Computer Hardware Recommendations

Phone: 244-6053, email (User Services)

**Note that because of the nature of the computer industry, specific computer recommendations could be out of date very quickly. Therefore, these recommendations are provided to assist you in determining which computer specifications are right for you.

Also note that this information, although useful to individuals interested in purchasing their own machine, is geared toward departmental purchases, not individual purchases. CIO recommends machines designed for the work environment (e.g., certified, consistent components for better reliability, longevity, and supportability) and are, therefore, not always the best choice for home users, especially for users with a very restricted "short-term" budget.

Recommended Computer Specifications

CIO's Help Desk Coordinator recommends technology-related equipment to College of Education patrons, from computers to printers to PDAs, scanners, and anything in between!

Since technology and vendor pricing change so quickly, CIO recommends you call User Services
at 244-6053 to request a recommendation that suits your needs.

If you would like a recommendation on technology other than computers, call User Services and ask to speak directly with Jeremy Jones, User Services Coordinator.

PC Desktop Computers

To maintain consistent support and provide the highest-quality computers to the College, CIO will support the OptiPlex line of Dell desktop PCs, which are built for business-level computer environments. Their lifecycle is longer than the Dell Dimension line of PCs, and they require fewer hours of hardware support.

Recommended Dell OptiPlex Minimum Specifications:

- Optiplex 980 mini-tower

- Core i5 processor

- 4GB of DDR3 memory

- 128MB graphics card

- 22" widescreen monitor

 

PC Laptop Computers

As with the Dell OptiPlexes, Dell's Latitude notebooks are better built for business-end computing. On occasions, CIO's Help Desk Coordinator will recommend Dell Inspirons and other Vendor notebooks, such as Sony Vaios and Toshiba Tablet PCs. For these special requests, please contact CIO Help Desk at   244-6053 and ask to speak directly with Jeremy Jones.

Recommended Dell Latitude Minimum Specifications:

- Core i5 processor

- 4GB of DDR3 memory

- 128MB dedicated graphics card

Things of Note Regarding PC Laptops:

• Portability vs. Functionality: Before you purchase a laptop, be sure to consider how often you'll be travelling with the device. If you're a frequent traveler, you might want to buy a lightweight notebook that weighs under 4 pounds. Ultra-light laptops can weigh as little as 2 pounds! But be aware, these ultra-portable machines generally don't include all the peripherals you mayneed built into the machine. Sometimes, the CD or DVD drive is external to the laptop itself, and the machine might not have as many USB ports as its heavier laptop brethren. If you'd like more bang for your buck (i.e., a desktop replacement-style laptop), you might want to buy a notebook that weighs anywhere from 6-8 pounds but includes all the peripherals you'd need built into the laptop itself.
• Services & Warranties: As a general rule, you should purchase a minimum three-year warranty on your laptop. This warranty should include what is known as "complete care," too. Complete care means that, if anything on the computer were to break, the manufacturer must replace or fix that part--no questions asked. This includes damage to the computer that was inflicted by the user or a third party, such as accidentally dropping the machine or an airport scanner cracking the case. An extended warranty with complete care generally costs around $300 or more, but in the lifecycle of your machine, the coverage definitely is worth the cost!

 

Macintosh Desktop Computers Minimum Specifications

- Core i3 processor

- 4GB of DDR3 memory

- 256MB graphics card

 

Macintosh Laptop Computers Minimum Specifications

- Core 2 Duo

- 4GB of DDR3 memory

- Intel 320 graphics

 

Things of Note Regarding Mac Laptops:

• AppleCare Protection (Extended Warranty): As with all portable computers, it is a good idea to purchase an extended warranty to cover failed hardware for up to three years. Apple's extended warranty service, AppleCare Protection Plan, covers three years of hardware support and costs $183.00 to $239.00. You can select to auto-enroll with or without a display (external monitor).
  

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General Guidelines

• Processor: Buy the latest generation CPU (Central Processing Unit) regardless of the type of work you do to reduce the likelihood of having to upgrade hardware when you upgrade software. You also run the risk of *current* software running slowly on lower-end processors.
• Form Factor: Towers with larger monitors (22"-27") are highly recommended because of their better ergonomics. The middle of any monitor should be ~4" below eye-level. Monitors often are placed too high when they're set on top of desktop PCs.
• Laptop or Desktop? If you need speed or wish to upgrade your computer in the future, stick with a desktop computer for the most *bang for your buck.* If mobility is a key factor, consider buying a laptop and an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. You might also consider a docking station for easy connecting and disconnecting of your computer peripherals.
  It also is important to note that laptop computers are well-equipped to handle your everyday technology needs and can be used as your primary computer. In fact, many mobile users use laptops as desktop machines and simply buy a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to which they connect the laptop in the office and/or at home. This allows for nice file-storage portability, and you're ensured that your home or travel computer environment is identical to your office computer environment!
• Memory: Computer memory (RAM) is fairly cheap. Get at least 4 GB in a new computer. If you are a true power user, you will want at least 8 GB.

Other Current Recommendations

• Windows Software on Mac: If you want to run Windows software on your Mac, please contact CIO (244-6053). There are various options available, depending on your Windows software needs. For some patrons, CIO's terminal server will suit your needs. The two main options are Parallels and Boot Camp.  If you want to run Windows software on a Mac make sure your computer has at least 4 GB of memory.
• File Storage:
  • People should be encouraged to use the network for storage of work-related files. Our network servers routinely back up all data to provide an extra layer of file protection for you.
  • For those of you who must have removable, rewritable media, consider purchasing a USB memory key (a.k.a. USB flash drive). These small USB keys come in a variety of sizes and are relatively cheap.