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.




Computers

Laptops -Windows

Dell Latitude


Ports

2 x USB-A
2 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4)
1 x HDMI
1 x 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

View on Lenovo's website

Ports

2 x USB-A
2 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4)
1 x HDMI
1 x 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




Desktop - Windows

Optiplex Micro

Ports

4 x USB-A
1 x USB-C
3 x DisplayPort
1 x 3.5mm audio
1 x 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

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Laptops - MacOS

Macbook Air - 15"

https://www.apple.com/macbook-air/

Ports


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/

image-20250624-135847.png

Ports

5 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4/5)
1 x HDMI
1 x 3.5mm audio
1 x 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)

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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)