Computer Recommendations
Visit our printer recommendations page for information on purchasing printers.
When purchasing, if you will have BUMC IT set up your new computer, please consider having your new computer and all software delivered to our Help Desk, 801 Massachusetts Ave. Ste 485, Boston, MA 02118.
Desktop Recommendations
MAC
AppleCare should be purchased for all Apple products. Microsoft Office 2008 for the Mac should be purchased from the PCSC for $53 when purchased for departments with a requisition. Parallels & Windows XP are optional but recommended for most users. Parallels, which allows you to run Windows within the Mac environment, can be purchased through GovConnection. Windows XP can be purchased from the PCSC for $58.
Please visit BU’s Apple Sourcing Website for information on how to purchase the machines described below. When you get to Apple’s website, please be sure to click on the “Recommended Systems” icon.
Basic: Apple iMac 20″ Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz Desktop with built-in 20″ display, 8x double-layer SuperDrive. We highly recommend upgrading the memory to 4GB.
Mainstream: Apple iMac 24″ Core 2 Duo Desktop 2.66GHz with built-in 24″ display, 8x double-layer SuperDrive, 4GB RAM standard.
Performance: Apple Mac Pro, 2.66GHz Quad-Core Xenon, 3GB RAM, NVIDIA 512MB video card, 18x Superdrive. (Monitor not included) **This is a truly high performance system designed for heavy computing, please consult with BUMC IT before purchasing the Mac Pro!
PC
Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise should be purchased from the PCSC and is $75.
Windows XP Pro is included in the recommended systems below. BUMC IT supports Windows Vista Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions ONLY.
Please visit BU’s Dell Sourcing Website for information on how to purchase the machines described below. When you get to Dell’s website, please be sure look at “Recommended Systems for BU Departments”.
Mainstream, recommended: Dell Optiplex 760 Small Form Factor, Core 2Duo, 4GB RAM, 8x DVD burner, 256MB dedicated graphics card, Windows XP. Energy Star compliant. Includes 3 year warranty. Dual monitor (DVI or VGA), (Monitor not included).
Performance: Dell Precision T3400 Core 2 Duo 3.16GHz, 4GB RAM, dual 250GB HD, 16x DVD Burner, 256MB dedicated graphics card, and Windows XP Pro. Dual Monitor DVI or VGA (TV-out), one 24″ monitor included. Includes 5 year warranty.
Laptop Recommendations
MAC
Please visit BU’s Sourcing Website for information on how to purchase the machines described below. When you get to Apple’s website, please be sure to click on the “Recommended Systems” icon. Purchase Apple Care for all Apple products.
Basic Model: MacBook 13″ 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo, 8x SuperDrive, 160GB Hard Drive. We highly recommend upgrading the memory to 4GB RAM.
Mainstream: MacBook 13″ 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo, 8x SuperDrive, 250GB Hard Drive. We highly recommend upgrading the memory to 4GB RAM.
Performance: MacBookPro 15″ 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo, 4GB RAM, 8x SuperDrive, 320GB Hard Drive.
PC
Please visit BU’s Dell Sourcing Website for information on how to purchase the machines described below. When you get to Dell’s website, please be sure look at “Recommended Systems for BU Departments”.
Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise should be purchased from the PCSC.
Lightweight: Dell Latitude E4300 13.3″ display, Core 2 Duo, 4GB RAM, 160GB Hard Drive, 8x DVD burner, 802.11 a/g/n wireless, 6 cell battery. Be sure to purchase CompleteCare Accidental Damage Protection.
Mainstream: Dell Latitude E6400 14.1″ display, Core 2 Duo, 4GB RAM, 160GB Hard Drive, 8x DVD burner, 802.11 a/g/n wireless, 6 cell battery (9 cell option available). Be sure to purchase CompleteCare Accidental Damage Protection.
Performance: Dell Latitude E6500 15.4″ display, Core 2 Duo, 4GB RAM, 250GB Hard Drive, 8x DVD burner, 802.11 a/g/n wireless, 56k modem, 9 cell battery. Be sure to purchase CompleteCare Accidental Damage Protection.Optional Equipment to Consider (Mac/PC):
- Bluetooth
- External floppy drive
- Modem
- Monitor
- Keyboard/Mouse
- Docking station (If replacing existing laptop – inquire whether current docking station will work with new computer)
- Travel Bag
- Travel Ethernet cable
Microsoft Office
BUMC IT no longer sells copies of Microsoft Office. If you are purchasing a new Mac, you should purchase Office 2008 for the Mac. If you are purchasing a new PC, you should Purchase Office 2007 Enterprise. You can purchase Office directly from the Personal Computing Support Center PCSC by following this link. Microsoft and Adobe licenses must be purchased with an approved requisition. No P-Cards or personal funds may be used. To learn how to make a purchase with a requisition, please consult with your department’s administrator.
Why Enterprise? The Enterprise edition of Office includes all the standard applications, plus some new ones we know you will like. One Note allows you to keep all your class notes, meeting notes, etc in a central location that it very easy to search and is organized like a three-ring binder. You no longer need to go through many Word documents to find the right one; simply search within One Note and what you’re looking for will appear! Groove is great for people who need to share files with individuals outside BU. It allows you to easily exchange files without clogging up your mail quota. In addition, having the same version as everyone else allows you to share files easily and it allows IT to better maintain your copy of Office. When everyone uses the same edition of Office, we’re better able to support you and maintain updates.
