Microsoft Lets Students Crowdsource Their Next Computer

Microsoft is launching a new service that lets students crowdsource funding for their next computer for school. As part of the offering, Microsoft is chipping in on the price and providing students with free software.

Targeted toward graduating high school seniors and college students, the service, called Chip In, is something like a registry, providing a selection of laptops, desktops, and all-in-one systems that students can register to purchase. Students create a profile for themselves, then publish (through Facebook) their call for contributions from family members and friends. Microsoft is contributing 10 percent of the purchase price.

Once the funding level is reached, the computer is shipped out to the student. In addition to the computer, Microsoft is providing students with a four-year subscription to Office 365 to the first 10,000 students whose computers are funded by Sept. 1. The Office 365 applications can be downloaded to up to two devices. The service also provides an additional 20 GB of SkyDrive storage and 60 Skype "world minutes."

The only requirements other than a Facebook account is a valid .edu e-mail address or some other proof of enrollment in an accredited institution.

There are currently 15 computer models from which to choose, all entry level or midrange in price (from a low of $404 for an ASUS 11.6-inch laptop to $1,165 for a 24-inch Sony Viao all-in-one). Other manufacturers include Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Toshiba. Two Microsoft Surface tablets are also among the offerings.

The Chip In service is available to students starting now and will run through Sept. 1. Additional details can be found at windowschipin.com.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • From Fire TV to Signage Stick: University of Utah's Digital Signage Evolution

    Jake Sorensen, who oversees sponsorship and advertising and Student Media in Auxiliary Business Development at the University of Utah, has navigated the digital signage landscape for nearly 15 years. He was managing hundreds of devices on campus that were incompatible with digital signage requirements and needed a solution that was reliable and lowered labor costs. The Amazon Signage Stick, specifically engineered for digital signage applications, gave him the stability and design functionality the University of Utah needed, along with the assurance of long-term support.

  • cybersecurity analyst in a modern operations center monitors multiple digital screens showing padlock icons, graphs, and a global map with security markers

    Louisiana State University Doubles Down on Larger Student-Run SOC

    In an effort to provide students with increased access to real-world cybersecurity experience, Louisiana State University has expanded its relationship with cybersecurity solutions provider TekStream to launch TigerSOC, a new student-run security operations center.

  • flowing lines and geometric shapes representing data flow and analysis

    Complete College America Launches Center to Boost Data-Driven Student Success Strategies

    National nonprofit Complete College America (CCA) recently launched the Center for Leadership, Institutional Metrics, and Best Practices (CLIMB), with the goal of helping higher education institutions use data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes.

  • geometric pattern features abstract icons of a dollar sign, graduation cap, and document

    Maricopa Community Colleges Adopts Platform to Combat Student Application Fraud

    In an effort to secure its admissions and financial processes, Maricopa Community Colleges has partnered with A.M. Simpkins and Associates (AMSA) to implement the company's S.A.F.E (Student Application Fraudulent Examination) across the district's 10 institutions.