Important Computing Equipment Specs and Purchasing Instructions for Staff and Instructors

Summary

Get started purchasing new computing equipment through the Computing Equipment Purchasing and Standardization Program.

Body

Computing Equipment Standards 2026

Overview

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 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.

PURCHASE THROUGH PANTHEREXPRESS >>

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.

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

Standard Laptops

The traditional clamshell laptops are the most popular option and fit most users' needs.

  • The Mainstream Laptop is 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; Power User Plus adds more memory (32 GB).
Note: A global memory and storage shortage, driven by AI data-center demand, has pushed Dell pricing up significantly for 2026.
MainstreamPower UserPower User Plus
PhotoMainstreamPower UserPower User Plus
DeviceDell Pro 3 14Dell Pro 5 14Dell Pro 5 14
Best forEveryday work: Teams, Zoom, email, web, and Office.Several apps at once; faster all-round performance.Heavier multitasking with 32 GB of memory.
ProcessorIntel Core Ultra 5 336H vPro (12-core, 47 TOPS NPU)Intel Core Ultra 7 365 vPro (8-core, 49 TOPS NPU)Intel Core Ultra 7 365 vPro (8-core, 49 TOPS NPU)
Memory16 GB DDR5-560016 GB DDR5-560032 GB DDR5-5600
Storage512 GB SSD512 GB SSD512 GB SSD
Display14", WUXGA, Non-touch, 500 nit14", WUXGA, Non-touch, 400 nit14", WUXGA, Non-touch, 400 nit
GraphicsIntel integratedIntel integratedIntel integrated
Battery3-cell, 45 Wh3-cell, 57 Wh3-cell, 57 Wh
Operating systemWindows 11 Education (64-bit)Windows 11 Education (64-bit)Windows 11 Education (64-bit)
Camera, mic and Wi-FiIncludedIncludedIncluded
Warranty3-yr ProSupport Plus incl. accidental damage3-yr ProSupport Plus incl. accidental damage3-yr ProSupport Plus incl. accidental damage
Price *~$1,508~$1,650~$1,911
OrderPurchase >>Purchase >>Purchase >>

2-in-1 Laptops

Convertible touchscreen laptops for staff who travel, present, or take handwritten notes; the screen folds back into a tablet and supports an optional pen. Offered at the same tiers as the standard laptops.

Mainstream 2-in-1Power User 2-in-1Power User Plus 2-in-1
PhotoMainstream 2-in-1Power User 2-in-1Power User Plus 2-in-1
DeviceDell Pro 7 14 2-in-1Dell Pro 7 14 2-in-1Dell Pro 7 14 2-in-1
Best forConvertible touchscreen for everyday work on the go.Convertible touchscreen with more performance.Convertible touchscreen with 32 GB of memory.
ProcessorIntel Core Ultra 5 336H vPro (12-core, 47 TOPS NPU)Intel Core Ultra 7 365 vPro (8-core, 49 TOPS NPU)Intel Core Ultra 7 365 vPro (8-core, 49 TOPS NPU)
Memory16 GB LPDDR5x-853316 GB LPDDR5x-853332 GB LPDDR5x-8533
Storage512 GB SSD512 GB SSD512 GB SSD
Display14", WQXGA, Touch, 500 nit14", WQXGA, Touch, 500 nit14", WQXGA, Touch, 500 nit
GraphicsIntel integratedIntel integratedIntel integrated
Battery3-cell, 55.8 Wh3-cell, 55.8 Wh3-cell, 55.8 Wh
Operating systemWindows 11 Education (64-bit)Windows 11 Education (64-bit)Windows 11 Education (64-bit)
Camera, mic and Wi-FiIncludedIncludedIncluded
Warranty3-yr ProSupport Plus incl. accidental damage3-yr ProSupport Plus incl. accidental damage3-yr ProSupport Plus incl. accidental damage
Price *~$1,848~$2,008~$2,340
OrderPurchase >>Purchase >>Purchase >>

High End Laptops

For creators, engineers, and researchers who need a dedicated graphics card or the largest screen. Two sizes are available, 14-inch and 16-inch; each comes as a Plus model with a discrete NVIDIA RTX PRO GPU or as a lower-cost integrated-graphics model.

