New Program Offers Computer Financing

A new loan program created in partnership between the Duke Technology Center and Duke Credit Union offers payroll deduction for the purchase of computers, tablets and accessories at the Duke Technology Center.

All full-time faculty and staff are eligible to use the Employee Computer Purchase Program, which offers also offers financing for technology bought at the Duke Technology Center in Duke Stores in the Bryan Center. The store sells products made by Apple, Lenovo and Dell including popular models like $949 for a 13-inch Lenovo ThankPad 13 to $2,199 for a 15-inch MacBook Pro with retina display. Dozens of options are available at the store.

Each loan can be financed through the Duke Credit Union for $600 to $3,000 and carries an 8.8 to 10 percent annual percentage rate. Payback terms are selected to last from six to 18 months through payroll deduction.

“It’s part of the mission of Duke Stores to serve Duke faculty and staff and this is a way to break down a barrier to buying technology,” said John Gorsuch, associate general manager with Duke Stores. “It opens the doors so employees can fit the cost into their personal family economy to buy a computer for themselves or their children.”

In order to secure a loan, shoppers must follow these steps:

• Visit the Duke Technology Center to determine products to buy and a final cost. A staff member will tally a final cost and provide a quote.
• Bring the quote to the Credit Union, located on the first floor of Erwin Square at 2200 W Main St.
• If not already a member of the Credit Union, an employee will need to join, which includes a $25 minimum deposit in a Credit Union savings account. Member qualification is subject to credit approval.
• The Credit Union will then provide a check made out to the Duke Technology Center and the employee receiving the loan, which is brought back to the Technology Center to complete the purchase.

Gorsuch said that the full process, from start to finish, could be completed in as fast as an hour or over the course of a day.

In addition to covering the cost of a computer, tablet and accessories like speakers or surge protectors, the Duke Technology Center also partners with the Duke University Computer Repair Center to provide authorized service for in or out-of-warranty equipment.

For details on the Employee Computer Purchase Program, visit the Duke Technology Center website.