Gies Faculty Computer Recommendations
When considering a new computer, we provide the following guidelines based on your needs. These are examples of options, not exact order information, as models and availability change rapidly. Any prices listed in the CDW catalog are subject to change, and will not necessrily reflect the total cost including required warranty. Feel free to reach out to the Help Desk with any questions before working with your departmental purchaser.
Departmental Ordering Guidance
Dept. of Accountancy (ACCY)
Make your request to your department contact, Susan Palmer (sesuther@illinois.edu), and she will request funding approval. If needed, ACCY will either reach out to IT Partners for quotes or encourage you to work with IT Partners at helpdesk@business.illinois.edu.
Dept. of Business Administration (BA)
Before reaching out to your departmental purchaser, please review these computer options and send an email to helpdesk@business.illinois.edu to request a quote for your preferred computer and/or any additional equipment. IT Partners will provide order info to your department once you have approved the quote.
Dept. of Finance (FIN)
Make your request to your department, and they will request funding approval and reach out to IT Partners for quotes, as needed.
Use Case 1 - Heavy statistics software/research usage, requiring a dedicated graphics card and/or high amounts of system memory (RAM)
Desktop, workstation class, very upgradeable – CDW# 6233638
Use Case 2 - Standard teaching and writing needs, no specialized research software needs
Desktop, upgradeable – CDW# 6161537
Use Case 3 - Statistics/research software needs, requiring high amounts of memory, some mobility required for teaching/travel
Laptop, on the bulkier side so not ideal for lots of travel, not upgradeable – CDW# 6593484
Use Case 4 - Standard teaching and writing needs, carry to class and/or for travel, no specialized research software needs
Laptop, lightweight and fast, very capable for teaching, presenting, travel, and general use, no specialized research software needs, partially upgradeable – CDW# 6479912
Use Case 5 - Supplemental device for editing/marking up content when teaching, pairs well with a desktop as primary computer
Apple iPad Air (department can request quote from IT) or Wacom Pen Tablet - CDW #5010878
Note: at this time, we generally recommend against 2-in-1 laptops and Microsoft Surface Pros for markup needs. If you need a 2-in-1 as your primary device, the Help Desk can create a quote for a Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Yoga.
Use Case 6 - Mac users
Every configuration of Mac desktop and laptop is currently supported by the university and Gies, but they can be customized for your needs. Faculty who prefer an Apple computer instead of a Windows-based computer may reach out to the Help Desk for a quote. They are generally not upgradeable.