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 include MacBookPro and, sometimes, 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, complete the Property Off Campus form.

Recommended Laptops (Faculty and Staff)

*** Note: Due to multiple issues outside the manufacturer's control, we still see extended delivery times for IT equipment. ***

**Prices shown below are approximate and subject to frequent change**                      

The Latitude 7440, 7640, and 7440 2in1 models are also available. Contact STEM IT for up-to-date pricing and options.

Possible Upgrades from STEM IT 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                                                                                                                                                                                                                      + $95
• Dell Briefcase 14/15                                                                                                                                                                                                                      + $35

STEM IT Standard Monitors/Accessories/Docks

 

All monitors have the standard HD 1920x1080, Anti-glare, HDMI, DP, and USB unless indicated in the last column.

 

Estimated Cost	Item	Description
$160	Dell 24" Monitor - P2425H	93 PPI, 1920 x 1080
$210	Dell 27" Monitor - P2725H	81 PPI, 1920 x 1080
$222	Dell 24" Monitor - P2425HE	92.5 PPI, USB-C hub, RJ-45, Dock, 1920 x 1080
$251	Dell 27" Monitor - P2725HE	81 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

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$110/ $173	/	8-port Switch/16-port Switch
$85		Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter - DA305
$169		Dell Thunderbolt Dock - WD22TB4
$66		Logitech c920 Webcam
$45		Logitech USB Headset H540
$32		Soundbar (slim for Pxx22 models)

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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, STEM IT does not recommend or purchase them.

Other brands: STEM IT'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, STEM IT believes convenient and timely serviceability should be paramount when purchasing a laptop. 

These are some of the reasons STEM IT 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; STEM IT won't provide ordering, software installation, or troubleshooting services for them.

On the other hand, the Dell Latitude line of laptops is designed for business. STEM IT recommends the Dell Latitude models listed on this page and 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.

We suggest the Dell Latitude 13-inch model described above for the lightest-weight PC laptop.

Justification: Campus-wide processes are now 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 justify your selections.

Please contact STEM IT 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.