Cavalier Computers FAQs

If you cannot find the answer to your question here, you can log in to your account and submit your question via the Submit New Case option, which is located under My Account. Once logged into your account, click "Welcome, Your Name," then select Account Overview. When you are on your account overview, click on the CASES box and then select Submit New Case. Fill out the form and click the submit button. See video below for more information.

The "Customer Not Found" error is due to an invalid Worktag entry. Here are some of the common errors:

• Be sure the values entered are just the value codes and not description of that component
• Be sure the Company value code is appropriate for your area. UVA_207, MC_209, or UPG_000 are the typical company codes.
• Be sure that all values entered are the UVA Finance approved values. For example, if you are using Location or Internal Reference, those are not for descriptions but are for the values defined by UVA Finance.

Click here to see chart of the FDM Worktags summary.

Yes, our prices will be affected by tariffs. The pricing shown for our products as they are for that day. While we work hard to keep low for our customers we are unable to avoid the impacts that tariffs will have our our products. We will adjust our pricing as they are affected the tariffs. It is best to place your orders sooner rather than later, to help avoid paying higher prices due to tariffs.

Cavalier Computers offers computers and tablets from Apple, Dell, Lenovo, Microsoft, and HP.

We offer academic/discounted pricing on our computers when applicable. All pricing you see in our store or website shows the discounted pricing. Discounts vary among manufacturers and products; discounts can range from 5 to 15 percent off the retail price when applicable.

Cavalier Computers can only sell to current University of Virginia, Faculty Staff, Students, and Alumni. You must have a valid current UVA ID and computing ID.

Cavalier Computers website enables you to order build-to-order computers from our website directly from Dell and Lenovo. You can also custom-build a Mac as well.

Cavalier Computers does offer a trade-in program.  You can go to our trade-in partner here and start the process online. You must bring your item(s) into the store to complete the process. You can also bring your item in-store, and we can process your trade-in while you wait. Cavalier Computers provides a gift card for the value of your trade-in that can be used towards purchases in Cavalier Computers or the UVA Bookstores.

Cavalier Computers sells new computers from the manufacturer.  We sometimes have open box return computers that we will resell after verifying that they are like new.  We do not purchase or resell refurbished computers.

Cavalier Computers offers several different delivery options.

In-store pickup (free)

Curbside pickup (free)

On Grounds Departmental Delivery: for departments only (free)

UPS Ground – rates apply

2nd Day UPS Air – rates apply

Electronic delivery: for select software only (free)

Unfortunately, we are unable to ship orders internationally.  We are only able to ship within the United States.

Yes, we offer laptop rentals. Get more details about our laptop rental program HERE.

Cavalier Computers accepts the following forms of payment both in-store and online:

• Credit Cards (VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX, and DISCOVER)
• Debit Cards with VISA or MASTERCARD logos
• Employee Payroll Deductions from current eligible employees
• Student Charges for existing students (requires your student ID number)
• FDM Worktags for internal departments
• UVA External Charge Accounts
• UVA Bookstore Gift Cards
• Cavalier Advantage

Customer Service:

• Most of our staff have been with us for 10+ years or more, so we have a love of the University and Institutional knowledge to go along with our product knowledge.

Service Department:  

• Loaner Computer while your's is being repaired (for a cost) – for Students, Faculty, and Staff Only
• Cellular Phone Repair
• Laptop Rental Program for UVA faculty, staff, and students
• Free Loaner Computer for CAV program participants
• Free Data transfer with the purchase of a new computer from Cavalier Computers
• An average of 3 – 4 business day service turnaround
• Ability to see the status of your repair online via our online portal

Employee Charge and Student Charge:

• We offer a robust Employee Charge program for UVa faculty and staff, allowing you to make purchases and have the payments taken out of one year at zero percent interest.
• We offer students the option to pay via our Student Charge program, which allows them to make purchases now and pay for them later.

Programs to Support the University's Mission

• Basing its retailing practices on the sound business and ethical principles articulated by the University and the Campus Computer Retailers Alliance, Cavalier Computers aims to meet all its operating expenses and those associated with its capital projects. It is also the goal of the Cavalier Computer Bookstore to contribute annually to programming and student organizations’ philanthropic works, all of which materially support student and academic life at the University.

CAV Program

• Please find out about our CAV Program for Students here.

Competitive Pricing:

• We offer academic pricing on all eligible products.
• The price we show already includes any discounts available for that product.
• We price match when we can.

