1.5 Ghz CPU
1.0 GB RAM
40 GB harddrive
128 MB Video Card
CD-Rom drive
Internal NIC (network card) if on-campus

3.40 Ghz
2.0 GB RAM
80 GB Hard drive
256 MB Video Card
CD-RW drive/DVD
Internal NIC (network card) if living on-campus

Suggested model to purchase Dell Optiplex GX620 with 3-year parts and labor warranty

Purchasing a new laptop PC for ~ $1,250

1.86 Ghz Duo Processor
2.0 GB RAM
80 GB Hard drive
256 MB Video Card
CD-RW drive/DVD
Internal NIC (network card)
802.11b/g wireless card (internal)
Windows XP
Asset Recovery Software

Suggested Model to purchase Dell Latitude D510 with 3-year parts and labor warranty

In terms of software, OIT presently recommends Windows XP and does not recommend Microsoft VISTA for campus machines. OIT has a site-license program for computers and we will update machines to VISTA once we validate all applications work with VISTA. In terms of add-on components we recommend you get the largest LCD monitor you can afford. We have found LCD monitors to be very reliable and the gain in productivity in having more "screen real estate" is worth an extra one or two hundred dollars over the 5+ lifetime we expect to get for a LCD monitor.

1.66 GHz Dual Core Intel Processor
2.0 GB RAM
80 GB Ultra ATA Hard Drive
Integrated 10/100/1000 Intel Ethernet Card
Internal 56K Modem
Combo Drive
Wired Keyboard and Mouse Set

iMac $1,199

1.83 GHz Duo Intel Processor
17" Display

Purchasing a new laptop Mac for ~ $1,799

Macbook Pro 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
15.4” TFT XGA Display
2.0 GB DDR266  RAM
80 GB Hard Drive
AirPort Extreme WiFi Card
Integrated 10/100/1000 Intel Ethernet Card
Internal 56K Modem
Combo Drive

Apple computers with the Intel processor provide excellent performance and versatility. These systems, while generally more expensive than a PC, can be set up through a 3rd party application named Parallels, to simultaneously run Apple and PC applications. In this situation, users can migrate to the Macintosh but continue to run specific applications not available on Apple. Apple systems provide excellent support for multi-media and have been found to be very reliable.