Computer Support

Purchasing Recommendations

• Lenovo laptops from G2GMobile
• Dell computers
• Hewlett Packard printers
• Current Dell Configurations
• VCUHS Workstations
• Microsoft Office and other software purchases
• Recommended equipment

---

Lenovo laptops from G2GMobile

VCU Technology Services, working with Lenovo, maker of the award-winning ThinkPad computers, has developed the G2GMobile program for VCU students. There are many advantages to getting one of the new Lenovo ThinkPad computers, including special pricing, ThinkPad Protection, on-campus service, loaner computers and all software most students need.

Back to top

Dell computers

The School of Medicine has recommended computer models on Dell’s website. You will need a Dell account created and be added to the School of Medicine group in order view these models. Please email Chris Heldorfer, Dell Account Representative at:chris_heldorfer@dell.com. The specifications of these models are listed below under Recommended Equipment.

SOMTech technicians are Dell Certified, and we recommend that VCU faculty and staff purchase Dell computers for the following reasons:

• We can provide better support for Dell, as our certifications enable us to order replacement parts for equipment that is under warranty. Replacement parts are usually shipped within 24 hours.
• As more departments standardize their purchases, our support and response times will improve due to greater consistency.
• Dell offers special discounts to government and higher education institutions. See the VCU Procurement Web site for more Information about purchasing from Dell.

Back to top

Hewlett Packard printers

We recommend the use of Hewlett Packard printers. In our experience with various manufacturers, we have found HP printers to be the most reliable, cost effective and well-supported printers in the market today.

We recommend laser printers over inkjets because they are more reliable and can handle higher demands. Inkjet printers are better suited for home use.

Please note that we only offer support for installation and basic troubleshooting of printers. All other printer issues must be referred to an office equipment repair specialist.

Back to top

Current Dell Configurations

Dell Optiplex desktops and Latitude notebooks are offered in three different configurations. The configurations include a low-, mid- and high-end range model. The configuration you choose depends on your processing requirements.

All configurations have at least two gigabytes of RAM for the following reasons:

• Better performance
• Upgradability to Windows Vista
• Faster response time for accessing data
• Multitasking performance is increased

Back to top

VCUHS Workstations

If you intend to purchase a new computer, you should purchase a VCUHS workstation if either of these conditions is true:

• You need access to the VCUHS file storage domain.
• Your office is located in the clinical buildings on the VCUHS network.

If you do not require a VCUHS workstation, we recommend one of the Dell computers listed below under Recommended equipment.

VCUHS workstations are supported by the VCUHS Help Desk so if you need assistance with one of these workstations, please contact them at 828-6447.

For more information on purchasing a VCUHS workstation visit:

• VCUHS Information System Web site
• VCUHS Purchasing Procedures and Pricing

Note: Access to hospital secure network is limited.

Back to top

Microsoft Office and other software purchases

To purchase Microsoft products, please contact the Software House International (SHI) Sales Team for a quote. Please see the current pricing of the mostly used business software products. SHI manages the VITA contract for the Commonwealth of Virginia. For all other details, please visit VCU Procurement and Purchasing Web site.

Software House International (SHI) Sales Team

Erik Schroeder
VA Account Executive
Phone: (732) 564-8217
Phone: (800) 527-6389 ext 8217
Fax: (732) 564-8218
E-mail: erik_schroeder@shi.com

Justine Basquill
Inside Sales
Justine_Basquill@shi.com
www.shi.com
Toll Free: 1(800) 477-6479 ext:8294
Office: (732) 564-8294
Fax: (732) 652-6618

Back to top

Recommended equipment

As of 6/01/09

Equipment type	Make/Model	Specifications
Low-End Desktop	Dell Optiplex 760 iMac 20"	View specs [GIF] View specs
Mid-Range Desktop	Dell Optiplex 960 iMac 24"	View specs [GIF] View specs
High-End Desktop	Dell Optiplex 960 Mac Pro	View specs [GIF] View specs
Low-End Laptop	Dell Latitude E4300 MacBook	View specs [GIF] View specs
Mid-Range Laptop	Dell Latitude E5500 MacBook	View specs [GIF] View specs
High-End Laptop	Dell Latitude E6500 MacBook Pro	View specs [GIF] View specs
Tablet	Dell Latitude XT	View specs [GIF]
Desktop Laser Printer	HP Laserjet P1505	View specs
Desktop Color Laser Printer	HP Color Laseret CP1518ni	View specs
Network Color Laser Printer	HP Color Laserjet CP4005n	View specs
Network Color Laser Printer	Xerox Phaser 8560	View specs
Network Laser Printer	HP Laserjet P4015n	View specs
USB Flash Drive	Verbatim USB Flash Drive w/ Mandatory Security	1GB, 2GB, 4GB
USB Flash Drive (Mac OSX Compatible)	Iron Key USB Flash Drive w/ Mandatory Security	1GB, 2GB, 4GB

Back to top