We have a range of standard upgrades to choose from which we keep in stock – Click here to see our latest DSA Upgrade Offers. If you would like a quote for a model that isn’t listed, then please send us a link to the model you would like and we will see if we can source this from our suppliers for you.
Important information:
Before enquiring about upgrading, please make sure you have registered with us and sent us a copy of your DSA funding letter. For information on how to do this please see our page on How to place your DSA Order
Please be aware that if you would like to upgrade to a computer that is more expensive than the one that has been agreed for you by your funding body, then you will be asked to add your own funds to cover the difference in price between the computers.
Please note that the amount awarded on your funding body approval letter relates to your whole order and not just the computer. The amount includes other items (if applicable) such as assistive software, corresponding accessories, insurance, warranty, printer/scanner as well as any other equipment your needs assessor has recommended for you. To see all the items which you have been awarded, please refer to the quotations section towards the back of your Needs Assessment Report, or speak to our DSA Sales team and they will be able to go through everything that has been recommended for you.
How to request an upgrade
As each student receives different funding based on their individual needs, we have to generate a quote for each model upon request.
If you would like a bespoke quote for any of of our upgrade laptops, please contact our DSA Sales Team:
- Phone – 01604798070 (Option 2)
- Email – [email protected]
- Form – You can also fill out the form at the bottom of this page
Due to high demand, we can only provide up to 2 quotes at a time. Please allow up to 48 hours for the quotes to be generated and sent to you.
Our quote will include the full breakdown of any additional costs involved.
All your quotes will be visible and available to order on our portal once they have been generated – Please click here to log in to your account
If you have any questions about your quotes, then please contact our DSA Sales Team and one of our advisors will be more than happy to assist you.
DSA Upgrade FAQ’s
What can I upgrade?
You can upgrade any of the hardware items on your quote, this includes your laptop, printer and any other accessories.
What can I upgrade to?
We can quote for any model you would like. We have a range of Laptops and Desktops to choose from which we keep in stock. If you would like a quote for a model that isn’t listed then please send us a link and we will see if we can source this for you. Please click here to see our laptop options
How much will it cost to upgrade?
If you would like to upgrade to a laptop that is more expensive than the one that has been agreed for you by your funding body, you will be asked to add your own funds to cover the difference in price between the laptops.
Some funding bodies will ask you to pay a contribution towards the cost of the agreed laptop on your original quote. This contribution will be listed on your award letter. The upgrade cost will be added on top of this contribution – the quote we send you will show the full breakdown for you.
How long will it take to get my order?
We aim to deliver all orders within 10 working days. However, if we order a computer in on request, this can take longer due to the shipping times. We will advise of any delays as soon as we hear of them. Custom-built laptops and MacBooks can take up to 6-8 weeks.
My course requires a certain laptop, would DSA cover this?
The computer that you have been recommended will be powerful enough to run the DSA software recommended for you. Your funding body are unable to take course requirements into account when agreeing to computers, as the funding is based on your disability needs. If your course requires a higher-specification computer then they ask the student to cover the additional costs.
I’m not sure whether I want to upgrade, what should I do?
The standard laptop recommended for you is capable of running all the DSA software that has been recommended for you. However, if you have any other requirements you want from the laptop then you may want to look at upgrading to one which meets those needs. Please contact us by phone or email and we would be happy to discuss this with you and advise if we think an upgrade is necessary.
Can I buy my computer myself?
Yes, you have the option to buy your laptop independently if you wish.
If you are an SFE or SFW student, please contact your funding body to discuss this and they will send you a new award letter allowing you to purchase the laptop yourself. The details of where to send your receipts to claim partial reimbursement will also be on this new letter. They will be able to confirm the amount you are entitled for reimbursement before they send you the new award letter. Once you have received the new letter, you can buy the laptop you would like from the retailer you wish. Student Finance will not reimburse you until they receive confirmation from you equipment supplier that you have received the DSA software that was recommended for you. So make sure you send your updated award letter on to your equipment provider as soon as possible so that they can process the order. In most cases, we will still be listed as your equipment provider, but please double-check this on your new letter as this can sometimes change.
If you are a SAAS student you can purchase your equipment from wherever you wish, just make sure you send your receipts on to SAAS. If you would like something that is different from what has been recommended, e.g. a desktop rather than a laptop, please contact your needs assessor to discuss if this would be permitted before you buy anything.
If you have any other queries please contact our DSA Sales Team and they will be more than happy to help