PC Laptop Recommendations

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. (Please read about our laptop support scheme.)

Should you consider an Apple iPad as a substitute for (or in addition to) a traditional laptop? See our iPad recommendations.

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**

                      

Latitude 5530 Est. Cost:  $1,575.00 15.6-inch Full HD (1920X1080) 3.5 pound model 12ᵗʰ Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1265U, 4.80 GHz processor 32 GB Memory 1TB SSD Intel Iris Xe Graphics with Thunderbolt 4 Intel AX211 WiFi 6e 2x2 AX + Bluetooth 5.2 65W Type-C Power Adapter Keyboard with numeric keypad Integrated HD webcam and microphone 4 year "CompleteCare"(accidental damage protection) warranty 4 years, 2 year ext. battery warranty	Latitude 5430  Est. Cost: $1,520.00 14-inch "not to heavy" Full HD (1920X1080) 3 pound model 12ᵗʰ Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1265U, 4.80 GHz processor 32 GB Memory 1TB SSD Intel Iris Xe Graphics with Thunderbolt 4 Intel AX211 WiFi 6e 2x2 AX + Bluetooth 5.2 65W Type-C Power Adapter Keyboard   Integrated HD webcam and microphone 4 year "CompleteCare"(accidental damage protection) warranty 4 years, and 2 year ext. battery warranty	Latitude 5330  Est. Cost: $1,533.00 13.3-inch Full HD (1920X1080) 2.6 pound model 12ᵗʰ Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1265U, 4.80 GHz processor 32 GB Memory 1TB SSD Intel Iris Xe Graphics with Thunderbolt 4 Intel AX211 WiFi 6e 2x2 AX + Bluetooth 5.2 65W Type-C Power Adapter Keyboard   Integrated HD webcam and microphone 4 year "CompleteCare"(accidental damage protection) warranty 4 years, and 2 year ext. battery warranty	Latitude 7320 Tablet w/ removable keyboard and pen  Est. Cost: $1,900 13.3-inch Full HD (1920X1080) 11ᵗʰ Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1180G7, 2.2 to 4.6 GHz processor 16 GB Memory 512 GB SSD Intel Iris Xe Graphics with Thunderbolt 4 Intel AX211 WiFi 6e 2x2 AX + Bluetooth 5.2 65W Type-C Power Adapter Detachable keyboard and pen Integrated HD webcam and microphone 4 year "CompleteCare"(accidental damage protection) warranty 4 years, and 2 year ext. battery warranty

Also available are the Latitude 7330, 7430, 7530, 7330 2in1 and 7430 2in1 models. Contact ECN for up-to-date pricing and options.

Possible Upgrades from ECN Standard:

• 13"/14"/15" FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare with Embedded Touch Screen, Camera & Microphone                                                                                    + $40
• 5 Years Hardware Warranty with Onsite Service after Remote Diagnosis                                                                                                                            + $35
• Dell Briefcase 14/15                                                                                                                                                                                                                      + $35

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

ECN Standard Docks/Monitors/Accessories

Estimated Cost	Item	Description
$  85.00		Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter - DA305
$ 170.00		Dell Thunderbolt Dock - WD22TBS
$ 60.00		Logitech c920 Webcam
$ 45.00		Logitech USB Headset H540
$ 32.00		Soundbar (slim for Pxx22 models)

Dell 23 " Monitor P2319H HD 1920 x 1080 Anti-glare PPI 96 HDMI USB upstream USB downstream	Dell 24 " Monitor P2422H HD 1920 x 1080 Anti-glare PPI 93 HDMI DP VGA USB upstream 4x USB downstream	Dell 27" Monitor P2722H HD 1920 x 1080 Anti-glare PPI 81 HDMI DP VGA USB Upstream 4xUSB downstream	Dell 24" Monitor P2422HE HD 1920 x 1080 Anti-glare PPI 92.5 HDMI DP 1.4 USB-C upstream USB-C downstream Audio line-out RJ-45	Dell 27 " Monitor P2722HE HD 1920 x 1080 Anti-glare PPI 82 HDMI DP 1.2 USB-C upstream 4xUSB downstream RJ-45	Dell 27 " Monitor U2722DE QHD 2560 x 1440 Anti-glare PPI 108.78 HDMI DP 1.4 DP output USB-C upstream USB-C downstream RJ-45
Est. Cost: $184	Est. Cost: $190	Est. Cost: $225	Est. Cost: $280 1080p, with usb-c hub/rj45/dock Select the P2422H for a pair	Est. Cost: $320 1080p, with usb-c hub/rj45/dock Select the P2422H for a pair	Est. Cost: $395  1440p, with usb-c hub/rj45/dock Select the U2722D for a pair

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.