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Standard-issue computer equipment
Updated Jul 01

    Standard-issue computer equipment

    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
        • 1.1.1 Dell Latitude
        • 1.1.2 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
        • 1.1.3 Microsoft Surface Laptop - Touchscreen Copilot+ PC
      • 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
      • 2.1 1 x 27"
        • 2.1.1 Dell or Lenovo videoconferencing monitor
      • 2.2 2 x 24"
        • 2.2.1 Dell or Lenovo videoconferencing monitor



    Computers

    Laptops - Windows

     

    Dell Latitude

     

    Ports

    USB-A
    USB-C (Thunderbolt 4)
    HDMI
    3.5mm audio


    PROS

    CONS

    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

    USB-A
    USB-C (Thunderbolt 4)
    HDMI
    3.5mm audio

    PROS

    CONS

    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
    image-20250701-142251.png

    Ports

    USB-A
    USB-C (Thunderbolt 4)
    Surface connector (proprietary charging port)
    3.5mm audio

     

    PROS

    CONS

    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

    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

    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

    USB-C (Thunderbolt 4/5)
    HDMI
    3.5mm audio (headphone)
    Ethernet



    PROS

    CONS

    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)

    , multiple selections available,
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