Guidelines for Department Computer Purchases

Each Spring the University asks departments to submit equipment budget requests (on campus link only.) Equipment requests for academic equipment (including computers) are evaluated by the office of the Associate Provost. The Associate Provost reviews these requests following defined guidelines for upgrading and replacing faculty computers. Requests for administrative equipment are evaluated by the Assistant Provost and Chief Technology Officer.

Please note: All old computers and printers being replaced by new equipment must be returned to Information Technology Services (ITS) unless a request to keep a system as a "hand-me-down" has been specifically approved by the either the Associate Provost (for academic equipment) or the Assistant Provost and CTO (for administrative equipment.)

These guidelines are intended to help departments prepare for the annual budget cycle. The University expects that its computers will have at least a 4 year useful life. In order to help departments with their annual budget requests, the office of Information Technology Services maintains this list of recommended technology equipment for budget projection purposes.

Recommended Computer Specifications for Budget Planning

Macintosh Systems
iMac  - 21" Widescreen, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 4GB RAM, 500GBG HD, SuperDrive w/AppleCare - $1,268

MacBook Pro 15" Notebook Computer - 15.4" LCD, Intel Core Duo, 4GB RAM, 500GB HD, SuperDrive, Wi-Fi, Case, w/AppleCare - $2,000

MacBook Pro 13" Notebook Computer - 13" LCD, Intel Core Duo, 4GB RAM, 320GB HD, SuperDrive, Wi-Fi, Case w/Applecare - $1,275

External Backup Hard Drive - $90
Mini Display Port to VGA Adapter (to use MacBook/Pro with LCD Projector) - $30
Second AC Adapter for MacBook Pro - $79

Macintosh Software
Microsoft Office 2011 - Word, Excel, PowerPoint will be pre-installed on computer
Adobe Photoshop Elements - $50
Adobe Acrobat Pro - $65
e-mail, web browsers, and virus protection are provided by ITS,
See the list of supported software.

Windows Systems
Lenovo Desktop PC - Intel Core 2 Duo, 4GB RAM, 320GB HD,  CD-R/DVDRW, with a Lenovo 21.5" LCD Monitor - $950

Lenovo Desktop PC - A70z All-in-One Computer - Intel Core 2 Duo, 4GB RAM, 500G HD, 19" Display, CD-RW/DVDRW - $800

Lenovo Thinkpad T510 Notebook - Intel Core i7, 4GB RAM, 500G HD, CD-RW/DVD, WiFi camera, 3Yr Drop and Spill warranty- $1,800 
          *Thinkpad price includes a docking station, 2nd power adapter, drop and spill warranty, and case

Lenovo Thinkpad SL510 - Basic Thinkpad with Webcam, 500G HD, 3GB Memory - $700
Great inexpensive notebook computer. This unit does not support the use of a docking station but does have plenty USB ports and video out for use with a projector.

External Backup Hard Drive - $90

Windows Software
Microsoft Office 2010 - Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access will be pre-installed on the computer
Adobe Photoshop Elements - $50
Adobe Acrobat Pro - $65
e-mail, web browsers, and virus/spyware protection and PDF writer are provided by IT.
See the list of supported software.

Printers
The cost to print on an ink jet printer is very high and is not environmentally or economically sustainable.  Strongly consider printing to a shared network printer/copier before requesting an ink jet printer.  Requests for ink jet printers will be carefully review for 2011-2012. 
HP Deskjet Printer - $100
Lexmark E260dn Laser Printer - 40ppm w/duplexing - Great for individuals or a small workgroup not needing multiple media options - $250
Lexmark Laser Printer - 50ppm Networked Laser Printer for Workgroups with Duplexer, and Extra 500 Sheet Tray - $1,400
Envelope Feeder for Lexmark Printers - $260
500 Sheet Paper Tray for Lexmark Printers - $260

Lexmark Multifunction Printer - Scan/Copy/Print/FAX -45ppm for Administrative Areas as a replacement to an existing laser printer and copy machine - $1,800

Lexmark Multifunction Printer - Scan/Copy/Print/FAX - 50ppm, Workgroup device for Administrative Areas as a replacement to an existing printer and copy machine - $2,500
*Please call your ITS Liaison to discuss Lexmark Multifunction Printers for your area*

Accessories
USB Flash Drive for Mac or PC - 8GB (Dept. Funds) - $18
Scanner - HP Scanner for PC or Macintosh - $110
Memory
Macintosh 2Gb Upgrade - $75
IBM 2Gb Upgrade - $50

Please note: prices listed are not exact costs - they are for use in budget planning only.

For additional assistance with planning for departmental computer purchases, please contact your department's IT liaison (on campus link) or call extension 3900.