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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. 

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**                      

* Returns for many items are either difficult or disallowed, please look over the order carefully before approving*

        

New Lat.jpg

Model:
  • Latitude 5340   Est. Cost: $1360

13in Full HD (1920X1080)    2.6 pound model


  • Latitude 5440   Est. Cost: $1340

14in "not too heavy" Full HD (1920X1080)  3 pound model


  • Latitude 5540  Est. Cost:   $1470

15in Full HD (1920X1080) 3.5 pound model

Included:

  • HD (1920X1080)
  • 13ᵗʰ Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1365U, 5.1 GHz processor
  • 32 GB Memory
  • 1TB SSD, class 35
  • 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 ProSupport Plus
  • 3-year battery warranty

   

Latitude 7320 Tablet w/ removable keyboard and pen 

Est. Cost: $1870

  • 13.3-inch Full HD (1920X1080)
  • 11ᵗʰ Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1180G7, 2.2 to 4.6 GHz processor
  • 16 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
  • Detachable keyboard and pen
  • Integrated HD webcam and microphone
  • 4-year ProSupport Plus
  • 3-year battery warranty

         

**The 5340 is also available as a 2in1 model. The 5340 also includes a Touch Screen* and a 360 degree hinge** 

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

Dell 24in.png

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
$350 Dell 27" Monitor - U2724DE 108.97 PPI,USB-C hub, RJ-45, Dock, 2560 x 1440 

$110/ $173

Allied Telesis CentreCOM AT-GS910 8 Desktop Unmanaged Switch 8xGbE 1xPSU (US), AT-GS910/8-10, 32226717, Network Switches/Allied Telesis GS910 16-Port 1000Base-T Unmngd Switch w US Power Cord, AT-GS910/16-10, 32601775, Network Switches

 8-port Switch/16-port Switch

$85    USB-C Adapter.png Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter - DA305 
$169  TB Dock.png Dell Thunderbolt Dock - WD22TB4 
$66  Webcam.png Logitech c920 Webcam
$45  Headset.png Logitech USB Headset H540
$32  SB.png Soundbar (slim for Pxx22 models)


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.


 


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.

 

Keyboards with & without numeric keypad

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.

 

 

Last Modified: Mar 13, 2024 2:00 pm GMT-4
Created: Apr 2, 2010 8:44 am GMT-4 by admin
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