High End 14 PlusHigh End 14 (Integrated GPU)High End 16 PlusHigh End 16 (Integrated GPU)
PhotoHigh End 14 PlusHigh End 14 (Integrated GPU)High End 16 PlusHigh End 16 (Integrated GPU)
DeviceDell Pro Precision 5 14Dell Pro Precision 5 14SDell Pro Precision 5 16Dell Pro Precision 5 16S
Best for14-inch with a dedicated NVIDIA RTX GPU for creators and engineers.14-inch high-end without a discrete GPU (lower cost).16-inch with a dedicated NVIDIA RTX GPU for the most demanding work.16-inch high-end without a discrete GPU (lower cost).
ProcessorIntel Core Ultra 7 366H vPro (16-core)Intel Core Ultra 7 366H vPro (16-core, 50 TOPS NPU)Intel Core Ultra 7 366H vPro (16-core)Intel Core Ultra 7 366H vPro (16-core, 50 TOPS NPU)
Memory32 GB LPCAMM2-853332 GB LPCAMM2-853332 GB LPCAMM2-853332 GB LPCAMM2-8533
Storage1 TB SSD (Gen 4)1 TB SSD (Gen 4)1 TB SSD (Gen 5)1 TB SSD (Gen 4)
Display14", FHD+, Non-touch, 400 nit14", FHD+, Non-touch, 400 nit16", FHD+, Non-touch, 400 nit16", FHD+, Non-touch, 400 nit
GraphicsNVIDIA RTX PRO 500 Blackwell 6 GBIntel Arc Pro (integrated)Intel Arc Pro (integrated)Intel Arc Pro (integrated)
Battery4-cell, 72 Wh3-cell, 70 Wh6-cell, 96 Wh3-cell, 70 Wh
Operating systemWindows 11 Education (64-bit)Windows 11 Education (64-bit)Windows 11 Education (64-bit)Windows 11 Education (64-bit)
Camera, mic and Wi-FiIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
Warranty3-yr ProSupport Plus incl. accidental damage3-yr ProSupport Plus incl. accidental damage3-yr ProSupport Plus incl. accidental damage3-yr ProSupport Plus incl. accidental damage
Price *~$3,153~$2,721~$3,569~$2,785
OrderPurchase >>Purchase >>Purchase >>Purchase >>

Standard Desktops

Desktops for digital signage, conference rooms, classrooms, and research labs. All include 3 years of ProSupport Plus, wireless connectivity, and are AutoPilot-ready.

PhotoProfileModelForm factorProcessorMemoryStorageGraphicsPrice *Order
Single PurposeSingle PurposeDell Pro Micro PlusMicroIntel Core Ultra 5 245T (14-core, 13 TOPS NPU)16 GB DDR5-5600256 GB SSDIntegrated~$1,181Purchase >>
General UseGeneral UseDell Pro Max SlimSmall form factorIntel Core Ultra 7 265 (20-core)16 GB DDR5-5600512 GB SSD (Gen 4)Integrated~$1,702Purchase >>
CoreCoreDell Pro Max SlimSmall form factorIntel Core Ultra 7 265 (20-core)32 GB DDR5-5600512 GB SSD (Gen 4)NVIDIA RTX A400, 4 GB~$2,176Purchase >>
AdvancedAdvancedDell Pro Max SlimSmall form factorIntel Core Ultra 7 265 (20-core)32 GB DDR5-56001 TB SSD (Gen 4)NVIDIA RTX A1000, 8 GB~$2,804Purchase >>
UltraUltraDell Pro Max Tower T2TowerIntel Core Ultra 9 285 (24-core)32 GB DDR5-56001 TB SSD (Gen 4)NVIDIA RTX PRO 2000 Blackwell, 16 GB~$3,708Purchase >>
ExtremeExtremeDell Pro Max Tower T2TowerIntel Core Ultra 9 285 (24-core)64 GB DDR5-56001 TB + 2 TB SSD (Gen 4)NVIDIA RTX PRO 4000 Blackwell, 24 GB~$6,827Purchase >>

Chromebook Options

A low-cost alternative to Windows laptops, ideal for basic productivity and for use with Azure Virtual Desktop. Consult your IT department to confirm a Chromebook fits your needs.

