Purpose
This article is intended to outline the approved standard hardware models for end-user devices supported by User Support Services (USS), part of Information Services. The intent of establishing standard hardware models is to capitalize on volume pricing, streamline operations, and allow technicians to work with a more limited scope of devices and develop expertise in their support. This will result in better value for the university and a better technical and customer support experience for customers.
It is understood that the selected models may not meet the business requirements for all use cases. Associate directors are encouraged to request exceptions to the standard configurations, as required. The products selected below are based on an analysis of current and historical purchasing patterns. USS device and hardware standards undergo continual evaluation to ensure they continue to meet the needs of UO faculty and staff. All computers purchased with UO funds will be subject to management under USS Managed Computer Information, including the University Minimum Security Controls Standard, and Endpoint Management Standard.
Supported Models
By standardizing a limited number of supported models from a limited number of manufacturers, technicians are enabled to become more familiar with the hardware they are tasked to support and to be able to leverage UO vendors to provide the best possible price. Standardization simplifies deployment, troubleshooting, repair, and warranty work and allows us to more quickly serve our customers. By choosing the enterprise product lines we ensure the vendors will support those devices for 5+ years and keep parts and replacements in stock to satisfy our duty cycle requirements.
Apple's M3 line of products have been authorized for purchase, and are available for ordering. Customization for additional storage and/or memory is available; pricing will be quoted for approval during the ordering process.
*MacBook Pro M2 & M3 External Display Support: MacBook Pro M2 & M3 non-Pro/Max processors only support one external monitor. If your use case relies on more than 1 external monitor, please select either one of the Pro or Max equipped systems, or a single large external monitor. USS does not recommend using DisplayLink docks to achieve multiple monitors for M2 & M3-equipped computers. Apple has previously broken use of DisplayLink with an update, taking several months to resolve the issue. In use, DisplayLink is seen to deliver sub par video performance as it relies on a software driven video card. USS always recommends a single large external monitor, rather than relying on a DisplayLink workaround.
**A note on Surface Devices: Microsoft Surface devices have been an often-ordered product supported on campus for a number of years. Unfortunately, the Surface Device support structure is very limited when compared to its competitors. Simple warranty claims are not resolved in a time frame to minimize disruptions to production, and a clear escalation process for these devices is not provided by Microsoft. For this reason, we are moving forward with Dell's Latitude 7400 series to fill the increasingly popular tablet/slate form factor with an enterprise-ready 2-in-1 laptop.
New Model Availability
As computer vendors release new models, there will be a delay in their availability for purchase. USS acquires new models as they are released to evaluate, and validate compatibility with UO systems and security requirements. Once validation is complete, approved models are listed as USS Standard Hardware and are made available for purchase by UO departments and business units. For updates on the validation of new models, reference the Hardware Evaluation and Availability Notes below.
Hardware Evaluation and Availability Notes
November 2023 Updates
Apple has announced the next-generation M3 line of products. USS has completed testing, and has authorized the M3 line of products for purchase. In a change necessitated by Apple's cancellation of the MacBook Pro 13 line, USS is authorizing the MacBook Air 13” M2 to replace the discontinued 13” MacBook Pro in standards.
The standards line up consists of:
MacBook Air M2 13” 8GB 512GB
MacBook Pro 14” M3 Pro 16GB 512GB
MacBook Pro 16” M3 Pro 16GB 512GB
iMac 24” M3 16GB 512GB
Mac mini M2 8GB 512GB
Descriptions and Specifications
Links below are for description and specification options only, pricing will not reflect UO contract pricing. Detailed product quotes and specifications with current UO pricing may be referenced in the Attachments section on the right side of this webpage. Pricing does change more frequently than we can update the PDFs, but it should give a good estimate. Requests are quoted and departments are charged at the full educational price, approved during the order process. Any subsidies to be applied to requests are applied to the full educational price. The full educational prices quoted are subject to change by vendors at any time.
Windows Desktop
Windows Laptop
macOS Desktop (Apple Silicon)
Apple Education Pricing and Student Discounts Configurator
* Recommended monitors - Dell UltraSharp 27 4K USB-C Hub Monitor - U2723QE, Apple Studio Display
macOS Laptop (Apple Silicon)
* Recommended add-on: Dell 6-in-1 USB-C Multiport Adapter - DA305
Suggested Peripherals
Note: Supply chain challenges continue to create sporadic shortages of in-stock Thunderbolt docks, monitors, and other peripherals. Please take these circumstances into account when requesting/inquiring about peripheral purchases. Compatible docks & other peripherals from other vendors may be available with shorter lead times, and will be recommended as needed.
Monitor Options
See attached Dell Monitor Availability pdfs for pricing and estimated ship dates.
Dock Options
- Dell Thunderbolt Dock – WD22TB4 (Windows and macOS compatible - please note, M1 or M2 Macs without a PRO or better processor can only leverage 1 external monitor, regardless of dock)
Other Peripherals
Device Hardware Specifications
In order to provide a minimally acceptable level of performance, USS has standardized basic hardware specifications for all end-user-supported computers and recommended peripherals. Adequate processor power, memory, and storage are key to a machine that will have a long operating life and provide users with the best experience. Machines that are sluggish or constantly out of hard disk space are a support burden on IT and hinder faculty and staff productivity. These specifications will be adequate for the majority of office roles.
Base Standard Specification
- Processor: Intel Core i5 (M1/M2 for Apple products) - For Windows, vPro-enabled processors are required.
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
Performance Standard Specification
For users with more varied workloads that require additional performance to complete, we also offer a standard performance option. This upgrades the processor, and RAM.
- Processor: Intel Core i7 (M2 Pro for Apple Products) - For Windows, vPro-enabled processors are required.
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
Custom Configuration
Additional specification changes can often be accommodated in the supported standard model lines. Exceptions outside of the standard models should have a clear business need, confirmed and accepted by the appropriate Associate Director of the supporting USS IT unit, and adhere to the USS Managed Computer Information and UO Acceptable Use of Computing Resources Policy.
Dual-Boot or Device-Based Virtualization Support
USS does not support Dual-Boot or Device-Based Virtualization. Dual-Boot or Device-Based Virtualization is software that is installed on computers to allow for installation of virtual computers/multiple Operating Systems. Products that provide Dual-Boot functionality or Device-Based Virtualization include, but are not limited to Bootcamp, Parallels, Virtual Box, VMWare Fusion/Workstation, Hyper-V for Windows 10.
The most commonly requested configuration is options for running Windows on macOS devices. This scenario is especially problematic for several reasons, but it is clear it is not a sustainable workflow as Apple has switched to the ARM platform with Apple Silicon architecture and is transitioning all their products away from Intel. Windows for ARM is not available for purchase by our institution. The University of Oregon cannot license or install Windows on macOS devices.
Devices in dual-boot or virtualized configurations cannot be effectively managed and secured, do not comply with the ISO Minimum Security Controls, and present licensing challenges that in many cases cannot be appropriately licensed per our agreements with software vendors. There are performance and functionality impacts that provide an inferior user experience and drive up support costs for the organization.
We encourage all users who need to use both macOS and Windows devices to consider workflow changes that do not include Dual-Boot or Device-Based Virtualization scenarios as there are significant barriers to their use.
Warranty
A manufacturer's warranty is required for all computer and device purchases. The following warranty options are recommended.
- Desktops: Three-year basic coverage
- Laptops: Three-year full coverage
How to Submit a Request
To submit an order, please fill out a Faculty & Staff Purchase Request.