers all PC and Macintosh notebook computers purchased at University Computers for the length of the manufacturer’s warranty.  For the purposes of this agreement the term “Loaner” shall refer to a temporary replacement notebook computer. The Program does NOT cover desktop systems.  It also will not cover notebooks with service contract extensions purchased from a third party company.

• Loaners may be made available to customers upon the completion of the diagnosis of their purchased machine, which can take up to two business days.  Loaners will be immediately provided, if available, for any notebook needing repeat service (within 30 days of the initial repair).  Loaners will always be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
• An AC adapter and power cord, external mouse, Ethernet cable, carrying case, and battery are provided with each Loaner.  The borrower is responsible for the care and return of the Loaner and all of these included items.
• PC Loaners will have Windows XP, Office 2003, McAfee Antivirus, Windows Defender, and the BU VPN client pre-installed.  Mac Loaners will have Mac OS 10.4 “Tiger”, Office 2004, McAfee Antivirus, and the BU VPN client pre-installed.  Borrowers may install any other software on the Loaner at their own risk, but they may not erase the Loaner and/or install a different Operating System than the provided pre-installed OS (such as Linux, Windows Vista, etc.).
• The borrower’s data can be transferred to the Loaner by University Computers’ Technical Services for a $90 data transfer fee.  This may add additional time to the Loaner preparation process.
• Neither Boston University nor University Computers is responsible for any loss of data.  You are fully responsible for any data stored on computer equipment.  It is highly recommended that all personal files be saved on a USB Flash Drive.  The Loaner WILL be erased as soon as it is returned to Technical Services.
• Identification labels affixed to the Loaner, its accessories, or its internal components shall not be removed.  Removal of any ID labels may result in a partial or full recoup by University Computers of the Loaner’s value.
• Security Deposit: A $200 deposit and a copy of a valid credit card and BU ID or driver’s license are required to receive a Loaner through the Program.  Current, full-time BU students, faculty, and staff are exempt from providing the $200 deposit.
• Under all circumstances the borrower shall bear the entire risk of loss or theft, damage, or destruction for any cause whatsoever.  In the event of loss or damage, borrower will pay a flat-rate $1,000 fee to cover the cost of the Loaner, accessories, and software licenses.
• The borrower is prohibited from opening the Loaner or installing personal hardware (such as RAM, hard drive, optical drive) for any reason.  Removal of any provided internal components is also prohibited.  Please call Technical Services at 617-353-5556 if you are experiencing difficulties with your Loaner.
• If borrower experiences technical difficulties with the Loaner, he or she must seek repair or replacement at University Computers’ Technical Services only.  The borrower is prohibited from getting the Loaner repaired at any other service center, and any fees incurred by the result of such an action will not be reimbursed by University Computers.  This includes software support as well as hardware support.
• University Computers does not guarantee the provided Loaner will be compatible with any user-owned peripherals such as printers or scanners.  Any borrower wishing assistance installing any peripherals may go through Technical Services by paying the standard labor rates.
• If the Loaner is not returned when requested, you will be charged for the entire value of the unit, accessories, and software licenses.  Borrower’s original machine will not be released by Technical Services without the return of the Loaner, regardless of reason.  Additionally any violation of these terms and conditions may result in a request for the equipment to be immediately returned before repair completion.
• The Program covers a purchased notebook for the life of its warranty.  If the warranty on the originally purchased computer is voided (due to liquid spills, physical damage, etc.), the borrower may continue to use the Loaner for the duration of the first service call.  If the borrower does not FULLY repair the original machine to reinstate the warranty, the unit will not be covered under the Program for subsequent visits for service at University Computers’ Technical Services.
• Grandfather clause: The Computer Loaner Program will cover any notebook computer purchased at University Computers, even if the computer was purchased before the Program was introduced.  These notebooks must still be under manufacturer’s warranty.  However, the Program does not cover the notebooks purchased through the BU Dental School; loaners for these notebooks are available directly through the IT Office at the Dental School.
• University Computers may at any time refuse to provide a Loaner to any customer for any reason at its discretion.  No refund of any kind shall be given to the customer if a Loaner is not provided, nor is a Loaner refusal grounds for returning the originally purchased machine.
• LEGAL DISCLAIMER:  UNIVERSITY COMPUTERS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS OTHER WARRANTIES, INCLUDING (WITHOUT LIMITATION) ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. OR WARRANTY OF SUITABILITY OR SERVICEABILITY FOR ANY EQUIPMENT BORROWED.
  IN NO EVENT SHALL UNIVERSITY COMPUTERS BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR FOR LOST PROFITS, SAVINGS, TIME, FEES OR REVENUES OF ANY KIND, OR FOR LOST DATA OR DOWNTIME, WHETHER OR NOT UNIVERSITY COMPUTERS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.