Recommended Computer Specifications for Staff

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Recommended Computer Specifications for Staff

You will find a list of recommended desktops, laptops, and peripherals for staff computer purchases on this page. The computers listed here are fully supported by the Office of Technology Services (OTS). The estimated cost shown for each item is preferred pricing negotiated by UB with Dell and Apple. If a staff person has a unique computing need, please contact the Call Center for assistance.

Dell orders are handled by the school's business manager via PeopleSoft. Visit Procurement's Job Aids page for instructions. Apple computers are ordered through the OTS Call Center.

Do you need help choosing the best computer for you? Visit Should I Get a Laptop or Desktop? and Should I Go With Mac or Windows?

We've listed choices for general use and intensive use. General use computers are ideal for everyday applications, including Microsoft Office and browsing the web. Intensive computers are for power-users running resource-intensive applications, such as any design, database, or engineering applications.

Desktops

Laptops

Monitors &
Accessories

Desktops

The Dell OptiPlex is the recommended model for staff who need a computer in their office only. The OptiPlex model is a business-class computer known for its reliability. Dell's proven track record is a key reason why OTS recommends and prefers their computers over any other brand. Some staff may require or prefer an Apple computer.

The computers below come with the following:

8X RW DVD drive
Dell Quiet Keyboard and mouse
Internal speakers
3 year Pro support

If ordering a computer for a new employee, click here if you also need a monitor.

Dell quotes updated 4/9/18

Windows Computers	Small Form Desktop	Mini Tower
	A small size unit that can be placed vertically or horizontally on a desk or ground.	This unit is a preferred configuration if added internal storage is anticipated or desk space is at a premium and you want this on the floor.
General Use	Optiplex 3050 SF (Est. $800) CPU: i5-6500 RAM: 8 GB HD: 256 GB SSD* Media: 8X DVD +/- RW Graphics: Intel® Integrated Graphics eQuote:1012424924839	No recommendation available.
Intensive Use	No recommendation available.	OptiPlex 7050 MT (Est. $1200) CPU: i7-6700 RAM: 16 GB HD: 256 GB SSD Media: 8X DVD +/- RW Graphics: Intel® Integrated Graphics eQuote:1021644169117

Windows Computers

Small Form Desktop

Mini Tower

General Use

Optiplex 3050 SF (Est. $800)
CPU: i5-6500
RAM: 8 GB
HD: 256 GB SSD*
Media: 8X DVD +/- RW
Graphics: Intel® Integrated Graphics

eQuote:1012424924839

No recommendation available.

Intensive Use

No recommendation available.

OptiPlex 7050 MT (Est. $1200)
CPU: i7-6700
RAM: 16 GB
HD: 256 GB SSD
Media: 8X DVD +/- RW
Graphics: Intel® Integrated Graphics

eQuote:1021644169117

*SSD (Solid State Drive) speeds up overall performance compared to a hard disk (HD).

Apple

	iMac (27-inch with 5K Display) Desktop for best in-office experience. Amazing 5K resolution screen, no need for a second monitor! Base with SSD: ($1789) CPU: 3.4GHz Quad-core Intel Core i5 RAM: 8GB DDR4 HD: 256GB SSD Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 570 (4GB) Upgrade RAM to 16GB (Add $180) Upgrade SSD to 512GB (Add $180) Well-Equipped with SSD: ($2349) CPU: 3.5GHz Quad-core Intel Core i5 RAM: 16GB DDR4 HD: 512GB SSD Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 575 (4GB) Upgrade Processor to 4.2GHz i7 (Add $200) Upgrade SSD to 1TB (Add $360) High-End with SSD: ($3359) CPU: 4.2GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 RAM: 32GB HD: 1TB SSD Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 580 (8GB) Upgrade RAM to 64GB (Add $720) Upgrade SSD to 2TB (Add $720) Warranty: AppleCare Protection Plan (3-year) (Add $119) Accessories: Apple Magic Mouse 2 (Included) -Swap for Apple Magic Trackpad 2 (Add $50) Apple Magic Keyboard (Included) -Swap for Keyboard with numeric keypad (Add $30) Apple USB SuperDrive (DVD\CD burner) (Add $79) iMac (21.5-inch with 4K Display) Desktop for best Multi-user\Lab experience. Contact OTS for recommended options
	MacBook (12-inch with Retina Display) Ultra light-weight Recommended Configuration: ($1549) CPU: 1.3GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5 RAM: 8GB DDR3 HD: 512GB SSD Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615 Upgrade Processor to 1.4GHz i7 (Add $135) Upgrade RAM to 16GB (Add $180) Warranty: AppleCare+ (3-year) (Add $183) Accessories: USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (HDMI): $79 Wireless Mouse: $79 Extra 29W Adapter: $49 Extra USB-C Charge Cable: $29
	MacBook Pro (15-inch or 13-inch) Power user 15-inch with TouchBar Recommended Configuration: ($2599) CPU: 2.9GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 RAM: 16GB LPDDR3 HD: 512GB SSD Graphics: Radeon Pro 560 - 4GB GDDR5 Warranty: AppleCare+ (3-year) (Add $259) 13-inch with TouchBar Recommended Configuration: ($1899) CPU: 3.1GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 RAM: 8GB LPDDR3 HD: 512GB SSD Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650 Warranty: AppleCare+ (3-year) (Add $199) 15-inch (With traditional USB\HDMI ports) Recommended Configuration: ($2249) CPU: 2.8GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 RAM: 16GB DDR3L HD: 512GB SSD Warranty: AppleCare+ (3-year) (Add $259) Accessories : Contact OTS for recommended options
	MacBook Air (13-inch) Balance of portability and power Recommended Configuration: ($1359) CPU: 2.2GHz Intel Dual-Core Core i7 RAM: 8GB DDR3 HD: 512GB SSD Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 6000 Warranty: AppleCare+ (3-year) (Add $183) Accessories : Wireless Mouse: $79 Extra Power Adapter: $79 Thunderbolt to Ethernet Adapter: $29 Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter: $29 Mini-DisplayPort to VGA Adapter: $29

