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We generally recommend getting either a Mac Mini or a Mac Macbook Pro 14" or bigger. We The larger Macbook Pro models come with additional Thunderbolt ports, HDMI ports, extra compatibility software and mag-safe charging ports, which are far less likely to break if you trip over the charging cord.
We do not recommend the iMac at this time.We do not recommend any Mac workstation with the new M1 chip at this time due to compatibility issues with several pieces of Engineering softwarethe Macbook Air or the 13" Macbook Pro models. They only come with 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports, meaning you cannot use a charger, mouse and keyboard all at the same time. They also have serious compatibility issues with most projectors if you are giving presentations.
We do not recommend the iMac at this time. The 27" iMac as of March 2022 is "discontinued", meaning anything being still sold is likely hardware that was "returned" due to issues. The 24" as a recent redesign (still buggy and unless specified, comes without Ethernet ports).
Please note NONE of the cheaper macs are up-gradable due to everything being soldered onto the logic board. Meaning if you buy a mac with 8 GB of RAM and find out you need 16 GB of RAM to run the base OS and Microsoft office at the same time, you will have to buy a new computer.
While many pieces of software will now run natively on M1 or M2 Chips macs or via Rosetta emulation software, that is not the same as ALL software, especially older software aimed at industry.
While not comprehensive, this article was recently updated in August March 2022 and shows many pieces of software that are M1 chip compatible. https://www.macworld.co.uk/news/which-apps-work-on-m1-macs-3798238/
Recommended Minimum Configuration
RAM - 16 Gigs
Drive - 512 GB Flash/SSD Storage
The reason for the 16 Gig Memory is to allow for performance for the long run of 3 to 5 year operational use.
Computers with only 8 GB of RAM on the newest Mac OS have been reporting slowness and crashes, especially when RAM intensive software like Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud is used.
The recommendation of the Flash Storage allows for faster application startup and saving, but also allow for enough space.
256 Gig will not be sufficient for long term usage if the base OS is using over half of that from the first day.
Space requirements for the base OS have doubled with every recent OS. Mojave only required 4 GB. Monterey released in 2021 needs 26 GB minimum and to up to 44 GB with some models.
Fusion Drives
At the moment, ECI cannot recommend Fusion Drives as the latest version of the Apple File Provisioning System (AFPS) has been reported as not properly supporting older Fusion Drive as a boot drive and could cause problems. Newer Fusion drives are supported by AFPS but serious issues involving reliability and heat handling have been reported. If you still wish to get the Workstation with a Fusion Drive, it is best to have it supported by Apple with any issues regarding the drive or if the system needs to be rebuiltFusion drives are no longer being offered on any hardware released after 2020, and OS support for them is expected to be discontinued in the next few years.
AppleCare Warranty
At this time, it is highly recommended that you purchase the system with AppleCare Warranty for 3 or 4 years at the purchase of the hardware.
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The UCSB bookstore is a certified apple repair location under their Academic program and can do most repairs under the Applecare warranty. Wait times for faculty, staff and students are often a quarter of the time compared to locations open to the general public.
Device Enrollment Program (DEP) (required for newly purchased UC owned computers in remote locations managed by ECI)
For UC owned computers: The Device enrollment program has to be specifically requested through the UCSB bookstore and is not available in the general Apple Punch-out in Gateway or on the public Apple website. Once requested and enrolled, IT organizations such as ECI will be able to push out third party software anywhere on the planet that has access to the Apple servers. Meaning a computer can be ordered, shipped directly to your home or other remote location, and non Apple software like Microsoft Office installed at first boot.
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Device Enrollment Program (DEP) (required for newly purchased UC owned computers in remote locations managed by ECI)
For UC owned computers: The Device enrollment program has to be specifically requested through the UCSB bookstore and is not available in the general Apple Punch-out in Gateway or on the public Apple website. Once requested and enrolled, IT organizations such as ECI will be able to push out third party software anywhere on the planet that has access to the Apple servers. Meaning a computer can be ordered, shipped directly to your home or other remote location, and non Apple software like Microsoft Office installed at first boot.
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While mini display port and thunderbolt 2 share the same form factor, there are several key differences
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Similar to how Thunderbolt 2 is an upgraded mini display port, Thunderbolt 3/4 is an upgraded USB-C
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Thunderbolt 3 or 4 to Multiport Adapters
Do not be confused by the name, Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ports have the same form factor as USB-C, not mini displayport, thus new adapters are required.
Apple sells two version of a "Multiport adapter" with a USB port, a Thunderbolt 3/4 port (to make up for the one being used by the adapter), and either a HDMI or VGA port.
USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter f
USB C to Mini DisplayPort Adapter
This will save you from having to buy all new adapters if you already have Thunderbolt 2 adapters and your new computer comes with Thunderbolt 3/4 ports
Apple sells a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter.
StarTech.com USB C to Mini DisplayPort Adapter is another excellent option: Mfg. Part#: CDP2MDP (in UC procurement in the CDWG punchout it is labled USB C to Mini DP - 4K 60Hz with part number CDW #: 4888589 )
Optional Peripherals
Wireless Keyboards
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