Multiple Delivery Options:

• Free Departmental Delivery for Departmental Orders
• Departmental Dropship for off-grounds Departmental Orders (shipping rates apply)
• Curbside pickup for all orders
• In-store pickup
• Ship home for UVA Alumni who live more than 50 miles away (shipping rates apply)
• Electronic Delivery for select software
• Free Home Delivery for CAV Program Orders

Adobe only offers Creative Cloud as a subscription-based platform.  Departments may purchase as part of their VIP account here, while students may purchase the Creative Cloud Student License pack here.

VIP is the subscription-based licensing program that gives UVa departmental users access to Creative Cloud applications for design, web, video, and photography - all right on the desktop.  

Gain fast, easy access.
It's simple to sign up through Cavalier Computers and provide your faculty and staff easy access to the latest creative apps and services.

Buy only what you need.
You can purchase the complete set of creative apps or just one app, with or without services. To support institutions of all sizes, VIP has no minimum purchase requirement.

License an individual or a computer.
Named-user licenses provide individuals access to creative apps on an institution-owned computer, while device licenses are perfect for your classroom, computer lab, or training environment.

Always up-to-date
Licenses include updates to Creative Cloud apps as soon as they’re released, so your faculty and staff will always have the latest creative tools and features. You decide when to deploy these updates to match your academic requirements.

Download the Departmental Offering PDF file to see the latest offerings from Adobe Creative Cloud.
https://www.cavaliercomputers.com/downloads/Cloud2018.pdf

Named-user licensing

• Licenses for each individual user on their institutional computer with rights to install on two computers, one for work and one for home use
• Choice of complete set of Creative Cloud applications or a single-app option
• Online services and storage included

Shared Device licensing

• Licenses for each computer, rather than each user, with rights to install on one computer per license
• Only Creative Cloud All Applications available
• Online services and storage are not included

Step one
The department selects a person to be the department's point of contact for Adobe licenses.  This person will have access to serial numbers and download files for all VIP subscriptions for the department via the Adobe Admin Console.  This person visits this webpage to selectsNew Adobe VIP Customersand the completes the form to submit a request. For existing VIP customers will select Existing Adboe VIP Customers and place your order.

Step two
Cavalier Computers enrolls the department in the Adobe Value Incentive Plan (VIP).  Adobe emails departmental contact for confirmation of participation.

Step three
Adobe emails both the department and Cavalier Computers a Welcome to Adobe Value Incentive Program (VIP) message and provides a VIP number.  The VIP number is 20-character alpha-numeric “order number” and replaces the “Deploy to ID” that is utilized in Cumulative Licensing Program (CLP) order fulfillment.

Step four
The department may use the Adobe Admin Console to add named user licenses or ask Cavalier Computers for a quote or order of licenses.  Device licenses may not be ordered via the Adobe Admin Console at this time and must be ordered from Cavalier Computers.

Step five
Named user licenses added by the department are available for immediate use.  Device license orders take approximately 3 to 5 business days for fulfillment, as an email is sent directly to the departmental contact.

Yes, but note that subscription terms are one year, so Adobe Value Incentive Plan (VIP) licenses added afterward will be pro-rated in price and be up for renewal at the same time as the original subscription. 

Departments may opt to keep Adobe Value Incentive Plan (VIP) purchases separate rather than joined to existing deployments.  A new Adobe Value Incentive Plan (VIP) enrollment number must be created for all “new” orders.

You do not need to purchase the entire Adobe Creative Cloud suite.  You may buy individual title subscriptions, but if you need more than two titles, it would be best to purchase the entire suite; there will be cost savings.  Only named-user licenses can be purchased individually, and shared-device licenses can only be bought in the Creative Cloud suite.

The Student License Pack gives students access to the full power of Adobe Creative Cloud wherever they are, on any device, and at a significant discount.  Student License Pack is just $189 per year, and it provides students to All Apps that Adobe offers, which is a significant discount of nearly 50% off individual student purchase plans.

With Student License Pack, students aren't restricted to working on lab or classroom computers. They can use their Creative Cloud apps and services on their personal computers, smartphones, and tablets - and they can easily access and work on files across devices.

With all of Adobe's creative desktop and mobile apps at their fingertips, students can create amazing work for any medium and develop essential digital skills.  They can also use Creative Cloud services such as Adobe Portfolio and Behance to showcase their work to potential employers.

