Standard-issue computer equipment
- Ryan Drescher
- Roger Merrill
Technology Services currently supports and recommends the following equipment for SU-managed computers and peripherals.
When considering a laptop, we strongly recommend favoring portability and battery life over local processing power. The university has several options for providing access to high-performance/capacity computing. It is much more manageable and cost-effective to utilize these resources as opposed to a high-performance personal device.
- 1 Computers
- 1.1 Laptops - Windows
- 1.2 Desktop - Windows
- 1.2.1 Optiplex Micro
- 1.2.2 Macbook Air - 15"
- 1.3 Desktops - MacOS
- 1.3.1 Mac Mini
- 2 Monitors
Computers
Laptops - Windows
Dell Latitude
Ports
USB-A
USB-C (Thunderbolt 4)
HDMI
3.5mm audio
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
IT staff is more familiar with Dell products | Some reliability issues with certain parts (audio, camera, TPM security chip) |
Next-day, on-site service available | Heavier than Lenovo |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
Ports
USB-A
USB-C (Thunderbolt 4)
HDMI
3.5mm audio
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Very light and portable | Repairs and/or replacement parts may take longer than Dell |
More "premium" look and feel compared to Dell Latitude models |
Microsoft Surface Laptop - Touchscreen Copilot+ PC
Ports
USB-A
USB-C (Thunderbolt 4)
Surface connector (proprietary charging port)
3.5mm audio
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
ARM CPU offers much better battery life | ARM CPU may not be compatible with all software |
Onboard NPU enables AI features |
|
Desktop - Windows
Optiplex Micro
Ports
4 x USB-A
USB-C
3 x DisplayPort
3.5mm audio (headphone)
Ethernet
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
More ports - recommended if you have many peripherals (mouse, kb, printers, scanners) | Not suitable for frequent travel or work-from-home |
More stable than laptops, longer life | - |
Laptops - MacOS
Macbook Air - 15"
https://www.apple.com/macbook-air/
Ports
2 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4)
3.5mm audio (headphone)
Magsafe charging port
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Excellent battery life & standby time | Not compatible with some university administrative apps (OnBase client, Excel plugins) |
Ultra light, portable, no fan noise or heat | No on-site service |
| Limited port selection (No USB-A) |
Desktops - MacOS
Mac Mini
https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/
Ports
USB-C (Thunderbolt 4/5)
HDMI
3.5mm audio (headphone)
Ethernet
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Extremely stable & long life expectancy | Not suitable for frequent travel or work-from-home |
More USB-C ports - recommended if you have many peripherals (mouse, kb, printers, scanners) | OS not compatible with some university administrative apps (OnBase client, Excel plugins) |
- | No on-site service |
| Limited port options (No USB-A) |
Monitors
Option 1 (Laptop + external screen): A single, large (27") display with built-in webcam, speakers and USB hub
Option 2 (dual monitors): One new (24") display with builtin webcam/speakers plus one 24" pre-owned 24" monitor from existing stock
1 x 27"
Dell or Lenovo videoconferencing monitor
Videoconference monitor + laptop screen
2 x 24"
Dell or Lenovo videoconferencing monitor
Videoconference monitor + 1 standard 24" monitor from existing stock (Note: monitor styles may not match exactly)