PC Laptop Recommendations

ECN's User Services group is frequently asked to provide specifications and Purdue pricing for new Windows- and Linux-based laptop (notebook) computers which will be purchased with Purdue account numbers. Our Mac laptop recommendations are typically a 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. ***

Please note that prices shown below are approximate and subject to frequent change. Faculty, staff, and graduate staff placing orders with Purdue funds should contact ECN for up-to-date pricing and to place all orders. Note that battery warranties only last 3 years, irrespective of how long the system warranty is.

15-inch, 3.5-pound model: The Dell "Latitude 5530" (NEW Summer 2022 - replaces the 5520) has a large screen (1920 x 1080 pixels 15.6-inch FHD non-touch widescreen display w/ camera) and commensurate starting weight (about 3.5 pounds). The 5530 includes 32 GB memory, a 1TB SSD drive, an Intel Core i7-1265U, 10 Core, 4.80 GHz (max) processor, and a keyboard with numeric keypad (see the photo illustration on this page, below).  ECN options include a 4 year "CompleteCare" (accidental damage protection) warranty, keep your hard drive, and 2 year battery warranty (for years 2 and 3 of ownership).  Total cost is approximately $1,365.

This model also offers discrete graphics options. Contact ECN for build-to-order pricing if you need to change these specifications. 

13-inch, 2.6-pound model:  The Dell "Latitude 5330" (NEW Summer 2022 - replaces the 5320) has a 1920 x 1080 pixels 13.3-inch FHD non-touch widescreen display w/ camera and a starting weight of about 2.6 pounds. Base model includes 32 GB memory, a 1TB SSD drive, an Intel Core i7-1265U, 10 Core, 4.80 GHz (max) processor, integrated HD webcam and microphone.  The "ECN Standard" 5430 includes a 4 year "CompleteCare" (accidental damage protection) warranty, keep your hard drive - 4 years, and 2 year battery warranty (for years 2 and 3 of ownership).  Total cost is approximately $1,280.

The 5330 is also available as a 2in1 model. The "Latitude 5330 2in1", (NEW Summer 2022 - replaces 5320 2in1) with similar configuration as above.  The 5330 also includes a Touch Screen* and a 360 degree hinge at a cost of around $1,450.

*: Not everyone likes the touchscreen.

Tablet/Slate with detachable keyboard and active pen:  The Dell "Latitude 7320 Detachable" (NEW Spring 2021  - replaces the 7220 2in1) has a 1920 x 1080 pixels 13.3-inch FHD+ non touch & HD webcam, and a starting weight of about 1.7 pounds. Base model includes 16.0 GB memory, a 1TB SSD drive, an Intel Core i7-1180G7, 4 Core, 2.2Ghz up to 4.6GHz processor, integrated HD webcam and microphone. ECN options include 4 year "CompleteCare" (accidental damage protection) warranty, and keep your hard drive - 4 years.  The keyboard and pen are optional but included in our standard configuration. Total cost is approximately $2400.

Tablet model: We are recommending the Dell "Latitude 7320 Detachable" (resembles the Surface Pro) Note that Microsoft Surface Pros have some drawbacks: 1) only available with 1 or 3 year warranty vs 4 and 5 years on the Dell version; 2) only provides mail to depot hardware service vs on site for the Dell version; 3) requires a $50 deductible for accidental damage repairs vs no deductible for the Dell version.  Additionally, due to a change in the processor, the Surface Pro X (available December 2019) will NOT run most programs beyond the most basic software.  We strongly recommend against purchasing this specific Surface Pro X model.

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

ECN Standard Options on all models: - 5330, 5430, 5530, 5330 2in1, 7330, 7430, 7530, 7320 Detachable, 7330 2in1, 7430 2in1:

12th Generation Intel® Core™ i7-1265U Processor (10 Core, 12MB Cache, up to 4.8Ghz, 15W)
Intel Ireis Xe Graphics with Thunderbolt 4
32GB, 2x8GB, DDR4 Non-ECC
1 TB, M.2, PCIe NVMe, SSD, Class 40
Intel AX211 WiFi 6e 2x2 AX + Bluetooth 5.2
4 Cell 58 Wh Long Life Battery - includes 3 year limited hardware warranty (except 7320 detachable models)
13"/14"/15" FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare Non-Touch screen,Camera & Microphone (touch option included on 2in1 models)
65W Type-C Power Adapter
4 Years Hardware Warranty with Onsite Service after Remote Diagnosis
2 Years Extended Battery Service for Years 2 and 3 of System Life
Accidental Damage Service, 4 Years
Keep Your Hard Drive, 4 Years

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 case.

Docks/Monitors/Adapters:

Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter - DA305  +$85

Dell Thunderbolt Dock - WD22TBS  +$170

Logitech c920 Webcam: +$60

Logitech USB Headset H540: +$45

Soundbar (slim for Pxx22 models): +$32

Dell 23" Monitor - P2319H  +$184 (1080p)
Dell 24" Monitor - P2422H  +$190 (1080p)
Dell 27" Monitor - P2722H  +$221 (1080p)

Ordering. When you're ready to order, please contact ECN. We'll confirm the order details and ask you to provide the Purdue account number to be charged (working as needed with your business office). ECN will also handle placing the order.

You may consider the info above to be ECN's official quotation for a standard new laptop PC, but please note that pricing and specifications are subject to change. If the actual cost varies by more than a few dollars or if hardware specs have changed significantly, ECN will alert you and await your approval before proceeding with your order.

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.