What's included:

• One Year Subscription to Adobe Apps and Services
• Desktop Apps and Mobile Apps 
• Photoshop CC
• Lightroom CC
• Illustrator CC
• InDesign CC
• Adobe Stock
• Premiere Pro
• Adobe Acrobat
• After Effects
• Dimension
• Dreamweaver
• Animate
• Audition
• Bridge 
• InCopy Prelude
• and More...
• At home use and BYOD support
• Adobe Spark with premium features
• Cloud-based apps including Adobe Premiere Rush CC and Adobe XD
• Adobe Portfolio and Behance
• Adobe Fonts
• 50GB Storage

License Expires Annually on June 30th and Renews on July 1st

Please feel free to contact us for more details or you may place your order at Cavalier Computers Adobe Student License Pack.

Your Adobe ID is the same as your UVA email address. Select the UVA Student License Pack profile when you sign in to your account.  You will not see your software if you don't select the UVA Student License Pack profile. Click HERE for more details.

UVA Departmental customers have two options for purchasing Adobe Acrobat.

Annual Adobe VIP name-user license. This can be done at HERE.

Adobe Classic - The Acrobat Classic product is designed to bridge the transition from perpetual license Acrobat to VIP subscription-licensed Acrobat.  

Adobe Acrobat Classic is an updated version of Acrobat desktop software designed to replace the older perpetual software versions. It's available as a 3-year term license, non-renewing, and paid upfront. Once activated, you can use it offline for the entire term. It includes all the features of Acrobat Pro 2020, plus additional enhancements, including a new interface, the ability to start a document, improved accessibility tagging, and more. It doesn't include Adobe Document Cloud services.  With Acrobat Classic, you have full access to PDF tools on your desktop only (no web or mobile access). If you want additional features and cloud services, you can choose an Acrobat subscription instead.

Once you begin your 3-year term, you can continue to add more Classic licenses at a prorated term and amount for the remainder of that 3-year term.  At this time, there is no information from Adobe about what might be available at the end of the three years nor information on how long they will allow the Classic VIP accounts to be created.  The initial license cost would be $190.80 per license for the 3-year term.  Over the 3-year term, additional licenses could be added at a prorated cost.

It requires a separate VIP console from the one you currently use for your VIP licenses, which means you would have to use a different email address to use your new Classic console.

If you are interested in this new Adobe product and would like to set up a new console for this purpose, please complete the form found at https://www.cavaliercomputers.com/adobe-vip to start the process of creating a new Adobe Classic VIP account.

The Acrobat Classic product is designed to bridge the transition from perpetual license Acrobat to VIP subscription-licensed Acrobat.  

Adobe Acrobat Classic is an updated version of Acrobat desktop software designed to replace the older perpetual software versions. It's available as a 3-year term license, non-renewing, and paid upfront. Once activated, you can use it offline for the entire term. It includes all the features of Acrobat Pro 2020, plus additional enhancements, including a new interface, the ability to start a document, improved accessibility tagging, and more. It doesn't include Adobe Document Cloud services.  With Acrobat Classic, you have full access to PDF tools on your desktop only (no web or mobile access). If you want additional features and cloud services, you can choose an Acrobat subscription instead.

Once you begin your 3-year term, you can continue to add more Classic licenses at a prorated term and amount for the remainder of that 3-year term.  At this time, there is no information from Adobe about what might be available at the end of the three years nor information on how long they will allow the Classic VIP accounts to be created.  The initial license cost would be $190.80 per license for the 3-year term.  Over the 3-year term, additional licenses could be added at a prorated cost.

It requires a separate VIP console from the one you currently use for your VIP licenses, which means you would have to use a different email address to use your new Classic console.

If you are interested in this new Adobe product and would like to set up a new console for this purpose, please complete the form found at https://www.cavaliercomputers.com/adobe-vip to start the process of creating a new Adobe Classic VIP account.

STUDENT PERSONAL PURCHASES

It is recommended that students purchase the Adobe Student License Pack instead as it gives them full access to the entire Adobe Creative Cloud suite at up to 50% savings.  Students can access the Adobe Student License Pack here.

FACULTY AND STAFF PERSONAL PURCHASES

Faculty and staff can purchase Adobe software for personal use through Adobe HERE.

DEPARTMENTAL/INSTITUTIONAL PURCHASES

Adobe purchases that are paid for with departmental funds can be done at Adobe VIP License.

Cavalier Computers offers a payment plan for current eligible University of Virginia Faculty and Staff, which we call the Employee Charge Program. Below, you will find a link that details this program.

