Apple Computing Equipment Specs and Purchasing Instructions for Staff and Instructors

Faculty Staff Apple purchase cdw

Overview

CDW is the University-wide Contracted Supplier for Apple products and services. The CDW punch-out in the PantherExpress System will include the same products and services available directly through Apple. CDW provides the University with a discounted price on many Apple products.

To access the "Featured Standards" on the CDW punchout (opens in a new tab), click on University Apple Standards.
Screenshot of the CDW-G punchout site showing the University Apple Standards section

These purchases are designed for department-purchased and owned devices for professional use by faculty and staff. (Faculty, staff, or students looking to purchase an Apple device at a discount can do so through the Member Purchase Program (opens in a new tab).)

Please note that any devices that need to have a mobile data plan should be purchased in accordance with the University Cellular Mobile Plan Program (opens in a new tab).

NOTE: Due to global supply chain issues, some devices may take longer than normal to ship. Ship times are rapidly changing; please note the ship time when ordering and reach out to our Account Manager if you have a tight deadline.

PURCHASE THROUGH PANTHEREXPRESS (opens in a new tab) >>

Purchase Consistency Offers Many Benefits:

Cost & Efficiency
- Custom configuration of Apple Products without leaving the punchout site.
- Streamlined purchasing process including automatic enrollment into Apple School Manager, which ensures devices are configured automatically for University use, simplifying setup and security, and asset tagging at purchase.
- Increased cost savings. Receive a 2.75% discount off the EDU list price for all EDU list products, including Pitt Digital’s recommended, pre-configured devices for departmental use, as well as a 4% discount off the EDU list price for AppleCare+ for Schools 4-Year Warranty.
Enhanced Service & Logistics
- Faster delivery due to reduced lead times, increased product availability, and a better fill rate.
- Delivery has been updated for better security, including a signature for delivery.
- Improved account management and customer service team.
- Delivery to departmental IT prior to unboxing for effective technical support and security, with enterprise device management and installation of University software (opens in a new tab) (like antivirus, Office, etc).
- All devices can run standard productivity applications from any location, either through the cloud or installed locally.
- All recommended peripherals are designed to work seamlessly with recommended computers.
- Virtual desktops can be leveraged for specialty, demanding, or Windows-specific applications.
Sustainability & Reporting
- Enhanced sustainability processes, including buy-back options for old Apple products and hard drive wiping.
- Improved reporting & analytics will allow better system-wide inventory management.

Detail

Computer Options for Use by Departmental Staff and Instructors

For easy ordering, we have worked with CDW to create a variety of standards to purchase without having to request a quote. If you have a device that is frequently needed, please contact the Help Desk and request a ticket be sent to Technical Consulting for Departments. They can work with CDW to create a standard order for you.

For setup instructions, please see Setting Up Your Purchased Computer (opens in a new tab).

Laptops

The following are recommended models that includes an extra year of AppleCare with the 4-year warranty, a $60 value, as compared to purchasing direct from Apple:

