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Basic Configuration for New Desktop Computer Purchases

Below are general guidelines for new computer purchases.

Please see Macintosh or PC to see support levels for current configurations along with upgrade/replacement recommendations.

Intel-based PC

  • Desktop - Any Intel Dual or Quad Core processor
    • We recommend the Dell Optiplex series
  • Laptop - Any Intel Core 2 Duo - 2 GHz or higher
    • We recommend the Dell Latitude series
  • 2-4 GB Memory
  • 256 MB Video card - (Windows Aero Capable for Windows Vista)
  • 80 GB hard drive or larger
  • CDRW-DVD Combo drive (DVD ± RW Recommended)
  • 17" flat panel monitor + or 17" CRT or larger
  • Dell "Complete Care" 3 year on-site warranty
  • Windows XP Professional (32-bit version)
  • Surge Protector
  • Useful accessories
    • 3.5" 1.44 MB Floppy drive
    • Wireless card for access to URNET (for laptops)
    • USB pen/thumb drives

What's the difference between XP Home and XP Professional?

 University IT is currently testing Microsoft Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 – Click here for details.

For advice about current PC configurations, visit: University IT Computer Sales**

 

Macintosh

    Basic Desktop:

    20” Imac Specifications

    • 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB
    • 250GB Serial ATA Drive
    • SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
    • Apple Mighty Mouse
    • Apple Keyboard (English) + Mac OS X
    • Accessory kit
    • 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
    • ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT with 128MB memory
    • 20-inch glossy widescreen LCD
    • AirPort Extreme
    • Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
    • Apple Care
    Mid Range Desktop:

    24” Imac Specifications

    • 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
    • 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB
    • 320GB Serial ATA Drive
    • SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
    • Apple Mighty Mouse
    • Apple Keyboard (English) + Mac OS X
    • AppleCare Protection Plan for iMac - Auto-enroll
    • Accessory kit
    • ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB memory
    • 24-inch glossy widescreen LCD
    • AirPort Extreme
    • Bluetooth 2.0 + ED
    • Apple Care
    High End Desktop:

    Mac Pro: Specifications

    • Two 2.66GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon
    • 2GB (4 x 512MB)
    • 250GB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s
    • NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT 256MB (single-link DVI/dual-link DVI)
    • One 16x SuperDrive
    • Apple Keyboard and Mighty Mouse - U.S. English
    • Mac OS X - U.S. English
    • AppleCare Protection Plan for Mac Pro (w/or w/o Display) - Auto-enroll

Laptops

    Mid-range Laptop:

MacBook 13”: Specifications

    • 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
    • 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB
    • 120GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
    • Superdrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
    • Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English
    • AppleCare Protection Plan for MacBook - Auto-enroll
    • AirPort Extreme Card & Bluetooth
    High-end Laptop

MacBook Pro 15”: Specifications

    • 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
    • 4GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM - 2x2GB
    • 160GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
    • SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
    • MacBook Pro 15-inch Widescreen Display
    • Backlit Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English
    • Accessory Kit
    • AppleCare Protection Plan for MacBook Pro (w/or w/o Display) - Auto-enroll

For advice about current Macintosh configurations, visit: University IT Computer Sales**

 

** All recommended configurations on the Computer Sales web pages meet or exceed our recommendations.

 

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Last Modified: Friday, 21-Nov-2008 11:16:56 EST