Laptop Recommendations for Engineering/Polytechnic/Discovery Park

Purdue IT's Client Support Services group is frequently asked to provide specifications and Purdue pricing for new Windows and Linux-based laptop computers, which will be purchased with Purdue funds. Most faculty, staff, and students will find their needs will be easily met by this year's "Power User - standard laptop" with a 13", 14" or 16" display which is designed to provide sufficient performance for at least four years.

With the growth of remote work and limited space, one might consider adding to the laptop a possible dock with one or two monitors as a primary system instead of a desktop system.

(If you are looking for personal laptops (not paid for with a Purdue account number), please see https://service.purdue.edu/TDClient/32/Purdue/KB/ArticleDet?ID=1807 instead. )

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 are seeing extended delivery times and price fluctuations for IT equipment. ***

** Prices shown below are very rough approximates and subject to frequent change. **

* Returns for many items are either difficult, disallowed, or subject to a restocking fee imposed by the vendor. Please look over the order carefully before approving. *

Possible Upgrades from Purdue IT Standard:

***One might consider upgrading the storage options depending on the use***

• 13"/14"/16" FHD+ (1920 x 1200) Anti-Glare with Embedded Touch Screen, Camera & Microphone     + ~$100 to $150
• 5Y ProSupport Plus                                                                                                                                              + ~$100
• Dell Briefcase 14/16                                                                                                                                             + ~$50

Purdue IT Standard Monitors/Accessories/Docks

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

~$125/ $100	/	8-port Switch/16-port Switch
~$85		Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter - DA305
~$170		Dell Thunderbolt Dock - SD25TB4
~$70		Logitech c920 Webcam
~$50		Logitech USB Headset H540
~$35		Soundbar (slim for Pxx22 models)

Additional details on all models currently available to purchase can be found at https://service.purdue.edu/TDClient/32/Purdue/KB/ArticleDet?ID=820

Additional details on all accessories currently available to purchase can be found at https://service.purdue.edu/TDClient/32/Purdue/KB/ArticleDet?ID=1080

Ordering. When you're ready to order, please contact Purdue IT. 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). Purdue IT will also handle placing the order.

You may consider the info above to be Purdue IT's official quotation for a standard new desktop PC, but as mentioned above, pricing and specifications are subject to change. If the actual cost varies by more than a few dollars or if hardware specs have changed significantly, Purdue IT will update you before proceeding with your 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, Purdue IT does not recommend or purchase them.

Other brands: Purdue IT's preference for Dell over other laptop brands (e.g., HP, Sony, Acer) 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, Purdue IT believes convenient and timely serviceability should be paramount when purchasing a laptop. 

These are some of the reasons Purdue IT recommends specific Dell Plus, Dell Premium and Pro Max models and recommends against netbooks, other model lines such as the Dell Inspiron, consumer models, and other brands. Faculty and staff who opt to purchase these models should note that such laptops will be entirely self-supported; Purdue IT won't provide ordering, software installation, or troubleshooting services for them.

On the other hand, the Dell Pro line of laptops is designed for business. Purdue IT recommends the Dell Pro Plus models listed on this page and various Dell Pro Max Mobile Workstation models. For a Dell Pro Max Mobile Workstation, we have direct online access to Dell Support, and on-site service is provided when necessary.

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

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 requires that you provide justification for your selections.

Please contact Purdue IT to discuss your specific needs.

Future Models

Historically, Dell changed models every 12-18 months.

Keyboards

The Dell 16 Plus 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: 16-inch Dell Pro Plus model with its included numeric keypad.
Bottom: Typical keyboard on the smaller recommended Dell Pro Plus models.