	MacBook Air 13", M5	MacBook Air 15", M5	MacBook Pro, 14", M5	MacBook Pro, 16.2", M4 Pro
	(click to enlarge)	(click to enlarge)	(click to enlarge)	(click to enlarge)
Screen Size	13"	15"	14.2"	16.2"
Color	Silver	Silver	Space Black	Space Black
Battery Life	53.8-watt‑hour lithium‑polymer battery	66.5-watt‑hour lithium‑polymer battery	72.4-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery	100-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
Charging	40W dynamic power adapter with 60W max, USB-C to MagSafe 3 charge cable (2m)	40W dynamic power adapter with 60W max, USB-C to MagSafe 3 charge cable (2m)	70W USB-C Power Adapter Fast-charge capable with 96W USB-C Power Adapter	140W USB-C Power Adapter Fast-charge capable with included 140W USB-C Power Adapter
Operating System	Apple macOS Tahoe 26	Apple macOS Tahoe 26	Apple macOS Tahoe 26	Apple macOS Tahoe 26
Processor	Apple M5 chip with 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU	Apple M5 chip with 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU	Apple M5 chip with 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU	Apple M5 Pro chip with 18‑core CPU and 20‑core GPU
Memory (RAM)	16 GB	16 GB	24 GB	24 GB
Hard Drive	1 TB SSD	1 TB SSD	1 TB SSD	1 TB SSD
Webcam and Microphone	1080p FaceTime HD camera 3.5 mm headphone jack	1080p FaceTime HD camera 3.5 mm headphone jack	12MP Center Stage camera 1080p HD video recording 3.5 mm headphone jack	12MP Center Stage camera 1080p HD video recording 3.5 mm headphone jack
Wireless Card	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Wired Port	No	No	No	No
Size and Weight	Height: 0.44 inch Width: 11.97 inches Depth: 8.46 inches Weight: 2.7 pounds	Height: 0.45 inch Width: 13.40 inches Depth: 9.35 inches Weight: 3.3 pounds	Height: 0.61 inch Width: 12.31 inches Depth: 8.71 inches Weight: 3.5 pounds	Height: 0.66 inch Width: 14.01 inches Depth: 9.77 inches Weight: 4.7 pounds
In the Box
Est. Price*	~$1,385.87 with 4-year warranty (Base price: $1,166.03)	~$1,599.57 with 4-year warranty (Base price: $1,360.53)	~$2,065.37 with 4-year warranty (Base price: $1,749.53)	~$2,822.92 with 4-year warranty (Base price: $2,430.28)
	PURCHASE NOW (opens in a new tab) >>	PURCHASE NOW (opens in a new tab) >>	PURCHASE NOW (opens in a new tab) >>	PURCHASE NOW (opens in a new tab) >>

*Last updated: April 24, 2026

Due to global supply chain issues, some devices are taking longer than normal to ship. Ship times are rapidly changing; please note the ship time when ordering. Dell recommends ordering as soon as possible for fastest delivery.

The following software applications are installed on devices properly configured in our Jamf management program.

Productivity and Connectivity

Microsoft 365 Semi-Annual Channel (including Teams)
Microsoft OneNote
PittNet VPN (GlobalProtect)
Zoom Videoconferencing

Web Browsers

Safari
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox

Security

Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection

IT Management

JAMF Pro: Cloud-facing third-party solution for Apple Devices to deploy software packages, configure devices, and perform remote commands (wipe, lock, etc.). Allows end users to have a base machine without IT staff physically touching the device. Supports MacOS, iPadOS, and iPhoneOS. Ensure that you contact your IT Department prior to turning the device on to ensure smooth management.

The following security and settings can be configured on devices purchased managed by your IT department with Jamf.

Endpoint Security and Protection Settings

Pitt Digital can deploy a script that automates the installation of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for supported devices when managed via our Jamf management properly. Devices must be enrolled prior to unboxing.

Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection with Antivirus: Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection with Antivirus is enabled.
Additional Security: Customers are informed of the appropriate use of University computer services and user account control is enabled to prevent harmful programs from making changes to the computer.

Yes, your Mac can get a virus (opens in a new tab) >>

Review additional suggestions (opens in a new tab) to secure your new Apple device.

AppleCare+ for Schools is a protection plan that extends the coverage of Apple devices for up to four years from the original purchase date. It includes:

Technical support: 24/7 access to Apple experts by phone or chat
Repair coverage: Global coverage for parts and labor, including the battery and accessories
Accidental repair: The paired 4-year AppleCare+ waives the service fee of $99 or $299 based on damage.
Repair options: Mail-in, carry-in, or express replacement
Walk-in Support at the University Store on Fifth (opens in a new tab): Our repair center is Apple Authorized and services Apple devices as well as out-of-warranty Dell computers. If you have tech problems, you'd better ask Brad, an Apple-certified Macintosh Technician with over 15 years of experience.

