Recommended Computer Models for Faculty and Staff

ITS recognizes that different users have different needs and preferences in computer platforms and therefore offers both macOS and Microsoft Windows (Dell) computer options to faculty and staff. Note that certain College software systems require running Windows. Built-in optical (CD/DVD) drives are only available in larger sized special-order Dell desktops. All standard models require an optional external optical drive. “Docking stations” are not available for MacBooks. Please keep these things in mind when making your hardware choices.

For best support with the college network, wireless, applications and printing, ITS recommends users choose the Dell option. For best performance, a desktop should be selected unless portability is specifically required. Macintosh computers have a significant price premium and should only be considered if specific macOS-only software is required. Adobe software now functions identically on Windows and Mac platforms and there are no issues exchanging files. Demanding software like Photoshop and Premiere benefit considerably from the faster performance offered in the Dell configurations. If software is required that only runs on Windows, then a Dell computer will be provided.

Detailed Specs for ITS Standard Models

	Dell Optiplex 7060 Micro	Dell Latitude 7390*	Apple MacBook Pro	Apple iMac
Category	Win micro desktop	Win std laptop	Mac std laptop	Mac desktop
Screen	External	13” (touch opt.*)	13”	21.5”
OS	Win 10 Ent	Win 10 Ent	macOS	macOS
CPU	Six-core 3.2GHz i7	Quad-core 1.9GHz i7	Dual-core 2.3GHz i5	Quad-core 3.0GHz i5
RAM	8GB	8GB	8GB	8GB
Hard drive	256GB SSD	256GB SSD	256GB SSD	256GB SSD
Optical drive	Opt/external	Opt/external	Opt/external	Opt/external
Weight	2.5 lbs	2.75 lbs	3 lbs	12.5 lbs
Ports	5x USB, USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI, network	2x USB, USB-C/Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, Network, MicroSD Card	2x USB-C/Thunderbolt 3	4x USB, 2x USB-C/TB3, Network, SD Card
Cost	$838	$1,589	$1,752	$1,548

* Please note that the new Dell laptops no longer work with the old style docking station(E-Port) and require the purchase of a new USB-C "port replicator" ($140) if docking is necessary.
* Touchscreen is a special-order option available on the Dell laptops at additional cost, which would need to be covered by dept funds (incl. ITS-issued primary laptops). MacBooks do not offer touchscreen as an option.
* "Passmark" performance score refers to the CPU benchmark baseline rating from PassMark Software for the given CPU chip used in that model. This score is calculated by using many different types of tests running across all CPU cores and then averaging scores across many (sometimes hundreds) of samples of that CPU. More details on how the PassMark CPU score is calculated can be found here. Other factors can affect performance for a given application/task and not all tasks are primarily restricted by CPU speed.

Software (Applications) You Can Expect to Find

Computers purchased and maintained by ITS are set up with the standard college software bundle which includes Microsoft Office, Mozilla Firefox, VPN, and antivirus. Employees are able to install additional software themselves if needed. Many of the popular licensed software used at the college (such as Adobe applications) are now available for self-install via Self Service Installations. More info is at: http://go.middlebury.edu/selfservice/