- FAS IT Support Program
- Guide to purchasing hardware
Faculty guide to purchasing computer hardware
Purchasing new technology can be a confusing process. This document is intended to provide some basic guidelines regarding computer hardware purchases. For information on software purchasing, please click here.
Since inception, the FASIT Support Program has been deeply engaged in maintaining and upgrading faculty desktop machines in a number of departments. Over the last five years we have developed a set of baseline institutional standards for computer hardware. If you're looking for a new Windows-based PC or Mac that can be used to perform most office productivity functions, please take a look at our list of recommended systems.
FASIT staff can assist you in answering questions, planning your technology needs, and/or finding the right piece of hardware. If you would like assistance in purchasing new hardware, please contact your local support person.
How and where to buy
When making purchases using research funds or University purchasing cards, it is recommended that faculty use the ePortal. Within the last two years, Yale ITS and the Purchasing Office have aggressively worked to build strong partnerships with hardware and software vendors. As a result, purchasing these items has never been easier. Every Yale faculty member, student, and staff member can use the ePortal to purchase computers, software, and supplies at discounts that have been carefully negotiated.
The hardware vendors found at the ePortal include Dell, Apple, and GovConnection.com. Combined these sites offer tens of thousands of products. But before you go online and buy, take a few minutes to review your needs. This first step could save you hours of time before plunging into the online catalogues.
Assessing your current and future needs
There are usually four factors that drive the decision making process in the purchase of a new computer: pure horsepower, portability, cost, and support. When deciding on the purchase of a new machine, you must ask yourself:
- Am I running any applications that will require intensive computational resources?
- Will the machine stay in an office or lab - or will I be taking it into the field to collect data - or into the classroom?
- What can I afford?
- What type of long term support should I expect from the manufacturer in terms of warrantee? If the machine has a hardware failure, how difficult will it be to get repaired?
The Faculty of Arts & Sciences IT Support program encourages faculty to consider moving to laptop computers. We have seen an increase in requests of access to laptops for use in one of the many media-friendly classrooms on campus. As more classrooms become outfitted for data projection, and the use multimedia (such as PowerPoint, digital images, and digital video) presentations become more widely - the laptop can be extremely useful as both a productivity workstation and a presentation device.
Purchasing computer hardware
Many PC vendors offer what seem like amazing deals. But before you purchase a computer system, you should be aware of what you may (or may not) be getting. The important things to keep in mind (and the ones which can radically change the price) are:
- Monitor size
- CPU type and/or speed
- Warranty coverage
The monitor is one of the most important parts of the PC - it's the part that you most frequently interact with. We recommend a flat panel display for users that spend extended periods of time at the screen. When purchased as part of a new system, the flat-panel displays are reasonably priced. If you would like to regain some space on your desk currently occupied by a large CRT monitor, there are number of options for flat-panel replacements available through the ePortal.
In the past, CPU speeds on laptops were much slower than desktops. Within the last two years, developments in CPU technology and manufacturing have lowered the costs to the point that many desktops and laptops with equivalent CPU speeds cost nearly the same.
Hidden costs and values: the fine print
What you often won't see in the tremendous bargains is the warranty information. When purchasing a computer from either Apple or Dell, we strongly recommend that you purchase the extended warranty. This drives up the price, but in the long run can reduce headaches. All PCs have mechanical parts that can wear out over time and the extended warranty will, while a premium service, is actually an insurance policy against potential hardware failures down the road. Many PC manufacturer's that advertise fantastic deals only include a 1-year warranty. Dell offers 3-year, next-day, on-site, service. This means that if your hard drive crashes in two years - a Dell service unit will come to your office and replace the drive.
