Table of Contents
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.
Model Standardization
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 M4 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 and M3 External Display Support: MacBook Pro M2 and M3 non-Pro/Max processors only support one external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz. 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 and 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.
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
May 2025 Updates
Dell
Dell is in process of updating the entire enterprise desktop, laptop & monitor lines of products. The new model laptops and desktops are available for purchase. The current Latitude & Optiplex model lines are discontinued. Please monitor any recently submitted orders to ensure they are not cancelled.
There are major changes being made to Dell's naming convention; a guide will be provided to help with the transition. New models will be posted to the Supported Hardware Models section below as they are made available & undergo compatibility testing.
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Supported Hardware Models & 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, but they 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
iPad
Approved for purchase, not for primary workstation use. All models supported. iPad Apple Pencil Compatibility
Recommended Peripherals
Note: Supply chain challenges periodically create shortages of in-stock computer configurations, and peripherals. Please take these circumstances into account when requesting/inquiring about purchases. Options from other UO vendors may be available with shorter lead times, and will be recommended as needed.
Monitor Options
See the Dell Monitor Options PDF for UO pricing.
Dock Options
Other Peripherals
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Device Hardware Standard 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 Ultra 5 (M4 for Apple products) - For Windows, vPro-enabled processors are required.
- RAM: 16GB
- 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 Ultra 7 (M4 Pro for Apple Products) - For Windows, vPro-enabled processors are required.
- RAM: 16GB - 32GB
- Storage: 512GB - 2TB 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 11.
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 the Apple Silicon M-processors 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 University Minimum Security Controls Standard, 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 recommended for all computer and device purchases.
- Desktops: Three-year basic coverage
- Laptops: Three-year full coverage
If you decline to purchase an extended warranty with your computer, you accept responsibility for the cost of any repair or replacement of items outside of your department’s replacement program.
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How to Submit a Request
For technology purchasing questions or to submit an order, please fill out a Faculty and Staff Purchase Request.