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 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, 8GB RAM, 1TB HD,  with AppleCare - $1,370
  • MacBook Air
    • 11'' Widescreen, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD w/AppleCare - $1,232
    • 13" Widescreen, 4GB RAM, 128 SSD w/AppleCare - $1,332
    • MacBook Air Protective Sleeve - $45
  • MacBook Pro
    • 13" Widescreen, 8GB RAM, 500GB, w/AppleCare - $1,450
    • 15" Widescreen, 8GB RAM, 500GB, w/AppleCare - $2,150
    • All MacBook Pro Computers include a case.
  • Mac Mini
    • Mac Mini, 8GB RAM, 500GB HD,  w/AppleCare - $768
    • Magic Mouse - $69
    • Apple Wireless Keyboard - $69
  • Macintosh Software
    • Microsoft Office 2011 - Word, Excel, PowerPoint will be pre-installed on computer 
    • Adobe PhotoShop Elements - $50
    • Adobe Acrobat X Pro - $100
    • E-mail, web browsers, and virus protection are provided by ITS
  • iPad
    • iPad 2 - 16Gb - $399
    • iPad with Retina Display - 16Gb - $499, 32Gb - $599
    • iPad Mini - 16Gb - $329, 32Gb - $429

  • Windows Systems
    • Lenovo Desktop PC - 4GB RAM, 1TB HD, CD-R/DVDRW, with a Lenovo 22" LCD Monitor, 3 year warranty - $1000
    • Lenovo Desktop PC - All-in-One Computer - 4GB RAM, 500G HD, 20" Display, CD-RW/DVDRW, 3 year warranty - $950
    • Lenovo Thinkpad Laptop - 14" Screen, 4GB RAM, 500G HD, CD-RW/DVD, WiFi, camera, 3 year Drop and Spill warranty - $1,600
    • Lenovo Thinkpad Laptop - 15.6" Screen, 4GB RAM, 500G HD, CD-RW/DVE, WiFi, camera, 3 year Drop and Spill warranty - $1,600
      • *Thinkpad price includes a docking station, 2nd power adapter, drop and spill warranty, and case
    • Lenovo Thinkpad Edge - Basic Thinkpad with Webcam, 500G HD, 4GB Memory - $650
      • 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.
  • 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 Services.
  • Printers
    • The cost to print on an inkjet 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 reviewed for 2013-2014.
    • Lexmark E360dn Laser Printer - 40ppm w/duplexing - Great for individuals or a small workgroup not needing multiple media options - $365
    • Lexmark Laser Printer - 50ppm Networked Laser Printer for Workgroups with Duplexer, and Extra 500 Sheet Tray - $1,100
    • Envelope Feeder for Lexmark Printers - $260
    • 500 Sheet Paper Tray for Lexmark Printers - $260
    • Lexmark Multifunction Printer - Scan/Copy/Print/FAX - 50ppm for Administrative Areas as a replacement to an existing laser printer and copy machine - $1,400

    • *Please contact your ITS Liaison to discuss Lexmark Multifunction Printers for your area*
  • Accessories
    • External Backup Hard Drive for Mac or PC - $150
    • USB Flash Drive for Mac or PC - 32GB (Dept. Funds) - $30
    • Scanner - HP Flatbed Scanner for PC or Macintosh - $20
  • Memory
  • Macintosh 2Gb Upgrade - $75
  • Lenovo 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 ITS Liaison (on campus link) or call 309-556-3900.