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This is the recommendation for any purchases with regards to a Windows based computer for UCSB usage.
As of September 2023, ECI recommends that any computer being looked at should have the following:
The reasons for this recommendation is the following:
We currently suggest you buy your computer from a manufacturer that has repair centers in town and is not under US sanctions such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, Toshiba, Samsung, etc...
If you are doing research at UCSB and either you or your research group have received any State or Federal grant money, please note the following:
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) §889 part B includes a prohibition against the use by any organization that contracts with the Federal government of equipment from 5 Chinese manufacturers and their subsidiaries and affiliates. The five manufacturers are:
At present, personally owned devices from the above 5 manufacturers can be used on ResNet and campus wireless networks provided that the equipment is not used in any way to support research. The equipment can not be on any wired network. |
Instead of the traditional drive, go with a Solid State Drive (SSD).
Most computer systems are only expecting 1 video connection.
For some work, you may want to consider a computer that will support more than one monitor.
DELL, HP, and several other brands no longer include stickers on their machines with license keys for Windows or Microsoft Office for free if said software comes with the machine.
While this information is generally included in a email at time of purchase, it is very easy to loose email, especially if machines suffer hardware issues or viral infection.
Stickers with software licensing information are generally less that $5 for all info. Depending on the brand, users may be changed $15-$50 per email to recover keys they already paid for.
The Dell Precision 3460 can be purchased via Gateway.
This computer is a Small Form Factor computer, meaning it is meant to take the smallest amount of space.
We recommend the Dell Precision 3460 as it is meant to be a workstation computer and with better wear and tear.
While the Optiplex version is cheaper, they are designed for very general purpose use or home use with an expected replacement within 2 or 3 years.
The Dell Precision 3460 can have an optional Monitor Stand Fixture that can support most of the Dell Monitors and have the machine attached behind it, saving some space.
The base model comes with 2 Displayport, 1 HDMI connections, and possibly a DVI output for Video (Depends on the configuration).
If you wish to have a multi-monitor setup, you may need to have a Displayport to HDMI, Displayport to VGA or Displayport to DVI adapter to supplement for the extra monitor.
The Dell Precision 3630 can be purchased via Gateway.
This computer is a mid tower computer.
We recommend the Dell Precision 3660 as it is meant to be a workstation computer and with better wear and tear.
While the Optiplex version is cheaper, they are designed for very general purpose use or home use with an expected replacement within 2 or 3 years.
The base model comes with 2 Displayport, 1 HDMI connections for Video (Depends on the configuration).
If you wish to have a multi-monitor setup, you may need to have a Displayport to HDMI, Displayport to VGA or Displayport to DVI adapter to supplement for the extra monitor.
The base model uses an Intel Based video chipset.
If some of your work requires a Graphics Processor Unit (GPU), Dell does offer optional GPU cards that can be installed.
The nVidia Quadro K420 card is available for both the Precision 3420 and 3620.
A good option for those who have trouble with standard sized mice, the rollermouse free3 features a large bar than can easily be moved with either hand.
Large physical keys instead of small embedded mouse buttons mean you can easily use it while wearing thick gloves. Perfect for the post COVID-19 world.
In use by several staff members with arthritis who need to switch off which hand they use regularly.
https://www.contourdesign.com/product/rollermouse-free-3/
Pictured below with their large key keyboard (also ergonomic and glove safe)