PhotoModelDescriptionPrice *Order
ChromebookTouchscreen Chromebook - Dell Chromebook 1111-inch touchscreen (laptop or 2-in-1), Chrome OS~$320Purchase >>

Software, Settings and Warranty

Installed on every device purchased through the program:

  • Microsoft 365 (including Teams)
  • PittNet VPN (GlobalProtect)
  • Zoom
  • Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox ESR
  • Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
  • Microsoft Intune Company Portal and Configuration Manager client
  • Microsoft Defender for Endpoint with antivirus enabled
  • BitLocker full-disk encryption enabled
  • Windows Firewall enabled; user account control enabled
  • InCommon and University root certificates installed
  • OneDrive configured to back up Desktop, Documents, and Pictures
  • Automatically upgraded to Windows 11 Education

All Dell Windows devices include three years of Dell ProSupport Plus, with accidental-damage protection, on-site support, and a dedicated support line for rapid service. ProSupport Plus support line: 866-516-3115.

Dell ProSupport and ProSupport Plus feature comparison

Monitor Options

Recommended monitors work with the standard laptops over a single USB-C cable, with docking capability and an HD display. This solution has several 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 USB ports for peripherals, with the ability to daisy-chain multiple monitors.
  • Integrated features: various models include a wired network port (NIC) and/or an integrated webcam, mic, and speakers.
  • Saves time and money: deeply discounted beyond standard PantherExpress prices, and uses fewer cables and devices to set up.
Recommended USB-C hub monitor connection diagram
Note: The High End laptops draw more power than a docking monitor supplies, so connect them to their dedicated charger to stay at full charge.

Recommended setup for typical users

  • Dedicated office: in a private University or home office, a monitor-integrated or external webcam and mic is ideal; a wired Ethernet port is usually available.
  • Open office / shared space: in a shared (hoteling) or cubicle environment, use a headset for privacy and noise reduction, with the laptop camera or a separate webcam for video.
  • Work from home / wireless only: a basic docking monitor that also serves as a USB hub is sufficient; the laptop camera, mic, and speaker, or a headset and external webcam, provide audio and video.
  • Dual display: a basic docking monitor can also serve as a second screen, and its USB ports can connect and charge additional devices.
PhotoModelDescriptionPrice *Order
P2426HEP2426HEDell Pro P 24 USB-C Hub Monitor (NIC)~$210Purchase >>
P1425P1425Dell Pro 14 Plus Portable Monitor~$224Purchase >>
P2726HEP2726HEDell Pro P 27 USB-C Hub Monitor (NIC)~$249Purchase >>
P2425DEP2425DEDell Pro 24 Plus QHD USB-C Hub Monitor (NIC, 90W)~$287Purchase >>
P2725DEP2725DEDell Pro 27 Plus QHD USB-C Hub Monitor (NIC, 90W)~$302Purchase >>
P2426HEBP2426HEBDell Pro P 24 USB-C Conferencing Monitor (camera, mic, speaker)~$308Purchase >>
P3225DEP3225DEDell Pro 32 Plus QHD USB-C Hub Monitor~$352Purchase >>
U2724DEU2724DEDell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (NIC)~$364Purchase >>
P2726DEBP2726DEBDell Pro P 27 USB-C Conferencing Monitor (camera, mic, speaker)~$366Purchase >>
P3426WEBP3426WEBDell Pro P 34 USB-C Curved Conferencing Monitor~$564Purchase >>

