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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. (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**
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Latitude 5530
Est. Cost: $1,575.00
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Latitude 5430 Est. Cost: $1,520.00
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Latitude 5330 Est. Cost: $1,533.00
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Latitude 7320 Tablet w/ removable keyboard and pen Est. Cost: $1,900
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**The 5330 is also available as a 2in1 model. The 5330 also includes a Touch Screen* and a 360 degree hinge**
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 + $35
***One might consider upgrading the storage options depending on the use***
ECN Standard Docks/Monitors/Accessories
Estimated Cost | Item |
Description
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$ 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) |
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Dell 23 " Monitor P2319H
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Dell 24 " Monitor P2422H
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Dell 27" Monitor P2722H
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Dell 24" Monitor P2422HE
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Dell 27 " Monitor P2722HE
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Dell 27 " Monitor U2722DE
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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 |
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.
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 10
Last Modified:
Jan 25, 2023 10:39 am US/Eastern
Created:
Apr 2, 2010 8:44 am GMT-4
by
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