Buying Computers
You need the best technology without wasting precious budget dollars, we're here to help! Below you'll find equipment that CAS-IT recommends based on the way you work. We've dedicated our time to work with Tech Zone and our state-approved vendors to get you the right equipment to teach your classes and do your research. Best of all, Tech Zone and CAS-IT take extra steps to reduce stress when you have computer problems. We stock extra parts for the equipment we recommend and may even have an entire replacement ready to go! We know that one-size doesn't fit all.
Your unique needs may require different configurations, work with your trusted CAS-IT support staff for an individual evaluation.
Standard computer recommendations for CAS with mobility and remote work in mind
Last Updated 9/14/22
CAS-IT primarily recommends a Dell Latitude 5430 customized for you through TechZone, or if you prefer the Mac operating system - a 14-inch MacBook Pro. Ask your trusted CAS-IT support person for ISU pricing!
Windows computer option from Dell
CAS-IT recommends a Dell Latitude 5430 customized for ISU through TechZone. This scalable laptop features a brighter screen with Dell's ComfortView Plus, extended battery life, memory card reader, headset jack, 2 USB 3.2, HDMI 2.0, locking slot, and 2 Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) with Power Delivery and DisplayPort. Paired with a Hub Monitor supporting full-sized displays and a full keyboard and mouse, it makes an excellent computer for both the office and on-the-go. We can usually service this laptop quickly on-campus with the robust 4-year warranty.
Your unique needs may require different configurations, work with your trusted CAS-IT support staff for an individual evaluation.
- Dell Latitude 5430
- Screen -- 14" FHD (1920 x 1080) Non-Touch, Anti-Glare, IPS, 250nits, WLAN, HD Camera
- Processor -- 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-1235U
- Memory -- 16GB Memory
- Graphics -- Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
- Hard Drive -- M.2 512GB Class 35 Solid State Drive
- Wireless -- Intel AX211 WiFi 6e 2x2 AX+ BT 5.2
- Warranty -- 4 Year Hardware Service
CAS-IT recommends all new computer purchases include at least one Dell UltraSharp USB-C Hub Monitor (24 or 27 inch), and one sound bar speaker model SB521A.
I do heavy statistical analysis that can take a day or more to run
CAS-IT recommends a Dell Latitude 7430 laptop, as configured in the 5430 recommendations above, further customized with:
- Memory -- 32GB Memory
I do a moderate amount of creating and editing of graphics, videos, audio, etc.
CAS-IT recommends a Dell Latitude 7430 laptop, as configured in the 5430 recommendations above, further customized with:
- Processor - 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1255U, (12 MB cache, 10 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.70 GHz)
- Memory -- 32GB Memory
- Two Dell 24" USB-C Hub Monitors model P2422HE
Mac computer option from Apple
Last Updated 9/14/22
If a Mac computer is required/desired CAS-IT recommends a 14-inch MacBook Pro (MKGP3LL/A). The most powerful MacBook Pro ever is here. With the blazing fast M1 Pro you get groundbreaking performance and amazing battery life. Add to that a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display and the best camera and audio ever in a Mac notebook. This laptop weighs 3.5 lbs. and the battery lasts up to 11 hours!
Please note: an Apple M1 Pro chip is required for multiple external displays, a standard M1 chip can only drive one external display and with limitations. Your unique needs may require different configurations, work with your trusted CAS-IT support staff for an individual evaluation.
- 14-inch MacBook Pro
- Apple M1 Pro chip with 8‑core CPU and 14‑core GPU
- 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
- 16GB unified memory
- 512GB SSD storage
- Tree Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports – HDMI port, SDXC card slot
- Backlit Magic Keyboard - US English
- Warranty - 3 years total with the AppleCare Protection Plan
- Adapter - Apple USB-C to USB Adapter
- Adapter - Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter
- Optional Adapter - Apple USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter
- Optional Adapter - Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter
- Optional Adapter - USB-C Charge Cable (2 m)
- A Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard with Touch ID to complete the desktop experience
CAS-IT recommends all new computer purchases include at least one Dell UltraSharp USB-C Hub Monitor (24 or 27 inch), and one sound bar speaker model SB521A.
I do heavy statistical analysis that can take a day or more to run
Because most statistical software ISU licenses can only be installed on Windows, CAS-IT recommends a Windows laptop from Dell.
I do a moderate amount of creating and editing of graphics, videos, audio, etc.
CAS-IT recommends a 14-inch MacBook Pro (MKGP3LL/A) further customized with:
- 1TB SSD storage
- Two Dell 24" USB-C Hub Monitors model P2422HE
I prefer a desktop rather than a laptop
Last Updated 9/14/22
CAS now recommends laptops to meet the need for mobility. However, in the case that a desktop computer is needed, CAS-IT recommends a Dell OptiPlex 5000 Micro Form Factor customized for you through TechZone, or if you prefer the Mac operating system - a 24-inch iMac with Retina 4.5K display. These computers can be customized for typical, statistical, and graphical use cases.
Windows Computer option from Dell
This Dell OptiPlex 5000 Micro Form Factor easily handles multiple applications open simultaneously. You can connect up to three displays, a full keyboard and mouse, and numerous other devices. This computer is upgradable and repairable and should last for years to come!
Your unique needs may require different configurations, work with your trusted CAS-IT support staff for an individual evaluation.
- Processor -- Intel® Core™ i5-10600T 6-Core
- Memory -- 16GB 1x16GB DDR4 Memory
- Hard Drive -- M.2 512GB PCIe Class 40 SSD
- Display Port/USB-C Port/USB 3
- Wireless -- Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201, Dual-band 2x2 802. + Bluetooth 5.1 with External Antenna
- Warranty -- 4 Year Onsite Hardware Service
- CD\DVD Drive – external available by request
CAS-IT recommends all new Windows computer purchases include at least one Dell 24" USB-C Monitor model P2422HE or one Dell 27" USB-C Monitor - P2722HE, and one sound bar speaker model SB521A.
Mac Computer option from Apple
CAS-IT recommends a 24-inch iMac with Retina 4.5K display (Product Number: Z12Q). This iMac is more powerful than ever and includes 4 USB ports, two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports, a headphone jack, and wired network.
Please note: an Apple M1 Pro chip is required for multiple external displays, a standard M1 chip can only drive one external display and with limitations. Your unique needs may require different configurations, work with your trusted CAS-IT support staff for an individual evaluation.
- 24-inch iMac with Retina 4.5K
- Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, 8-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine
- 16GB unified memory
- 512GB SSD storage
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports
- Two USB-3 ports
- Magic Mouse
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad
- Warranty - 3 years total with the AppleCare Protection Plan
- Optional Adapter - Apple USB-C to USB Adapter
None of these describe me or I'm not sure
No worries! CAS-IT is here to listen to your needs and customize a configuration based on those needs. Contact CAS-IT to request a recommendation.