Accessories and Peripherals

Headsets

PhotoModelDescriptionPrice *Order
Dell Wired Headset - WH3024Dell Wired Headset - WH3024On-ear USB wired headset~$46Purchase >>
Dell Wireless Headset - WL3024Dell Wireless Headset - WL3024On-ear Bluetooth/USB wireless headset~$121Purchase >>
Dell Pro Wireless ANC Headset - WL5024Dell Pro Wireless ANC Headset - WL5024On-ear wireless headset with active noise cancellation~$165Purchase >>

Keyboard, mouse, webcam and speakerphone

PhotoItemDescriptionPrice *Order
Dell Pro 7 Slim Keyboard and Mouse - KM726Dell Pro 7 Slim Keyboard and Mouse - KM726Wireless keyboard and mouse (US English)~$62Purchase >>
Dell Pro 7 Silent Mouse - MS726Dell Pro 7 Silent Mouse - MS726Wireless silent mouse~$30Purchase >>
Dell Webcam - WB3023Dell Webcam - WB30232K QHD webcam~$52Purchase >>
Dell Speakerphone - SP3022Dell Speakerphone - SP3022Teams-certified speakerphone with AI noise cancellation~$58Purchase >>

Docking and charging

PhotoItemDescriptionPrice *Order
Dell Pro Dock - WD25Dell Pro Dock - WD25USB-C docking station~$152Purchase >>
Dell 130W USB-C AC AdapterDell 130W USB-C AC AdapterCharger for High End laptops~$67Purchase >>
Power User / Power User Plus 100W USB-C ChargerPower User / Power User Plus 100W USB-C ChargerCharger for Power User and Power User Plus laptops~$50Purchase >>
6 ft USB-C Cable (USB 2.0, 5A)6 ft USB-C Cable (USB 2.0, 5A)USB-C to USB-C cable, male to male~$21Purchase >>

Mounts, stands and cases

PhotoItemDescriptionPrice *Order
Dell Micro AIO Height-Adjustable Stand - MFS22Dell Micro AIO Height-Adjustable Stand - MFS22Stand for Micro/AIO desktops~$78Purchase >>
Dell Vertical Desktop Stand - MFF/TCDell Vertical Desktop Stand - MFF/TCVertical stand for Micro/Thin Client~$11Purchase >>
Dell Wall / Under-Desk VESA Mount w/ PSU SleeveDell Wall / Under-Desk VESA Mount w/ PSU SleeveMount with power-supply sleeve (up to 240W adapter)~$30Purchase >>
Dell All-in-One VESA Mount (E-Series) w/ Base ExtenderDell All-in-One VESA Mount (E-Series) w/ Base ExtenderAIO VESA mount for E-series monitors~$30Purchase >>
Dual VESA Mount w/ Adapter Bracket - MFF/TCDual VESA Mount w/ Adapter Bracket - MFF/TCMounts a Micro/TC between a display and an arm (MSA20/MDA20)~$37Purchase >>
MSA20 Single Monitor ArmMSA20 Single Monitor ArmMonitor arm for the dual VESA mount~$128Purchase >>
Dell 14-16 EcoLoop Briefcase - CC3624Dell 14-16 EcoLoop Briefcase - CC3624Carry case for 14 to 16-inch laptops~$18Purchase >>

* Prices are the University's negotiated Pitt price, shown approximately (~) and rounded to the nearest dollar. Dell pricing changes frequently because of the ongoing memory/storage shortage, so confirm the exact price on the Dell punch-out at checkout.

All Dell Windows devices include Windows 11 Education (64-bit), an integrated webcam and microphone, Wi-Fi, and a 3-year Dell ProSupport Plus warranty with accidental-damage coverage. Order through the Dell punch-out in PantherExpress. Product photos courtesy of Dell.

Details

Details

Article ID: 360
Created
Tue 8/15/23 4:36 PM
Modified
Tue 9/1/26 6:34 PM

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