Important Computing Equipment Specs and Purchasing Instructions for Staff and Instructors

Overview

Standard Laptops | Highly Mobile Laptops | Standard DesktopsChromebook Options | Setting Up a Laptop | Setting Up a Chromebook | Standard Software, Settings, Warranty | Monitor Options | Accessories & Peripherals

The Computing Equipment Purchasing and Standardization Program enables University units to purchase pre-configured PCs and peripherals at significant savings. When it’s time to purchase new computing equipment, simply contact your department’s IT support or purchasing administrator to buy the devices through PantherExpress >>. It can be sent directly to an employee's home or campus address. 

Most of the items listed below include additional negotiated discounts beyond our standard PantherExpress discount. To get the lowest price, place your order from the Standard Configurations page on Dell’s site.  This will be the first page you see when you go to the Dell Punch Out.  

This Computing Equipment Purchasing and Standardization Program is designed for department-purchased and owned devices for professional use by staff and instructors. (Faculty, staff, or students looking to purchase a recommended PC at a discount can do so through the Member Purchase Program.) Note: Instructors are encouraged, but not required, to participate.

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Device Consistency Offers Many Benefits:

  • Streamlined purchasing and ship-to-home process, plus significant cost savings
  • More effective technical support and security, with enterprise device management
  • Set up right out of the box, without departmental IT assistance—standard University software is pre-loaded
  • 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 PCs
  • Virtual desktops can be leveraged for specialty or demanding apps

Detail

Computer Options for Use by Departmental Staff and Instructors

Options include lower-cost minimal devices for working in the cloud, mid-range machines for mainstream users, highly-portable models for those who travel on or off campus frequently, and more powerful laptops for resource-intensive applications. All devices come standard with Wi-Fi capability, an integrated webcam and microphone, and a 3-year warranty that includes coverage for accidental damage.

Standard Laptops

The traditional form factor laptops are the most popular option for most users. We have selected several models that will fit most users' needs.

  • The Mainstream and Mainstream Plus Laptops are ideal for basic productivity, Microsoft Teams and Zoom meetings, and video calls.
  • The Power User and Power User plus models are for users who work with several applications at the same time and require faster performance.
  • Two High End models with discrete graphics cards are available. The High End 15 is a larger form factor device with a 15.6 inch screen ideal for creators and others who require the performance of a dedicated graphics card. The 14-inch laptop may be a good choice for faculty and staff who prefer a smaller screen but still require the power of a dedicated graphics card and Intel i7 processor.

NOTE: New High End Models will be available Summer 2025 when NVIDIA releases their next generation mobile GPUs.

User Profile Mainstream Mainstream Plus Power User Power User Plus High End 14 High End 15
  Uploaded Image (Thumbnail) Uploaded Image (Thumbnail) Uploaded Image (Thumbnail) Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

Device

Dell Pro 14

Dell Pro 14 Plus

Dell Mobile Precision 3490

Dell Mobile Precision 3591

Screen Size

14"
16:10 Aspect Ratio

14"
16:10 Aspect Ratio

14"
16:9 Aspect Ratio

15.6"
16:9 Aspect Ratio

Battery

3 cell, 54Whr

3 cell, 57Whr

3 cell, 54Whr

6 cell, 97Whr

Weight

2.99 lbs.

3.09 lbs.

3.06 lbs.

4 lbs.

Operating System

Windows 11
Education 64-bit

Windows 11
Education 64-bit

Windows 11
Education 64-bit

Windows 11
Education 64-bit

Processor

Intel Ultra 5 235U

Intel Ultra 7 265U

Intel Ultra 7 H28W

Intel Ultra 7 H45W

Memory (RAM)

16 GB 

16 GB 

32 GB 

32GB

32 GB 

Hard Drive

256 GB SSD 

512 GB SSD

512 GB SSD

1 TB SSD

1 TB SSD

Webcam and Microphone

Included

Included

Included

Included

Wireless Card

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Wired Port

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Graphics Processing Unit Integrated Graphics Integrated Graphics Dedicated Graphics Card (NVIDIA® 500 Ada, 4GB GDDR6) Dedicated Graphics Card (NVIDIA® RTX  1000 Ada 6GB)

Est. Price*

~$985

~$1,063

~$1,244

~$1,480

~$1,680

~$1,780

 

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Last updated: April 30, 2025

 

Highly Mobile Laptops

This type of laptop is ideal for the person who is on the go, who requires a thin, light device with touch capabilities. When the keyboard is removed, the device becomes a Windows tablet. The Dell 7320 includes a stylus with the keyboard, while it is purchased separately for the Microsoft Surface Pro 9.

