PC Laptop Recommendations
ECN's User and Desktop 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 funds. (Alternately, see our Mac laptop recommendations.)
In departments supported by ECN UDS, laptops are often used to provide remote access to ECN-Domain desktop PCs; rather than as one's primary computer. (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.
Recommended Laptops
Last updated July 21, 2014. 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 1 year, irrespective of how long the system warranty is.
15-inch, 5.2-pound model: The Dell "Latitude 6540" has a large screen (1980 x 1020 pixels 15.6-inch widescreen) and commensurate starting weight (about 5.2 pounds). ECN's standard upgrades include a webcam, backlit keyboard with numeric keypad (see the photo illustration on this page, below), and 4 year "CompleteCare" (accidental damage protection) warranty. The 6540 has a built-in DVD drive and includes 8.0 GB memory, a 320 GB hard drive, an Intel Core i5-4200M 2.5 GHz processor, and a discrete AMD Radeon HD 8790M 2 GB graphics card. Total cost is approximately $1218.
Contact ECN for build-to-order pricing if you need to change these specifications.
Contact ECN for build-to-order pricing if you need to change these specifications. A higher-resolution display (1920 x 1080 pixels, adds about $104), a touch-enabled display, and higher-capacity storage are among the available options.
Contact ECN for build-to-order pricing if you need to change these specifications. This model has HDMI and Mini DisplayPort video output jacks; if you'll be connecting to older projectors for presentations, you may want to include a "Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter" (Dell Part #A7044415, about $24) with your order to ensure compatibility.
12.5-inch, 3-pound model: The Dell "Latitude 7240" has a 12.5-inch widescreen (1366 x 768 pixels) and a starting weight of about 2.99 pounds. ECN's standard upgrades include a webcam, backlit keyboard, 4 year "CompleteCare" (accidental damage protection) warranty, and carrying case. The 7240 includes 8.0 GB memory, a 128 GB solid state drive, and an Intel Core i5-4200M 1.6 GHz processor. Total cost is approximately $1163.
Tablet model: Currently, the tablet market is in huge flux, but we are hearing good things about the Dell Venue Pro 11 and the Microsoft Surface Pro 3. At this time, the Venue Pro 11 with the battery-keyboard and extra stylus is what we recommend. Cost is approx $1200. It also includes 4GB RAM, a 128GB solid state drive, and an Intel Core i5 1.5GHz processor
These are NOT to be confused with the cheaper tablets out there (the iPad equivalents), these are full laptops in an extremely slim form factor - capable of running most day-to-day office software. Please contact ECN for specs and pricing. The Venue Pro also seems to have an edge on the Microsoft SurfacePro due to warranty considerations, but know that warranty repair in either case will require the unit to be shipped to the manufacturer.
WARNING: DO NOT PURCHASE TABLETS RUNNING WINDOWS 8 RT!
High-performance laptops: For faculty, staff, and graduate staff who need a level of performance above that offered by the recommended Dell Latitude models, ECN recommends various Dell Precision Mobile Workstation models. Ask us to create a custom "e-quote" which meets your specific needs; please expect the price to start at about $2000 and to climb significantly as options are added.
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 PC laptop, 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 wait for 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 12.5-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.
See also:
-
ECN-supported PC benefits, which includes our (self-supported) laptop support scheme, http://eng.purdue.edu/jump/5e4a7f
- ECN-recommended laptops run Windows 7, since we do not presently support Windows 8, http://eng.purdue.edu/jump/9d6c2d
Last modified: 2014/09/24 13:45:41.983072 GMT-4 by
sundeep.rao.1
Created: 2010/04/02 08:44:22.135000 GMT-4 by john.a.omalley.1.
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