Frequently asked specifications and Purdue pricing for new Windows- and Linux-based laptop (notebook) computers will be purchased with Purdue account numbers.

Mac laptop recommendations are: MacBookPro, and sometimes a MacBookAir.

(If you are looking for personal laptops (not paid for with a Purdue account number), please see http://eng.purdue.edu/jump/a75fc5 instead. )

With the growth of remote work and limited space, one might consider a laptop and a possible dock with one or two monitors as a primary system. 

To determine the approximate age of an existing Dell laptop, see our Dell model years page.

Finally, as laptops are mobile and likely to leave campus, be sure to complete the Property Off Campus form.

Recommended Laptops (Faculty and Staff)

*** Note: Due to multiple issues outside of the manufacturer's control, we are still seeing extended delivery times for IT equipment. ***

**Prices shown below are approximate and subject to frequent change**                      

Also available are the Latitude 7340, 7440, 7640, and 7440 2in1 models. Contact ECN for up-to-date pricing and options.

Possible Upgrades from ECN Standard:

***One might consider upgrading the storage options depending on the use***

• 13"/14"/15" FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare with Embedded Touch Screen, Camera & Microphone                                                                                    + $75-$100
• 5Y ProSupport Plus                                                                                                                                                                                                                      + $55
• Dell Briefcase 14/15                                                                                                                                                                                                                      + $35

ECN Standard Monitors/Accessories/Docks

 

All monitors have the standard HD 1920x1080, Anti-glare, HDMI, DP, USB unless indicated in last column

click on link for more details

 

Estimated Cost	Item	Description
$171	Dell 24" Monitor - P2422H	93 PPI, 1920 x 1080
$200	Dell 27" Monitor - P2722H	81 PPI, 1920 x 1080
$217	Dell 24" Monitor - P2422HE	92.5 PPI, USB-C hub, RJ-45, Dock, 1920 x 1080
$251	Dell 27" Monitor - P2722HE	82 PPI, USB-C hub, RJ-45, Dock, 1920 x 1080
$313	Dell 27" Monitor - U2722DE	108.78 PPI,USB-C hub, RJ-45, Dock, 2560 x 1440

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$110/ $173	/	8-port Switch/16-port Switch
$85		Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter - DA305
$169		Dell Thunderbolt Dock - WD22TB4
$66		Logitech c920 Webcam
$45		Logitech USB Headset H540
$32		Soundbar (slim for Pxx22 models)

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Consumer models, netbooks, and/or other brands

Consumer models: Faculty and staff occasionally ask us about cheaper mass-marketed laptop models. Attractive advertised prices on Dell Inspiron, XPS, and Alienware model lines are achieved via short warranties, the possibility of long waits in a telephone queue when you need to obtain service, and mail-in hardware repair service only (no on-site service). Because these model lines are targeted toward home use, ECN does not recommend or purchase them.

Other brands: ECN's preference for Dell over other laptop brands (e.g. HP, Sony, Acer, Lenovo) is based on Purdue's geographic location. Dell's service technicians for business customers in this region are based in Frankfort, Indiana, and they visit West Lafayette to provide on-site service on a daily basis. Most other brands have service centers at least 60 miles away. As with Dell's consumer models (described above), the other brands offer mail-in service only, scheduled via long waits in a telephone queue. Although we understand you might prefer more brand choices, ECN believes convenient, timely serviceability should be of paramount importance when purchasing a laptop. 

These are some of the reasons ECN recommends specific Dell Latitude and Dell Precision Mobile Workstation models and recommends against netbooks, other model lines such as the Dell Vostro, consumer models, and other brands. Faculty and staff who opt to purchase these models should note that such laptops will be entirely self-supported; ECN won't provide ordering, software installation, or troubleshooting services for them.

The Dell Latitude line of laptops, on the other hand, are designed for business. ECN recommends the specific Dell Latitude models listed on this page; we also recommend various Dell Precision Mobile Workstation models. For a Dell Latitude or Precision Mobile Workstation, we have direct on-line access to Dell Support, and on-site service is provided when necessary.

For the lightest-weight PC laptop, we suggest the Dell Latitude 13 inch model described above.

Justification: Campus-wide processes are now in place designed to keep Purdue's acquisition and ownership costs in check. If you opt to purchase an alternate brand or model, please note that the procurement process might require that you provide justification for your selections.

Please contact ECN to discuss your specific needs.

Keyboards

The 15-inch Dell Latitude model described above is the only recommended model large enough to include a keyboard with a numeric keypad. The other recommended models have standard keyboards without numeric keypads.

Top: 15-inch Dell Latitude model with its included numeric keypad.
Bottom: Typical keyboard on the smaller recommended Dell Latitude models.

Future Models

To determine the age of legacy models, see our Dell model years page.