User Profile:

Dell Highly Mobile User 2-in-1

Dell Highly Mobile Power User 2-in-1

Microsoft Highly Mobile 2-in-1 Hybrid Microsoft Highly Mobile 2-in-1 Hybrid Power User
 

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Device

Dell Latitude 7350 Detachable with Pen

Dell Latitude 7350 Detachable with Pen

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Screen Size

13"

13"

13" 13"

Battery Life

47 Whr

47 Whr

47.7 Whr 47.7 Whr

Weight

1.7 lbs.

1.7 lbs.

1.7 lbs. 1.7 lbs.

Operating System

Windows 11 Education 64-bit

Windows 11 Education 64-bit

Windows Education 64-bit Windows Education 64-bit

Processor

Intel Core Ultra 5 U15W

Intel Core Ultra 7 U15W

Intel i5 Intel i7 

Memory (RAM)

16 GB 

16 GB 

16 GB  16 GB 

Hard Drive

256 GB SSD 

512 GB SSD 

256 GB SSD  512 GB SSD

Webcam and Microphone

Included

Included

Included Included

Wireless Card

Yes

Yes Yes Yes
Wired Port

No

No

No No
Graphics Processing Unit Integrated Graphics Integrated Graphics Integrated Graphics Integrated Graphics

Est. Price*

~$1,462

~$1,648

~$1,775 ~$2,125
 

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Standard Software Applications

The following software applications are installed on devices purchased through the Standard Computer Purchasing Program.

Productivity and Connectivity

  • Microsoft 365 Semi-Annual Channel (including Teams)
  • Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10
  • PittNet VPN (GlobalProtect) - preconfigured for sremote.pitt.edu
  • Zoom Videoconferencing

Web Browsers

  • Microsoft Edge for Windows 10
  • Google Chrome
  • Mozilla Firefox ESR

Security

  • Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection
  • Pitt Password Manager (LastPass)

IT Management

  • Microsoft Intune Company Portal
  • Microsoft SCCM Client
Standard Security and Windows Settings
Warranty and Support.

For setup instructions, please see Setting Up Your Computer Purchased Through the Pitt's Standardization Program

 

 

Desktop Options Now Available

 

Desktops are now available for purchase as part of the EndPoint Standardization program.  While Pitt It still recommends a mobile-first posture, there are use cases for desktops like digital signs, conference room PCs, Classrooms, and Research lab environments.  These desktops all include 3 years of pro-support plus, wireless connectivity, and are AutoPilot ready.  All models can be found on Dell's punch out accessed via Panther Express. 

 

Name

Model

Form Factor

Processor

Ram

SSD     

Graphics

Price

Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

Single Purpose Desktop

Dell Pro Micro Plus

Micro

Intel Ultra 5

16GB

256GB

Integrated

~$910

Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

General Use Desktop

Dell Pro Max Slim

SFF

Intel Ultra 7

16GB

512GB

Integrated

~$1,081

Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

Core Desktop

Dell Pro Max Slim

SFF

Intel Ultra 7

32GB

512GB

RTX A400, 4GB

~$1,345

Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

Advanced Desktop

Dell Pro Max Slim

SFF

Intel Ultra 7

32GB

1TB

T1000 GPU 8GB

~$1,560

Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

Ultra Desktop

Dell Pro Max Tower

Tower

Intel Ultra 9

32GB

1TB

Nvidia RTX 2000 Ada, 16 GB GDDR6

~$1,988

Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

Extreme Desktop

Dell Pro Max Tower

Tower

Intel Ultra 9

64GB

1TB+2TBSSD

Nvidia RTX 4000 Ada, 20 GB GDDR6

~$3,148

 

Chromebook Options Now Available

Chromebooks are now available for purchase as part of the EndPoint Standardization program. These low-cost alternatives to Windows laptops are ideal for basic productivity and can also be used in conjunction with Azure Virtual Desktop, including our Virtual Desktops for Remote Work service, for more advanced uses. We advise that you consult with your IT department prior to purchase to ensure that a Chromebook will fit your needs. For details, refer to the sections below titled "Department Admin Steps for Chromebooks," "Setup Instructions for Chromebooks," and "Standard Chromebook Apps."

User Profile:

Minimum Recommended
Low-Cost Cloud Laptop

Touchscreen Chromebook

 

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Device

Dell Chromebook 3100

Dell Chromebook 3110 Touchscreen

Screen Size

11"

11"

Battery Life

14 hours

14 hours

Weight

2.85 lbs.

2.85 lbs.

