Computer Recommendations

These are our basic computer recommendations for Stanford School of Medicine use. Please remember that some users may have other usage requirements, such as weight or size. Please contact us at 5-8000 to discuss deviations from these standards.  Please note that we always recommend that you purchase a "business class" (as opposed to "consumer") computer, with a 3 year warranty.

Vista Note:  At this time, Vista is still too "new" for us to recommend it.  Buy with Windows XP for now.   There are important pieces of hardware and software which aren't yet supported or available for Vista, and we (and other IT organizations and personnel) don't yet have enough experience ourselves to be able to assist you with Vista-specific issues.

Stanford University ITS has put together webpages describing the purchase program for both Apple and Dell computers.

• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6550 (2.33Ghz, 4M, 1333Mhz FSB)
• Windows XP with Vista Business upgrade
• 2.0 GB DDR2 Non-ECC SDRAM (2DIMM)
• 256MB ATI Radeon HD 2400 Pro (1 DVI/1 TV)
• Dell 24 inch 2407FPW Widescreen monitor
• Dell USB Keyboard, No Hot Keys
• Dell USB 2-Button Entry Mouse
• 160GB SATA 3.0GB/s hard drive
• Dell AS501 Sound Bar for UltraSharp Displays
• Modem - None
• 16X DVD+/-RW and 48X CD-ROM
• Optical Drive Enhancement - None
• Hardware Support - 3 Year NBD Plus w/ Gold Tech Support
• Complete Care - None
  • ~$1,400

• 2.0Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo
• 2GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM (2x1GB)
• 120GB Serial ATA drive
• SuperDrive 8x DVDRW/CDRW
• Apple Cinema 23” HD Display
• Apple Keyboard & Mighty Mouse (wired versions)
• AppleCare Protection Plan (with Display)
  • ~$1,800

• Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 (2.20Ghz)
• Windows XP with Vista Business upgrade
• 14.1 inch Wide Screen WXGA+ LCD Panel
• Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
• 2.0GB DDR2 Non-ECC SDRAM (2DIMM)
• 120GB Hard Drive, 7200RPM
• Dell Wireless™ 1390 802.11g Mini Card
• Modem - None
• 8X DVD+/-RW w/ Roxio and Power DVD
• 6 Cell Primary Battery
• 90W A/C Adapter
• 3Yr NBD Plus (NBD onsite, Gold Support and CompleteCare)
• Additional accessories may be needed, such as a docking station and/or additional batteries and AC adapters
  • ~$1,500

• 2.4Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo
• 2GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM (2x1GB)
• 200GB Serial ATA drive @ 5400RPM
• SuperDrive 8x DVDRW/CDRW
• MacBook Pro 15-inch Widescreen Display
• Backlit Keyboard
• AppleCare Protection Plan (without Display)
  • ~$1,900