Agriculture Information Technology
Advisory Group (AITAG)
Baseline Hardware for
North Dakota State University
Agriculture
and University Extension
Developed by the Ag
IT Advisory Group
updated
October 09, 2009
New Computer Purchases | Support Specs / End of Life | Digital Projectors
Digital Cameras | Printers | Scanners | Video Conferencing Equipment | Webcams
2009 Cost-share/Extension Equipment Request Information (10/09/09)
Because research indicates the Hewlett Packard and Dell computers are comparable in quality, the HP model in the baseline that follows is what will be ordered as part of the Extension Equipment Purchase Process.
Extension employees who prefer the Dell model may certainly request that model, however, funds other than state Extension equipment funds must be used to cover the price difference. Specifications and cost estimates for both baseline models and external components are listed for your convenience.
The quotes below are based on information from various sources and usually run a little higher than the final price. Please keep in mind that these are estimates only and may not accurately reflect the actual price which could be lower, or in rare instances, higher.
|
Two components of the baseline
hardware are:
1) recommended specifications for new computers, and 2)
minimum specifications for current computers.
Recommended Specifications
for New Computer Purchases
Component |
Desktop |
Notebook |
| Computer Model |
Dell Optiplex 960 |
HP dc7900 |
Dell Latitude E6400 |
HP 8530p |
| RAM |
4GB |
4GB |
4GB |
4GB |
| CPU
speed |
Intel
Core 2 Duo E8500 |
Intel
Core 2 Duo E8500 |
Intel
Core 2 Duo P8600
|
Intel
Core 2 Duo P8600
|
| Hard
drive size |
250GB |
250GB |
160GB |
160GB |
| CD/DVD
drive |
DVD +/- RW |
DVD +/- RW |
DVD +/- RW |
DVD +/- RW |
| Sound
system |
integrated |
integrated |
integrated |
integrated |
| Keyboard |
USB |
USB |
integrated |
integrated |
| Mouse |
optical |
optical |
touchpad |
touchpad |
| Monitor |
19" LCD |
19" LCD |
14.1" WXGA
built-in display |
15.4" WXGA built-in display |
| Ethernet
card |
integrated |
integrated |
integrated |
integrated |
| Wireless network card |
no |
no |
integrated 802.11b(g) |
integrated 802.11a/b/g |
| Other
ports |
USB
2.0, parallel |
USB 2.0, parallel |
USB
2.0 |
USB 2.0 |
| Modem |
no |
no |
optional |
yes |
| Video |
256MB
video |
256MB
video |
160MB
PC-Card video |
256MB
integrated video |
| Warranty |
4
years |
4 years |
4
years |
4 Years |
| Operating
System |
Vista Home Basic downgraded to Win XP Pro |
Vista Home Basic downgraded to Win XP Pro |
Vista Home Basic downgraded to Win XP Pro |
Vista Home Basic downgraded to Win XP Pro |
| Carrying Bag |
N/A |
N/A |
Standard Nylon |
Standard Nylon |
| Estimated Unit Cost |
$1,500 |
$1200** |
$1,700 |
$1,600** |
| For the
following items, add the price to the estimated unit cost. |
| |
Dell Desktop |
HP Desktop |
Dell Notebook |
HP Notebook |
LCD monitor |
(19" Included with desktop) |
(19" Included with desktop) |
$320 |
$325 |
Port replicator |
N/A |
N/A |
$180 |
$130 |
USB Floppy Drive |
N/A |
N/A |
$29 |
$29 |
External keyboard |
(Included
with desktop) |
(Included with desktop) |
$30 |
$30 |
External optical mouse |
(Included
with desktop) |
(Included with desktop) |
$20 |
$20 |
External
speakers (bar) |
(Included
with desktop) |
(Included with desktop) |
$30 |
$30 |
Note: View lists and prices of NDSU site-licensed software.
*Counties supported by the NDACo: please visit with your local
NDACo technician about ordering a NDACo supported HP that meets
the minimum specifications listed above.
