Purpose
This article is intended to outline the standard supported hardware models for end-user devices supported by USS. The intent of these recommendations 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 empowered to approve exceptions to the standard devices, as required. The products selected below were based on an analysis of the purchasing patterns from July 2016 to June 2020. These initial recommendations will be re-evaluated twice a year to ensure USS continues to meet the needs of our customers.
Supported Models
By choosing a limited array of supported models from a limited number of manufacturers, our goal is to allow technicians to become more familiar with the hardware they are being asked to support and to be able to leverage our vendors to provide us 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 warranty.
*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.
Models will change depending on the product cycle releases of the specific vendors.
Hardware Evaluation Notes
Jan 20, 2021: The EDM Team is performing it's first round of Device & Hardware standards review. There have been some unexpected vendor updates affecting the standard offerings currently being addressed by the EDM team
Apple's release of the M1 chip has generated a lot of interest. The EDM team has procured a 13" M1 MacBook Pro, and is currently testing it for compatibility with UO tools and applications. While no firm release to standards date has been established, EDM anticipates authorizing purchase of M1 Apple products beginning sometime during Spring term.
Dell has unexpectedly ended availability for certain palmrest options for the Latitude 7410 with the release of it's successor, the 7420 featuring 11th-gen Intel processors. This has resulted in early adoption of the 7420 to USS Standards. EDM is in the process of procuring and testing the 7420 for use in UO's environment. The Dell standard configurations are being updated to reflect the change.
EDM is also evaluating the Precision 5500 mobile workstation for addition to USS standards for use cases requiring discreet graphics, and configuration options beyond what is available with the Latitude line. The 5500 will be listed in the Dell standard configurations, and USS Device & Hardware standards once the evaluation is completed.
Links below are for description and detailed specifications only, pricing will not reflect UO contract pricing.
Windows Desktop
Dell Optiplex 7 series - current generation (currently 7080)
OptiPlex 7080 Tower and Small Form Factor | Dell USA
Windows Laptop
Dell Latitude 7000 series (currently 7410/7420)
Latitude 14-Inch 7420 2-in-1 Laptop for Business | Dell USA
macOS Desktop
iMac 21.5 or 27 inch
macOS Laptop
MacBook Pro 13 inch
MacBook Pro 16 inch
Recommended add-on: Dell Adapter - USB-C to HDMI/VGA/Ethernet/USB 3.0
Suggested Peripherals
Monitor options
Dock options
Other peripherals
Device Hardware Specifications
In order to provide a minimum level of service, USS has standardized basic hardware specifications for all end-user supported computers & 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 & staff productivity. These specifications will be adequate for the majority of office roles.
Base Standard Specification
Processor: Core i5
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB 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 processor, RAM, and storage.
Processor: Core i7
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
Custom Configuration
Additional specification changes can often be accommodated in the supported standard model lines (see below). 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 UO Acceptable Use of Computing Resources Policy.
Warranty
The following warranty options are recommended.
Desktops: Three-year basic coverage
Laptops: Three-year full coverage