Computer Purchases

All PLU departmental purchases must be coordinated through User Support Services. We will work with numerous vendors to find the best price/value for the University and get back to you with a quote for the equipment. Please send purchase requests to helpdesk@plu.edu.  You can also contact us at 253-535-7525 for more information.

Note:  We provide service and support for equipment purchased only through our department and not by other means, e.g., directly from a vendor or business.

Sustainability

It is our practice to purchase only computers and printers that are Energy Star compliant and/or have EPEAT certification.  Each of the choices below are rated Energy Star Gold.  More information on EPEAT can be found here.

Ergonomics

We recommend that faculty and staff visit the PLU’s ergonomics website for tips on assessing your work environment for potential issues that should be addressed.   Please contact PLU’s Environmental Health and Safety department at ehs@plu.edu if you have additional questions about your workspace and they will work with you to resolve any concerns you may have.

Standard Computer Options

Our standard computer options for Fiscal Year 23:

Windows

Desktop

  • Dell Optiplex 7010 SFF Desktop
  • Intel i5-13600 (6 Performance/8 Efficiency Cores)
  • Windows 11 Pro
  • 16GB RAM
  • Intel integrated graphics card
  • 256GB SSD hard drive
  • LG 24″ Flat Panel monitor (second monitor – additional $165 department purchase)
  • Microsoft Office Pro
  • 5 year warranty

Laptop

  • Dell Latitude 7440
  • Intel i5-1345U (10 core) Processor
  • Windows 11 Pro
  • 16GB RAM
  • 256GB SSD hard drive
  • 14″ widescreen display
  • Integrated Wireless
  • Integrated Webcam
  • Microsoft Office Pro
  • 3 year warranty

Apple

Desktop

  • Apple M2 Mac mini
  • Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU
  • Mac OS 14 Sonoma
  • 16GB Unified Memory
  • 256GB SSD hard drive
  • 24-inch LG monitor (second monitor – additional $165 department purchase)
  • Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports
  • Two USB-A ports
  • Wired keyboard and mouse
  • Microsoft Office for Mac
  • 3 year warranty

Laptop

  • Apple M2 MacBook Air 13″
  • Apple M2 chip with 8‑core CPU, 8‑core GPU
  • Mac OS 14 Sonoma
  • 16GB RAM
  • 256GB SSD Hard Drive
  • 1080p HD webcam
  • 2 Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports (no USB 3.0 or other display ports available)
  • Microsoft Office for Mac
  • 3 year warranty

Personal Purchases

Personal computer purchases are not done through our department.  If you choose to purchase equipment online, you may want to check for discounted pricing for individuals associated with educational institutions (Dell and Apple currently offer educational discounts).  Minimum requirements for use on our network as well as general guidelines for choosing a new computer are listed here.