** These systems are available to NDSU supported offices when ordering computers through cost share and also to NDACo supported offices ordering through their NDACo technician. Currently, we are only able to purchase HP systems in batch orders. This means that for now we are unable to place individual orders outside of cost share.. We are working to develop a more streamlined purchasing process that will allow purchase of individual computers in the future.
Monitor, keyboard, and mouse are
integrated into laptops. If a laptop is to be used as a desktop
replacement, the user may want to consider purchasing a port
replicator, as well as an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
- A port replicator is for
users who want to turn their notebook into a desktop by connecting
common peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse and output devices)
as well as a network connection. The port is vendor and/or model
specific. For best prices, it should be purchased with the laptop.
It can be purchased later, but at a higher price.
Minimum Specifications & End of Life for
Current Computers
Current computers, at a minimum,
should be capable of effectively using Windows 2000 or XP Pro. AITAG
currently recommends that computers be replaced every 4 years.
To receive computer support, a
computer must be as good or better than the following:
| Component |
Current Specification |
6 - 12 Month Estimated Specs |
| Minimum CPU |
Pentium
4, 3.0 GHz |
Intel Dual Core |
| Minimum RAM |
1 GB |
2 GB |
| Minimum hard
drive size |
80GB |
160GB |
| Minimum disk
drive configuration |
CD-RW/DVD
ROM Combo |
CD-RW/DVD
ROM Combo |
| Minimum Video |
64MB |
64MB |
For Dell computers, here are the support cut-off dates:
| Dell Optiplex Model |
Support End Date |
| Optiplex GX400 |
Not Supported |
| Optiplex GX150 |
Not Supported |
| Optiplex GX240 |
Not Supported |
| Optiplex GX260 |
Not Supported |
| Optiplex GX270 |
June 30, 2010 |
| Optiplex GX280 |
June 30, 2011 |
Peripherals
Agriculture faculty and staff
are encouraged to contact the following Agriculture Communication
staff for recommendations on hardware peripherals.
The Agriculture Communication staff can assist offices with ordering projectors and printers; however, if offices want help with the cost, they should place their order only AFTER they have obtained approval from administration. The ordering of all other peripherals and accessories is the responsibility of each individual county office or department.
Digital Projector |
Baseline Specifications
Actual
System Specifications
Viewsonic
PJD6230 DLP Projector
|
Digital Cameras |
- Each
office is urged to conduct
their own research to purchase a camera that meets
their
individual
needs. Here are a few sites that may help:
* - This website requires a login & password. Please contact
Becky Koch for this information.
- Becky Koch, Becky.Koch@ndsu.edu, 701-231-7875
|
Printers |
Jon Fry, Jon.Fry@ndsu.edu,
701-231-7934 |
Scanners |
- Deb Tanner, Deb.Tanner@ndsu.edu, 701-231-7891
|
Videoconferencing Equipment |
Standard Definition Package
$6750 - VSX 7400 Presenter
- VSX 7000s
- 1 microphone array
- Visual Concert VSX
- People Plus Content (P+C IP)
- Remote
- 3-year maintenance agreement
High Definition Package
$8300 - HDX 8002 XL
- HD codec
- Eagle Eye HD camera
- HDX microphone array
- People Plus Content (P+C)
- People Over Content (PoC)
- Remote
- 3-year maintenance agreement
Requires minimum of two T1 lines to function in HD
- Please contact Bruce Sundeen for assistance in determining which option will best fit your office's situation.
-
- Bruce.Sundeen@ndsu.edu, 701-231-7953
|
Webconferencing
Webcams |
The following webcams are currently supported for use with Wimba webconferencing:
Apple |
- iSight (also built-in on many newer Apple computers)
|
Creative |
|
ecamm |
|
Logitech |
|
Microsoft |
|
-
Please contact Bruce Sundeen for assistance with questions about webcams or Wimba.
-
-
Additional Wimba support can be found by visiting:
http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/wimba/ |
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