Operating System

Chrome OS

Chrome OS

Processor

Celeron 

Celeron

Memory (RAM)

4 GB 

4 GB 

Hard Drive

32 GB SSD 

32 GB SSD  

Webcam and Microphone

Included 

Included

Wireless Card

Yes

Yes

Wired Port

No

No

Graphics Processing Unit Integrated Graphics Integrated Graphics

Est. Price*

~$314

~$438

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Last updated: June 2, 2022

* Pending availability. Contact Pitt IT regarding equivalent options.
 The low-cost laptop represents the minimum recommended configuration for use at the University of Pittsburgh. It is intended to be used along with a virtual desktop and cloud-based applications.

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.

Department Admin Steps for Chromebooks
Setup Instructions for Chromebooks
Standard Chromebook Apps

 

Monitor Options

Recommended monitors are designed to work with standard laptops or other devices that support video and charging over USB-C. They all have docking capability and an HD screen display. This solution has many advantages:

  • One Cable Connectivity: Power/charge* your laptop, connect another screen and other USB peripherals; and eliminate the need for a dedicated dock.
  • USB Connectivity: Displays include four (4) USB ports for connecting peripherals, with the ability to daisy-chain multiple monitors.
  • Integrated Features: Various models includes an integrated wired ethernet card (NIC) and/or integrated webcam, mic, and speakers.
  • Saves Time and Money: Deeply discounted beyond standard PantherExpress prices, and utilizes fewer cables and devices to set up.

Recommended laptops, monitors, and accessories are designed to work together, but are compatible with many other devices. If you are using existing equipment and are unsure of their compatibility, contact the Pitt IT Technology Help Desk.

*Note: The High End laptop consumes more power than the docking monitor throughput can accommodate; it should be connected to a dedicated charger to maintain a full charge.

 

Recommended Setup for Typical Users

A dual monitor system is strongly recommended for all users, whether you purchase two monitors or use an existing screen with a DisplayPort input. Different users and environments will have different needs:

  • Dedicated Office: Someone who has a private University office or who works from a dedicated home office doesn't need to worry about background noise. They can participate in video meetings and calls without a headset, so a monitor-integrated or external webcam and mic is ideal. They generally have access to a wired Ethernet port. 
  • Open Office / Shared Space: In a shared (hoteling) space or open office (cubicle) environment, calls or video meetings need to happen over a headset for privacy, confidentiality, and noise reduction. A headset provides audio, while a laptop's built-in camera or a separate webcam provides video. They generally have access to a wired Ethernet port. 
  • Work From Home/Wireless Only: For those working primarily from home or in an office with wireless connectivity only, a basic docking monitor that also functions as a USB hub is sufficient. Their laptop's built-in camera, mic, and speaker or a headset and/or external webcam can provide audio and video.
  • Dual Display Monitor: A basic docking monitor can also function as a second screen. Its four USB ports can connect and charge additional devices and accessories.

 

Recommended Monitors

Note: External webcams and/or headsets are sold separately. See below in Accessories.

Model Description User Price     Data Sheet  
P2425HE      Dell 24 USB-C Hub Monitor with NIC All Users (with
​appropriate accessories)
~$210   PURCHASE NOW >>
P2425DE    Dell 24 USB-C Hub Monitor with NIC and 90W power  All Users (with
​appropriate accessories)
~$302   PURCHASE NOW >>
P2725DE    Dell 27 USB-C Hub Monitor with NIC and 90W power All Users (with
​appropriate accessories)
~$324   PURCHASE NOW >>
P1425       Dell Pro 14 Plus Portable Monitor Home/Wireless ~$224   PURCHASE NOW >>
P2725HE    Dell 27 USB-C Hub Monitor, 1080P Home/Wireless ~$262   PURCHASE NOW >>
U2724DE     Dell UltraSharp 27 USB-C Hub with NIC Monitor Shared/Open Space,
Home/Wireless
~$364   PURCHASE NOW >>
P3225DE    

Dell Pro 32 Plus QHD USB-C Monitor (Note: does not support daisy chaining to second monitor)

Home/Wireless ~$352   PURCHASE NOW >>
P2424HEB   Dell 24 USB-C Conferencing Monitor with USB hub, NIC, camera, mic, and speaker Dedicated Office ~308   PURCHASE NOW >>
P2724DEB   Dell 27 Video Conferencing Monitor with USB hub, NIC, camera, mic, and speaker Dedicated Office ~366   PURCHASE NOW >>
P3424WEB   Dell Pro 34 Plus Video Conferencing Monitor Dedicated Office ~$591   PURCHASE NOW >>

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.

