Hardware Standards
Computer Lifecycle Recommendations
A computer lifecycle is the process of purchasing, funding, installing, maintaining, and recycling of computer equipment and associated software. Following the Physical Sciences recommended computer lifecycle improves security, cuts down on loss of staff disruption time, and promotes a predictable maintenance cadence, lessening emergency work tickets for the Physical Sciences Help Desk.
Physical Sciences Desktop Support Strongly Recommends the Following:
- Computers dedicated to full-time staff: Replace every 4 years
- Shared computers/labs/kiosks: Replace every 5 years
All Physical Sciences-ordered and maintained computers have a 4-year hardware warranty. Computers past the warranty period will fall under “best effort” support. IT staff will try their best to troubleshoot any issues, but if hardware fails or the computer is too slow due to hardware, a replacement will be prescribed.
How to Order
If you are interested in purchasing one of the below machines, monitors, or printers please work with your Department purchaser
Laptop Considerations
Screen Size directly affects battery life (the smaller the screen, the longer the battery will last)
Hard drive capacity
Memory capacity
Windows Computers
Dell OptiPlex 7020 SFF Plus (Standard model)
TEST
Dell Optiplex 7020 SFF Plus (Premium Desktop)
Dell Latitude 5450 (Standard Laptop)
Dell Latitude 7450 Ultrabook (Thin and Light Laptop)
Dell Thunderbolt Docking Station – WD22TB4

Apple Computers
Apple MacBook Air (Thin and Light Laptop)
$1841.06 + tax(includes $1,628.63 for MacBook Air and $212.43 for 4-Year AppleCare+)Supports one external displayApple M2 with 8‑core CPU, 8‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine13.6″, 2.7 lb, 52.6 Wh battery24GB unified memory512GB SSD storage35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power AdapterLiquid Retina displayMagic Keyboard – US EnglishTouch IDForce Touch trackpadTwo Thunderbolt 3 ports / USB 4 portsWarranty: 4-Year AppleCare+
Apple MacBook Pro 14″ (Standard)
$2,452.16 + tax(Includes $2,162.13 for MacBook Pro and $290.03 for AppleCare+)Supports up to two external displaysApple M2 Pro with 10‑core CPU, 16‑core GPU and 16‑core Neural Engine14″, 3.5 lb, 70.0 Wh battery32GB unified memory512GB SSD storage96W USB-C Power Adapter14-inch Liquid Retina XDR displayThree Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 portMagic Keyboard with Touch ID – US EnglishForce Touch trackpadWarranty: 4-Year AppleCare+
IPadApple MacBook Pro 13"16″ (Advanced)
Monitors
Dell OptiPlex 7020 SFF Plus (Standard model)
TEST
Dell Optiplex 7020 SFF Plus (Premium Desktop)
Dell Latitude 5450 (Standard Laptop)
Dell Latitude 7450 Ultrabook (Thin and Light Laptop)