Laptops & Tablets

The Dell Latitude is the recommended system for users who need a mobile computing solution. Two models have been selected to provide a budget-friendly option and a lighter weight, power selection.

The laptops below come with the following:

3 year Pro Support
Power adapter

A desktop-like experience for the office is available by ordering a docking station and monitor. These items are not included in the laptop quotes directly below.

The Microsoft Surface Pro is our recommended tablet. It has the portability of a lightweight laptop and the processing power of a desktop computer. Two sets of recommended specifications are listed and all purchases should include a keyboard and cover, and a docking station.

UB does not have a purchase agreement with a specific vendor for the Surface Pro. If you are ready to purchase, contact Procurement. If you need technical assistance with selecting the best Surface Pro for your needs, please contact the OTS Call Center.

Dell quotes updated 4/9/18

	Budget Focus	Mobility Focus
General Use	Latitude 3380 (est $750) CPU: i3-6006U RAM: 4GB HD: 128GB SSD Screen: 13.3" HD Anti-Glare with LED backlit AV: webcam/mic Weight: 4.2 lbs Warranty: 3 Year ProSupport Compatible with Latitude Dock eQuote:1016499278138	Latitude E7480 (est. $1100) CPU: i5-6300u Processor RAM: 4GB HD: 256GB SSD Screen: 14" HD Anti-Glare with LED backlit AV: webcam/mic Weight: 3.4 lb Warranty: 3 Year ProSupport Compatible with Latitude Dock eQuote:1018884958696
Intensive Use	No recommended model.	Latitude E7480 ($1650) CPU: i7-7600U Processor RAM: 16GB HD: 256GB SSD Screen: 14" HD Anti-Glare with LED AV: Camera and Microphone Weight: 3.4 lb Warranty: 3 Year ProSupport Compatible with Latitude Dock eQuote:1022895665274
Tablet	Microsoft Surface Pro CPU: i5 RAM: 8GB HD: 256GB SSD	Microsoft Surface Pro CPU: i7 RAM: 16GB HD: 512GB SSD

Budget Focus

Mobility Focus

General Use

Latitude 3380 (est $750)

CPU: i3-6006U
RAM: 4GB
HD: 128GB SSD
Screen: 13.3" HD Anti-Glare with LED backlit
AV: webcam/mic
Weight: 4.2 lbs
Warranty: 3 Year ProSupport
Compatible with Latitude Dock

eQuote:1016499278138

Latitude E7480 (est. $1100)

CPU: i5-6300u Processor
RAM: 4GB
HD: 256GB SSD
Screen: 14" HD Anti-Glare with LED backlit
AV: webcam/mic
Weight: 3.4 lb
Warranty: 3 Year ProSupport
Compatible with Latitude Dock

eQuote:1018884958696

Intensive Use

No recommended model.

Latitude E7480
($1650)
CPU: i7-7600U Processor
RAM: 16GB
HD: 256GB SSD
Screen: 14" HD Anti-Glare with LED
AV: Camera and Microphone
Weight: 3.4 lb
Warranty: 3 Year ProSupport
Compatible with Latitude Dock

eQuote:1022895665274

Tablet

Microsoft Surface Pro

CPU: i5
RAM: 8GB
HD: 256GB SSD

Microsoft Surface Pro

CPU: i7
RAM: 16GB
HD: 512GB SSD

Accessories

Docking Stations	E-Port Replicator dock for charging, digital video, and USB/eSATA port support est. $120 Ideal for general use for connecting a laptop to a monitor, keyboard, the network, and for powering/charging the laptop	E-Port Plus with dual display support est. $155 Provides same features as the other dock option and adds dual display support and legacy port support.

Peripherals	Dell External USB Slim DVD +/- RW Optical Drive (The laptops recommended here do not have a built-in DVD or CD drive.) est. $45

Docking Stations

E-Port Replicator dock for charging, digital video, and USB/eSATA port support
est. $120
Ideal for general use for connecting a laptop to a monitor, keyboard, the network, and for powering/charging the laptop

E-Port Plus with dual display support
est. $155
Provides same features as the other dock option and adds dual display support and legacy port support.

Peripherals

Dell External USB Slim DVD +/- RW Optical Drive (The laptops recommended here do not have a built-in DVD or CD drive.)
est. $45

Monitors

Size	Estimated Price	eQuote
20” Widescreen Flat Screen Monitor	$130	703015795
22” Widescreen Flat Screen Monitor	$157	703015827
23” Widescreen Flat Screen Monitor	$169	703015877
24” Widescreen Flat Screen monitor w/ LED	$195	703015921
27" Widescreen Flat Screen Monitor	$235	705310826

Recommended Computer Specifications for Staff

Desktops

Laptops

Monitors &
Accessories