The Help Desk only provides a loaner laptop if your device is actively with the Help Desk for software or hardware repair. If you are unable to use your device, but it is not being repaired by the Help Desk, you are not eligible for a loaner from the Help Desk.
Dell and Mac laptops are available for faculty and staff. Chromebooks are available for students. All loaners come with a compatible 65-watt USB-C charger.
Windows
Chromebook
No, Help Desk loaners are designed to assist you for a short period of time while your machine is being repaired. They are not designed to fully replicate the functionality of your machine. As such, they come configured with a number of applications and the Ricoh printers added, but you will be unable to make specific, administrative changes or install new programs. If there are specific softwares or configurations needed that the Help Desk cannot provide, the responsibility falls to your department to find a solution.
The Help Desk provides loaner computers and chargers to all faculty and staff who have a computer currently with the Help Desk for software/hardware repair. You are entitled to a loaner for all or part of the duration of your repair. To ensure that the loaner and charger are returned promptly and undamaged, the Help Desk cannot release your machine until you return your loaner and charger.
Your loaner may be used off-campus, but it first needs to be signed in while on campus and connected to the Brandeis network. The Help Desk will guide you through this when you first receive your loaner.
Your loaner machine is not designed to fully replace your current machine while it is being repaired. As such, you cannot back up your data and transfer it to your loaner machine. If you have specific files you need to work with while your machine is with the Help Desk, you can upload them to Google Drive or Box and then access them that way on your loaner. Once you return your loaner, it will be wiped, so be sure to back up any files you may have saved to it.
If you have files saved through Box Drive or \\files.brandeis.edu, those will be accessible via your loaner, and the Help Desk can assist you in accessing them.
In the event that a device or charger is returned damaged in some way, you or your department will be billed for the repair cost. If any item is determined to be broken beyond repair, you or your department will be required to cover the cost of an equivalent replacement or provide a device/charger of equivalent value.
No, the loaners are only meant if we have an individual’s device for software or hardware repair. The Help Desk will not rent out loaners for events.
The Help Desk will do their best to maintain a stock of Apple, Dell, and Chromebook loaners, but sometimes, due to high volume, a specific manufacturer or model might not be available. The Help Desk will notify you when your requested laptop is available for checkout, if requested.