Purchasing Recommendations

Computing Services provides help with purchasing computer equipment for your office. Submit a Help Ticket describing what you would like to purchase. Include as much or as little information as you know (for example a Mac or PC), but include what sort of work you intend to do on this machine so we may better assist your selection. Also, provide information about what software packages you typically use.

The computers listed below are moderately priced, general-purpose computers that are more than capable of delivering superior word processing, spreadsheet calculation, Web browsing, e-mail, desktop publishing, database and modest data analysis performance. These desktop computers can be configured as either low-end or high-end work stations.

What Computing Services Does NOT recommend

Computing Services has specific recommendations based off of years of experience with different manufacturers and models of computers. While there are cheaper computers available elsewhere, there are typically features lacking that make them less attractive to recommend to our user community.

An example of this is the Dell Dimension computer line, which is the home line available through the Dell website. While the base price is cheaper than the Optiplex line, once the computer is configured with the same features and components as an Optiplex, the price is typically higher than the business class computer.

Warranties

From our perspective, one of the most important parts of the Dell system is the warranty, which allows Computing Services to request parts directly from Dell, and provide quick and efficient service to replace defective components. The typical turnaround on these parts and service is 1-2 days, not requiring the computer to be brought or shipped off campus.

For Apple computers, we strongly recommend purchasing Applecare along with the computer, which extends the warranty to 3 years, and will cover all parts and labor charges for computers serviced at an Apple Certified Repair shop.