Hardware
Why do you support only the Latitude and Optiplex lines from Dell?
Dell is a preferred University vendor, and BSDIS engineers are certified to work on Dell hardware and can do warranty repairs on site.
Of the Dell lines, the Optiplex and Latitudes have much more standardized components (like video cards and hard drives), which makes it easier for technicians to replace parts on warrantied machines.
The Dimension, Inspiron and XPS lines do not have standard components, even though the model number does not change; this makes ordering replacements parts much more difficult. For this reason, we do not recommend or support these lines.
Standardizing PC models has additional benefits. Rebuilding or "imaging" computers becomes a lot easier with standard components, which can speed up service if/when a machine needs to be rebuilt.
If your department or lab has questions about specific hardware needs, please arrange for a consultation by calling us at 2-2056; we will be happy to work with you to find specifications that will meet your requirements.
BSDIS has a recommended Dell "bundle" (computer & monitor) available for purchase from CCS.
The University of Chicago ... 6030 S. Ellis Ave
773-702-3456 help@bsd.uchicago.edu