Apple Computing Equipment Specs and Purchasing Instructions for Staff and Instructors

Faculty Staff Apple purchase

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, click on University Apple Standards.
CDW-G Punchout Screenshot

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.)

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.

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 >>

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 (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.

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", M4	MacBook Air 15", M4	MacBook Pro, 14", M5 Pro	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	Space Gray	Space Gray	Space Black	Space Black
Battery Life	52.6-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	30W USB-C Power Adapter (included with M4 with 8‑core GPU)	35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter (included with M4 with 10‑core GPU)	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	macOS Sequoia 15	macOS Sequoia 15	macOS Tahoe 26	macOS Sequoia 15
Processor	Apple M4 chip 8-core CPUs	Apple M4 chip 10-core CPUs	Apple M5 chip 10-core CPU	Apple M4 Pro chip 14-core CPU
Memory (RAM)	16 GB	16 GB	16 GB	24 GB
Hard Drive	256 GB SSD	256 GB SSD	512 GB SSD	512 GB 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	13-inch MacBook Air 30W USB-C Power Adapter USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable	15-inch MacBook Air 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable	14-inch MacBook Pro 70W USB-C Power Adapter USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable	16-inch MacBook Pro 140W USB-C Power Adapter USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable
Est. Price*	~$1,103.72 with 4-year warranty (Base price: $874.28)	~$1,307.82 with 4-year warranty (Base price: $1,068.78)	~$1,764.02 with 4-year warranty (Base price: $1,457.78)	~$2,666.82 with 4-year warranty (Base price: $2,235.78)
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*Last updated: December 4, 2025

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.

Software Applications (click to expand)

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.

Security (click to expand)

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 >>

Review additional suggestions to secure your new Apple device.

Warranty (click to expand)

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: 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 Sequoia 15	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	Not included
Processor	8-core CPU	10-core CPU	12-core CPU 30-core GPU
Memory (RAM)	16GB	16GB	32GB
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: Gigabit Ethernet port Four Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) Two USB-A ports HDMI port 10Gb Ethernet 3.5 mm headphone jack
Est. Price*	~$1,593.11 with 4-year warranty (Base price: $1,415.96)	~$818.53 with 4-year warranty (Base price: $679.78)	~$2,121.45 with 4-year warranty (Base price: $1,959.21)
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Last updated: December 4, 2025

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.

Tablets, Accessories and Peripherals (click to expand)

Suggested Employee Accessories

For more information on what power adapter is needed for your laptop, see Apple's Identify Your Mac Power Adapter article.

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.

Model	Description	Price
Apple Magic Keyboard	Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad Apple Magic Keyboard	~$123.84 ~$95.04	PURCHASE NOW >>
Apple Magic Mouse	Apple Magic Mouse	~$75.84	PURCHASE NOW >>
Power Adapter	20 Watt USB Power Adapter for iPad and iPhone	~$18.24	PURCHASE NOW >>
Power Adapter	30 Watt USB Power Adapter for MacBook Air models 2018+ (cable not included)	~$37.44	PURCHASE NOW >>
Power Adapter	70 Watt USB Power Adapter for 14-inch MacBok Pro 2021+ (cable not included)	~$56.64	PURCHASE NOW >>
iPad mini	iPad mini, 256GB, Wi-Fi only, Silver	~$569 +$104.64 (4-year warranty)	PURCHASE NOW >>
iPad Air	iPad Air 11", 256GB, Wi-Fi only, Silver	~$643 +$104.64 (4-year warranty)	PURCHASE NOW >>
iPad 10	iPad 10.9", 256GB, Wi-Fi only, Silver	~$474.21 +$104.64 (4-year warranty)	PURCHASE NOW >>
iPad Pro	iPad Pro 11", 256GB, Wi-Fi only, Silver	~$919 +$210.24 (4-year warranty)	PURCHASE NOW >>
iPad Pro	iPad Pro 12.9", 256GB, Wi-Fi only, Silver	~$1,187.01 +$239.04 (4-year warranty)	PURCHASE NOW >>