AppleCare+ for Schools can be purchased at the same time as the device or added within 60 days of purchase. Purchasing via SHI allows for a 3- or 4-year warranty option.

Desktop Options

Pitt Digital still recommends a mobile-first posture; however, there are use cases for desktops like shared space and research lab environments. The following are recommended models that includes an extra year of AppleCare with the 4-year warranty, a $60 value, as compared to purchasing direct from Apple:

	iMac 24" M4, silver	Mac Mini M4	Mac Studio M4

Operating System	macOS	macOS Sequoia 15	macOS Sequoia 15
Input	Magic Keyboard Magic Mouse Configurable with: Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad Magic Trackpad		Not included
Processor	8-core CPU	Apple M4 chip with 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU	14-core CPU 32-core GPU
Memory (RAM)	24GB	16GB	36GB
Hard Drive	512GB	512GB	1TB
Connections	Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports with support for: Thunderbolt 4 (up to 40Gb/s) USB 4 (up to 40Gb/s) USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gb/s) DisplayPort 3.5 mm headphone jack **Configured with Ethernet	On front: Two USB-C ports 3.5 mm headphone jack On back: Gigabit Ethernet port Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C)	On front: Two USB-C ports SDXC Card Slot On back: Four Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) Two USB-A ports HDMI port 10Gb Ethernet 3.5 mm headphone jack
Est. Price*	Bundle including mouse and keyboard ~$1,768.21 with 4-year warranty (Base price: $1,591.01)	~$953.42 with 4-year warranty and 24" LG Monitor (Base price: $679.78)	~$2,086.82 with 4-year warranty (Base price: $1,924.58)
	PURCHASE NOW (opens in a new tab) >>	PURCHASE NOW (opens in a new tab) >>	PURCHASE NOW (opens in a new tab) >>

Last updated: April 24, 2026

Due to global supply chain issues, some devices are taking longer than normal to ship. Ship times are rapidly changing; please note the ship time when ordering. Apple recommends ordering as soon as possible for fastest delivery.

Suggested Employee Accessories

For more information on what power adapter is needed for your laptop, see Apple's Identify Your Mac Power Adapter article (opens in a new tab).

Please note that any devices that need to have a mobile data plan should be purchased in accordance with the University Cellular Mobile Plan Program (opens in a new tab).

Model	Description	Price
Apple Magic Keyboard	Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad Apple Magic Keyboard	~$125.45 ~$96.28	PURCHASE NOW (opens in a new tab) >>
Apple Magic Mouse	Apple Magic Mouse	~$76.83	PURCHASE NOW (opens in a new tab) >>
Power Adapter	20 Watt USB Power Adapter for iPad and iPhone	~$18.	PURCHASE NOW (opens in a new tab) >>
Power Adapter	30 Watt USB Power Adapter for MacBook Air models 2018+ (cable not included)	~$37.44	PURCHASE NOW (opens in a new tab) >>
Power Adapter	70 Watt USB Power Adapter for 14-inch MacBook Pro 2021+ (cable not included)	~$57.38	PURCHASE NOW (opens in a new tab) >>
iPad mini	iPad mini, 256GB, Wi-Fi only, Space Gray	~$638.54 Includes 4 year warranty	PURCHASE NOW (opens in a new tab) >>
iPad Air	iPad Air 11", 256GB, Wi-Fi only, Silver	~$735.79 Includes 4 year warranty	PURCHASE NOW (opens in a new tab) >>
iPad 10	iPad 10.9", 256GB, Wi-Fi only, Silver	~$521.84 Includes 4 year warranty	PURCHASE NOW (opens in a new tab) >>
iPad Pro	iPad Pro 11", 256GB, Wi-Fi only, Silver	~$1,084.52 Includes 4 year warranty	PURCHASE NOW (opens in a new tab) >>
iPad Pro	iPad Pro 12.9", 256GB, Wi-Fi only, Silver	~$1,405.07 Includes 4 year warranty	PURCHASE NOW (opens in a new tab) >>