Accessories and Peripherals

Suggested Employee Accessories

There are several accessories that we recommend for laptop users that will be helpful for when working from home that they should also take into the office on days they will be hoteling.  These accessories would travel with the laptop to and from the office.

Model

Image

Description

Price     

 
Logitech MK850  Logitech MK850 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo image Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo ~$86 PURCHASE
NOW >>

Poly Voyager Focus 2
UC

Voyager Focus UC B825 Headset image

Bluetooth wireless headset with charging stand, on-ear, active noise canceling, wired - USB-A, certified for Microsoft Teams

~$210

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Dell Premier Wireless ANC Headset – WL7022 Dell Premier Wireless ANC Headset – WL7022 Image

Bluetooth wireless headset with charging stand, on-ear, certified for Microsoft Teams

~$165 PURCHASE
NOW >>
Dell Pro Wireless Headset – WL5022 Dell Pro Wireless Headset – WL5022 image Bluetooth wireless headset, on-ear, certified for Microsoft Teams ~$121 PURCHASE
NOW >>

Logitech M720 Triathlon

Logitech M720 Triathlon Mouse image

Multi-Device Wireless Mouse

~$41

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C2G USB C to C

Dell USB C to C 6 Foot Cable image

6ft USB C Cable - USB 2.0 (5A) - 6ft USB Type C Cable - Male to Male

~$16

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Voyager B5200

Voyager B5200 Single On-Ear Headset image

5200 Series UC Bluetooth Headset System, Single ear, wireless

~$129

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Poly Blackwire 3310-3300

Poly Blackwire 3100-3300 Single Ear Wired Headset image

Headset, On-ear, Wired, USB, mono

~$43

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Poly - Plantronics
Blackwire 3320-M

Platronics Blackwire Dual Ear Wired Headset image

Microsoft Teams 3300 Series Headset, On-ear, Wired, USB-A, stereo

~$37

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Conference Room Equipment

As we transition back to the office, it will be important to equip your conference rooms so that they are collaborative workspaces for those in the office and those attending remotely.  Every conference room is a different, so offering a recommendation that will fit every room is not possible.  We do however suggest two devices that will be helpful.  The first option requires a computer, that could be a dedicated PC in the room, or you could simply connect to your laptop to it.  The second device does not require a computer to be connected to it.  Both options will need to be attached to an external display appropriately sized for your room. Note:  The X50 model requires two data ports.

Model Image Description Price     
Poly Studio Video conferencing device - PC and display required ~$760 PURCHASE
NOW >>
Poly Studio X50 Video conferencing device - no PC needed, display required ~$2,100 PURCHASE
NOW >>

Standalone USB-C Dock and Mobile USB-C Hub

If you already have monitors that you like, we have two suggested USB-C docks to choose from.  The DS-2001 and WB19TBS can both connect to monitors with DisplayPort or HDMI inputs.  We suggest two different mobile USB-C hubs.  They both can pass power through to the laptop if the laptop’s power adapter is connected to it. 

Model

Image

Description

Data
Sheet
Price   

 

WD19TBS
Thunderbolt Dock

Thunderbolt Dock image

Dell Thunderbolt Dock- WD19TBS

Data Sheet

~$231

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DA310 Adapter

NOTE: Extended
lead time expected

USB-C Mobile Adapter image

Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter – DA310
with one video output**

** In a two external monitor setup,
the second monitor can be plugged
into the laptop.

Data Sheet

~$57

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DS-2001 DS-2001 Cyber Acoustics Essential Docking Station Cyber Acoustics Essential Docking Station Data Sheet ~135 PURCHASE
NOW >>
DS-1500 DS 1500 Cyber Acoustics Essential Micro Docking station

Cyber Acoustics Essential Micro Docking station with
Wireless Qi Charging and one video output**

** In a two external monitor setup, the second monitor
can be plugged into the laptop

Data Sheet ~$50 PURCHASE
NOW >>

Wireless Speakerphone and WebCam

Model

Image

Description

Price   

 

Poly Sync 20 for Teams

Poly Sync 20 Hands-Free Bluetooth Speakerphone

Poly Sync 20 - Speakerphone
hands-free - Bluetooth - wireless,
wired - USB-C

~$127

PURCHASE
NOW >>

DA310 Logitech HD
Audio Webcam

Logitech C925e HD Audio Webcam image

Logitech C925e HD Audio
Webcam - 1080p HD - Dual Mic

~$86

PURCHASE
NOW >>

Dell Speakerphone SP3022

Dell SP3022 Teams Speakerphone

Teams-certified Dell Speakerphone
with AI noise cancellation

~$58

PURCHASE
NOW >>

 

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