The short version: If you're buying tech for an Aggie this holiday season, start with education pricing. 12th Man Technology carries Apple, Dell, Microsoft and Lenovo at education prices that are already built into our online prices, no code needed. Current students, faculty and staff qualify, and so do former students. Shop online or stop by our store on the Lower Level of the MSC.
From the 12th Man Technology team, Aggie owned and operated, on campus in the Memorial Student Center.
Who this guide is for
Maybe you're a parent with a freshman who's been limping along on a high school laptop since August. Maybe you're a grandparent who wants to get your Aggie something they'll actually use. Maybe you're a former student yourself, and you're the one who needs the upgrade. Either way, the same question comes up every year around this time: what's a good tech gift for a college student, and where do you get the best price on it?
Here's our take, from the folks who help Aggies pick devices every day.
Start with education pricing
This is the part a lot of families don't know about. We carry Apple, Dell, Microsoft and Lenovo at exclusive education pricing, and it's already included in our online prices. There's no code to enter and nothing extra to sign up for.
Who qualifies:
| Who | Education pricing at 12th Man Technology? |
|---|---|
| Current and incoming Texas A&M students | Yes |
| Texas A&M faculty and staff | Yes, the same education pricing as students |
| Former students | Yes. Your Aggie discount doesn't expire at graduation |
That last row is worth a second look. Texas A&M was the first campus in the country where Apple extended the education discount to former students. It isn't the only campus anymore, but it's still an Aggie benefit, and all former students remain eligible through 12th Man Technology. Former students can order online and have it shipped anywhere in the US.
Gift ideas, from big to small
A laptop configured for their major
A laptop is the big one, and it's the gift that gets used every single day. The tricky part is that different colleges have different requirements, and a laptop that's perfect for one major can be wrong for another. That's why we built Shop by Major: you pick their college, and we point you to a device configured to meet its requirements. You can shop MacBooks, Dell, Microsoft Surface and Lenovo ThinkPad models.
If you're not sure what they need, email us at MSC@12thmantechnology.com and our team will help you pick the right setup, or put together a custom build.
A tablet for notes and reading
An iPad is a popular pick for students who like to handwrite notes, mark up readings or just have something lighter than a laptop to carry across campus. We carry iPads at education pricing too.
Apple Watch
For the student who's always running from one side of campus to the other, Apple Watch is an easy win. It's one of the categories you can shop directly in our store.
AirPods and audio
Library hours, long walks to class, the bus. AirPods and other audio from brands like Skullcandy make a great stocking-size gift.
Accessories
A Magic Mouse, a display for their desk, a case or a charger. Small, useful and easy to wrap. Browse the accessories and display categories in the store.
Gift cards
Not sure what they want? A 12th Man Technology gift card lets your Aggie pick it out themselves.
Protect the gift
A new laptop and a college backpack don't always get along. Our protection plans include 1-year and 3-year manufacturer coverage and a Safeware add-on for accidental damage, which covers things like cracked screens, spills and power surges. There are six plan options with a $0 deductible. Plans can be added when you buy, or you can ask us about adding coverage to a device you already have.
Trade in the old one
If your student is upgrading, their old device may be worth something. Get an estimate online, bring the device to the MSC store or our Service Center for inspection, and then put the trade-in value toward the new device or take it as store credit.
Why buy from 12th Man Technology instead of a big box store
You can buy a laptop a lot of places. Here's what's different about buying it on campus:
- We're the only on-campus technology store at Texas A&M. If something goes wrong in April, help is a walk away, not a drive across town.
- We're an authorized service provider for Apple, Dell, Lenovo and Microsoft Surface, and most repairs are done right here.
- Loaners and priority repairs. Laptop loaners are free to students checking in a device purchased from 12th Man Technology, and repairs are prioritized when checked in. We always offer a free iPhone loaner during repair. Laptop loaners can be rented during repair for those who don't qualify for free. All are subject to availability, Terms apply.
- Good Bull Rewards. Earn points on every purchase and unlock members-only promos and giveaways.
- Aggie owned and operated. We employ 20+ Texas A&M students, and a portion of every purchase is returned to Texas A&M and reinvested in student services.
Here's what one customer said after a visit:
"I had such a great experience here. Shamar and his associate were so incredibly patient, helpful, and kind. They helped me for an hour and a half and I never once felt that they were rushing me or trying to get rid of me."
Katherine Holloway
Holiday tech gift FAQs
Do I need a code for education pricing?
No. Education pricing on Apple, Dell, Microsoft and Lenovo is already included in our online prices.
Can former students get education pricing?
Yes. All former students remain eligible for educational pricing through 12th Man Technology, and you can order online and ship anywhere in the US.
Do faculty and staff get the same pricing?
Yes. Texas A&M faculty and staff receive the same exclusive education pricing as students.
Which laptop should I get for my student's major?
Use Shop by Major to find a device configured for their college's requirements, or email MSC@12thmantechnology.com and we'll help.
Can I add a protection plan to a gift?
Yes. You can add a plan at purchase, or contact us about adding coverage to an existing device.
Do I need an appointment to shop or get help?
No. Walk in any time during business hours at the MSC store or the Service Center.
Find the right gift
Shop online any time, or stop by the store on the Lower Level of the MSC, 275 Joe Routt Blvd. Have a question? Text is the fastest way to reach us: (979) 314-0537, option 1 for products.
