More than 600 iMac Apple computers are expected to arrive today -- a week after Apple's promised delivery date, according to Associate Director of Consulting for Computing Services Randy Spydell.
The delivery had been delayed for unknown reasons, Spydell said, and has generated frustration among those on campus who ordered the new and controversial Apple product.
"It's ironic that the company that chose to capitalize on our purchase of their product have chosen not to deliver [the computers] on time," Spydell said.
The Apple corporation has included Dartmouth College on its web page for the iMac, and officially points to Dartmouth's purchase in press releases and media inquiries, Apple's Senior Manager for Public Relations John Santoro said.
"A 600 hundred iMac purchase is not the biggest order we've had but it is important because of Dartmouth's prestige in the computing world," Santoro said.
Santoro cited Dartmouth's comprehensive Ethernet system, its website resources and the College's "fabulous" incorporation into higher technology as reasons why Apple is so pleased with the recent purchase.
According to Santoro, the news of Dartmouth's purchase has helped Apple to secure an additional iMac deal with Stanford University.
Fifty upperclass students, graduate students and College employees are currently on the wait-list for the iMac, and more that 600 incoming freshman have ordered the computer, Spydell said.
The iMac is known for its characteristic blue color and smaller size. According to Spydell, some members of the College community have criticized Dartmouth for recommending the iMac to freshmen.
"There are people who are asking why this Ivy League school is using this computer when the whole world is using Windows," Spydell said.
But Spydell stated that many are excited about the purchase due to the iMac's powerful hard drive -- which is twice the size of the Performa model offered last year -- and to its low price.
Members of the Class of 2002 will spend almost $400 less than last year's class on the recommended computer.
"They are a good value for the dollar," Spydell said.
Though the iMac does not come with a floppy disk drive, students can purchase a connecting drive for $50.
A bulletin will be posted when the shipment arrives tomorrow for those who have ordered the iMac, Spydell said.
Spydell hypothesized that the Apple company was lax about the shipment's arrival time as it knew Dartmouth does not begin classes until the end of September.