Employee Charge Program

Below is a video showing how to check your Employee Charge Balance Online at www.cavaliercomputers.com. UVA Employees, you must use your virginia.edu email address to access your account online.

If you are on leave at any time, you are not eligible to use the Employee Charge Program for a new purchase until your leave is over. Examples of temporary leave types not eligible for new Employee Charge Purchases include temporary disability, full furlough, partial furlough, maternity, paternity, medical, etc.

Cavalier Computers is an authorized service provider for Dell, Apple, Lenovo, Microsoft Surface, and HP computer products. We can provide in-warranty and out-of-warranty service on these devices.

 You can receive a loaner if your computer is on-site with our Service Department for repair. You can rent a laptop if you don’t have a computer for service. Get more details about our laptop rental program HERE.

CAV Program customers are eligible for a complimentary loaner for the duration of their repair as part of the CAV Program. Non-CAV Program customers are charged $45 for a loaner computer for the entire repair duration.

You must return your loaner when you pick up your repaired computer. CAV Program customers have three business days to collect their repaired computer and return the loaner after being notified that their repair is complete. Non-CAV Program customers have one business day to pick up their repaired computer and return the loaner after being notified that their repair is complete.

Our service department works on a first-come, first-served basis.  While we accept appointments generated by Apple's appointment schedule, those appointments are primarily for device drop-off only unless we can fix the problem at the counter. Our standard service turnaround time is approximately 3 to 4 business days, which can increase or decrease depending on the service lead at the drop-off time.

No, you do not have to purchase a computer to get service from us.  We are an authorized computer repair center for Dell, Apple, Lenovo, Microsoft, and HP, so we can repair most systems from these manufacturers no matter where you purchased them.  We can repair Dell, Apple, Lenovo, Microsoft, and HP computers under the manufacturer's warranty.

Computers purchased through our CAV Program are the only systems eligible for a complimentary loaner should you need repair.

** Software is not covered by any manufacturer’s warranty

Cavalier Computers can provide repair services for most cellular phones, including iPhones.

Manufacturer warranties do not cover software. You will incur charges for any software repairs or updates during your repair.

UVA ITS maintains the UVA Wireless Network.  To access the UVA wireless networks, you must register your device with the University and get a digital certificate.  Click here to find out how to get on the UVA Wireless network.

You can check the warranty status for your Safeware, Dell, Apple, Lenovo, or Microsoft products through one of the provided links below:

Manufacturer Support Websites & Services

• Apple Support Website
• Dell Support Website
• Lenovo Support Website
• Microsoft Support Website
• Safeware Website

For first-year students, we offer a program we call the CAV Program.  You can view the offerings and place your order online at http://www.cavprogram.com/. Below are a few of the benefits that come with a CAV Program computer.

You can a computer that fits your major, that includes a four-year warranty with accidental damage coverage, and comes with the peace of mind know that it is built to get you through four years of college at a minimum

• A 4-YEAR WARRANTY includes an accidental damage protection plan covering your computer from spilled drinks, drops, and more.
• Windows Professional with Microsoft Office for PCs and Mac OSX® for Apple® computers*,plus access to Microsoft Office at no additional charge via download.
• Delivery options that meet your needs. We provide FREE delivery to your home. You may also choose in-store pick-up at Cavalier Computers (inside the UVA Bookstore).
• Free access to UVA software for data backup to the UVA servers via 1TB of free cloud storage with UVa Box and connectivity to UVA’s wired and wireless networks. 
• Access to UVA software such as Microsoft Office, UVA Box, Alertus, LastPass, Zoom, Remote Apps, and more at no additional cost via links provided in the Getting Started Guide
• Convenient, worry-free, professional service and support. FREE loaner computer during repairs.

All CAV Program computers are academically priced, and once you compare like to like, you will see that you are indeed getting the best deal possible.  CAV Program computers are each manufacturer's business-class model built with students and businesses in mind. Typically, once you add all of the SAME options and features and compare pricing, CAV Program computers come out to be cheaper or the same price, and you get more value-add due to our on-grounds service and because we are a part of the University of Virginia.

CAV Program Exclusives:

• Only CAV Program Apple Computers come with a 4-Year Apple Protection Plan
• A 4-year warranty option is not available from Apple or other retailers
• CAV Program Computers come with links to UVA Software at no additional charge
• Free Access to Microsoft Office (value of $280 over four years*)
• Free Access to UVA Box with a Terabyte of data storage (value of $384 over four years**)
• Free Delivery to your home or dorm room
• Free loaner system available should you need repair while on-grounds
• Warranty included in the pricing

The warranty also covers you while you are away from the grounds via the manufacturer.

