The Terrapin Technology Store, operated by the campus Office of Information Technology (OIT), was opened to provide students a place on campus to purchase computers, software, and other technology such as mp3 players and phones at a discounted price.
Sitting across from the Union Shop in the Stamp Student Union, its location has made for heavy foot traffic during the day, according to Assistant Manager Michael Hooker. The store itself is quite small, but is bustling on an average afternoon, from people coming to consult with the AT&T representative selling iPhones to students coming to look at the newest technology, such as the iPad which arrived at the store April 12.
However, the iPad has not appealed as greatly to the student population, says Hooker, who estimates about 50 sold since its release. With a price as high as $500 mid-semester, and little use for it, Hooker says that students don’t find it worth it.
“College students don’t have a whole lot of money to throw around, especially for stuff they really don’t find a need for,” he said. “But I’m guessing interest will pick up when iPad adds textbooks in the coming months.”
Aside from the iPad, Hooker says they do quite well with software and computer sales owing to their student discounts. He estimates that they average about ten software sales per day and 20 computers per month. U-Md.’s Academic Computers for Terps gives students and staff discounts on Apple and Dell products, and OIT offers troubleshooting and on-campus support.
“I think our educational discounts are deeper and more substantial,” Hooker says. “And our biggest advantage is the on campus support.”
Hooker also says the store tries to keep costs down by carrying older, “a bit more rugged” laptop models, configured to suit the needs of most of the student body.
Ciara Belle, a sophomore computer science major, bought two pieces of software at a discounted price, but says she used it mostly the design programs and operating software to benefit her hobbies, not her classes. She was pleased with the service and prices, but knew that it wasn’t effective enough for some students.
“The store fits into my budget well,” Belle says, “But a lot of computer science students could probably find ways to get software for free without the help of OIT.”
However, sophomore finance major Hanifah Dasti said the discounts weren’t enough.
“They make the extended warranty mandatory,” Dasti says. “Yeah it may be useful, but the price becomes too high for college students to handle.”