Purchasing

What Computing Services recommends
Computing Services can 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 whether you want 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. Common packages are Abobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office and Mozilla Thunderbird.

The computers we recommend are moderately priced, general-purpose computers that are more than capable of delivering superior word processing, 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 workstations.

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 at retail stores than through our Sourcing and Procurement department, 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 Dell computers. While the base price may be 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 any of our recommended systems is the warranty, which allows Computing Services to request parts directly from the manufacturer, 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.

How to Purchase

Computers and Peripherals: To purchase equipment, visit the Sourcing and Procurement website, click on the How To Buy link and select Computers, Software and Peripherals link. After logging into the page using a BU Kerberos account, you’ll be presented with a page containing information on how to purchase from any of our suggested vendors (HP, Dell, Lenovo, Apple). There are specific links on the right side of the page that provide details on how to log into the BU-specific sites to get academic pricing.
Software: For Microsoft or Adobe pricing, we have an on-campus vendor through the IT Help Center that offers substantial discounts on products from those companies for staff, faculty and students at BU.
For other software packages, GovConnection, also accessible through the Sourcing and Procurement site with BU-specific pricing, offers many software packages used on campus. If there are packages not offered through GovConnection that you need, please contact our office and we can help obtain pricing.

Non-suggested system purchases:For custom quotes for equipment from our recommended vendors, submit a help request with your needs and we will generate the quote.
For equipment from other vendors (Sony, Toshiba, Samsung, etc.), the purchase may need to be approved by Computing Services, as per guidelines established with Sourcing and Procurement. This is specifically true of purchases made by faculty seeking reimbursement.