 * Based on a $69.99 annual subscription for Office 365 for individuals

** Based on the Box Starter plan, which provides 100GB of storage at $7 per month

***updated 05/25/2023

Cavalier Computer does not have access to your scholarship or financial aid funds.  You must talk to your scholarship provider or administrator to determine how to use those funds to purchase a computer.

We order CAV Program computers in bulk; therefore, they cannot be expedited. We base our ordering on historical ordering patterns and emerging trends so that we can place our orders before you place yours. This method allows us to usually already have computers ordered or in stock by the time you place your order. We allow 3 to 4 weeks for delivery to adjust for manufacturing delays, parts shortages, and shipping delays, all of which have happened and are out of our control. 

While we allow 3 to 4 weeks for delivery to you, your order will often arrive shortly after you have placed it due to our ordering in advance. Once we receive the computer for your order, we will prep it for you within 24 hours and notify you of its availability or tracking information if we ship it to you.

Only CAV Program computers get this service.  We cannot and will not set up non-CAV Program computers to resemble CAV Program computers.

Only the CAV Program computers listed under the individual schools are eligible for the CAV Program warranty and direct access to select software. These benefits of the CAV Program cannot be added to non-CAV Program computers. While select software can be downloaded and installed from the University, we do not offer this service to non-CAV Program computers.

CAV Program computers cannot be customized.  The schools select the CAV program computers to fit the needs of the students in their programs.

Yes, we are an Authorized Apple Service Center.

 If there are fees, how much would those be? If you purchase AppleCare, the repairs will be covered by the warranty, but you will have to pay service fees for screen damage or other damage according to Apple's warranty. The most extended warranty from Apple is only 3 Years and does not cover fees (Mac: $99 for screen damage (or external enclosure damage), $299 for other damage.) CAV Program computers come with a 4-Year Warranty included, and all fees are covered.

 And would I get a loaner computer for free? Non-CAV Program computers are charged a $45 fee. CAV Program computers get a free loaner to use during repairs.

Also, do computers purchased through the CAV program come preloaded with any UVA systems, or is it the same as if I bought it through Apple? We do not preload software, as your UVA ID and password are required to install software; we provide you with links to access and download the essential software.

UVA students may use their student account to pay for their CAV Program computer. Your purchases will appear on your UVA account as a separate line item. The total amount due for payment is split into two with the first payment due October 31 followed by the remaining balance due December 31.

Getting Started

Step One:

Activate your Computing ID and E-Services password by completing the Responsible Computing Quiz at http://itc.virginia.edu/pubs/docs/RespComp/

Step Two:

To obtain your University assigned nine-digit number:

When entering your Student ID, please do not put in dashes or spaces.

Yes, we provide two options to pay using your 529 Plan:

• We recommend using your Student Charge account to complete your purchase and then having your 529 Plan administrator reimburse you. To do this you will select the Student Charge payment option during checkout. This will put the order on your student account. Once you place the order you can submit a copy of the order to your 529 Plan administrator, they will send you a check to cover the cost your order. Once you recieve that check you can login to your SIS account and apply that check your CAV Program purchase. This option allows for us to process the order and release it to you as soon as it arrives.Our CAV Program Student Charge payment option provides you with the option to payoff your purchase in two installments with the first being due October 31st and the second by December 31st. This time frame gives your 529 Plan administrator plenty of time to send your check to payoff your order.


• You also have to option to select the 529 Plan payment option during checkout. This options requires us to have received the payment check from your 529 Plan administrator before we can release your order to you. This method can somethings take longer due to the delay of the 529 Plan check arriving to us.

See more about our payment options HERE

Please allow up to 3 - 4 weeks after the date of order for your CAV Program order to arrive. This timeframe is based on a number of factors but most importantly on what the manufacturers have told us. We base our ordering on historical ordering patterns and emerging trends to place our orders before you place yours. This method allows us to usually already have computers ordered or in stock by the time you place your order. We allow 3 to 4 weeks for delivery to adjust for manufacturing delays, parts shortages, and shipping delays, all of which can happen and are out of our control. While we allow 3 to 4 weeks for delivery to you, many times, your order will arrive shortly after you have placed it due to our ordering in advance. Once we receive the computer for your order, we prep it for you within 24 hours and notify you of its availability or tracking information if we are shipping it to you.