Purchasing a Computer
Stanford offers several computer purchasing programs with reduced prices for both personal and departmental use. To view the discounted prices, you must have a SUNet ID. The Purchasing a Computer website provides general information about buying a laptop or desktop computer at Stanford. Stanford University ITS has put together web pages that describe the purchase program for both Apple and Dell computers.
Computer Recommendations for the School of Medicine
The following desktop and laptop configurations are examples of our standard computer recommendations. We recommend that you purchase a "business class" (as opposed to "consumer class") computer, with a 3 year warranty. We recognize that some users may have other computer requirements, such as weight or size. As always, feel free to contact us at 5-8000 to discuss alternative computers.
Vista Note: At this time, Vista is still relatively new, therefore for now we recommend purchasing a computer with XP installed. Some hardware and software may not work with Vista.
Desktops
Dell Optiplex 960 (updated 9/2009)
- Minitower chassis
- Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E8400 (3.0Ghz, 6M, 1333Mhz FSB)
- Windows Vista Business Downgrade, XP Pro Installed
- 4.0 GB DDR2 Non-ECC SDRAM (2DIMM)
- 256MB ATI Radeon HD 3450 (1 DVI/1 TV)
- Dell 24 inch 2408WFP Widescreen monitor
- Dell Quietkey Keyboard, No Hot Keys
- Dell USB Optical Mouse with Scroll
- 320GB SATA 3.0GB/s hard drive
- Dell AX510 Sound Bar for UltraSharp Displays
- Modem - None
- 16X DVD+/-RWand 16X DVD,SATA
- 3 Year ProSupport for Your Enterprise and 3 Year NBD Onsite Service
- ~$1300
Mac Mini (updated 9/2009)
- 2.0Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo
- 4GB 1066 DDR3 SDRAM (2x2GB)
- 120GB Serial ATA drive
- SuperDrive 8x DVDRW/CDRW
- Apple LED Cinema 24” Display
- Apple Keyboard & Mighty Mouse (wired versions)
- AppleCare Protection Plan (with Display)
- ~$1650
Portables
Dell Latitude E6400 or E5400 (updated 9/2009)
- Intel Core 2 Duo T9550 (2.66Ghz)
- Windows Vista Business Downgrade, XP Pro Installed
- 14.1 inch Wide Screen WXGA+ LCD Panel (black)
- Mobile Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD With Express Card
- 4.0GB DDR2-800 SDRAM (2 DIMMS)
- 160GB Hard Drive, 7200RPM with Free Fall Sensor
- Dell Wireless™ 1397 802.11b/g Mini Card
- Modem - None
- 8X DVD+/-RW w/ Roxio and Cyberlink Power DVD
- 6 Cell Primary Battery
- 90W A/C Adapter
- No fingerprint reader
- 3 Year ProSupport for IT and 3 Year NBD Onsite Service Plus Complete Care
- No ComputracePlus- 3 Year
- Additional accessories may be needed, such as a docking station and/or additional batteries and AC adapters
- ~$1300
MacBook Pro (updated 9/2009)
- 2.53Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo
- 4GB 1066 DDR3 SDRAM (2x2GB)
- 250GB Serial ATA drive @ 5400RPM
- SuperDrive 8x DVDRW/CDRW
- MacBook Pro 15-inch Widescreen Display
- Backlit Keyboard
- AppleCare Protection Plan (without Display)
- ~$1750
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