====== Purchasing Computer Equipment ======

===== Computer Equipment Vendors =====

==== PC desktop computers ====

We are happy to assist with your computer equipment purchases. You are welcome to discuss your needs with us, and we can provide advice and facilitate purchasing and computer setup for you.

For Windows and Linux workstations, we currently recommend this system from the Dell Techmart web site: http://www.techmart.umn.edu/
  * Dell Optiplex 755 "MN ST Desktop" or "MN ST Minitower" (the minitower version can accommodate an extra hard drive).
  * optional: upgrade warranty to 5 years

Some local vendors we have used.

  * [[http://www.equuscs.com/|Equus Computer Systems]]
  * [[http://www.nowmicro.com/|NOW Micro, in Roseville.]]
  * [[http://www.reasoncomputer.com/|Reason Computer.]]
  * For component purchases or spares, [[http://www.nanosys1.com/|General Nanosystems]] on University Avenue.



==== Laptops ====

Dell "OET Standard Laptop Latitude D630", through Techmart.






==== Printers ====

For general use, we recommend Xerox Phaser and HP Laserjet printers. Among recent models, we are tending to prefer the Xerox models.

If you need support for your printer to be accessible from our central systems, please consult with us before buying. Printer features we require include a network connection which supports printing via port 9100, and PostScript support.

Regardless, feel free to ask us before buying as we may be aware of low cost suppliers.

=== Some printer recommendations ===

Monochrome networked laser printers:

  * Our current favorite workgroup printer is the Xerox 4510N (or 4510DT for duplex)
  * Dell have some reasonable low-cost network printers for personal use (check with us).

Color network laser printers
  * Xerox Phaser 6280
  * Xerox Phaser 8560

Printer models can change over time, so if this page seems out of date you might want to ask us instead.