How to Purchase a Computer or Printer

Computer purchasing within the Biomed Division is handled by the Biomed ITSC team. We provide end-to-end support for the process, from initial consultation through ordering and delivery to final setup.  Ordering through our team assures that the computer will be fully supported and serviceable at Brown. For Dell equipment, it also assures that you receive equipment packages at deep discounts specially negotiated by Brown that are not available to the public.

 To make a purchase, just contact us at [email protected] or call 863-2464. Please do not purchase computers and printers directly.  (It is not necessary to go through the Biomed ITSC team for minor accessories, such as mice and keyboards).

Brown supports Apple and Dell computers, and Hewlett Packard printers. These are the only brands we will purchase unless very specific technical requirements require something different.  For example, if a computer is used to control a piece of lab equipment and the equipment's vendor will only support a different computer brand, that would justify an exception to this policy.

Supported computer and printer configurations are as follows:

Apple

Any laptop or desktop model.

Dell

Please note that we only purchase and support institutional Dell computers, such as Optiplex desktops and Latitude laptops.  We do not purchase consumer models such as Inspiron and XPS except when they have special characteristics (such as an unusual screen size) that are not available in an institutional model.

Brown Standard Configurations

OptiPlex 5090 series Desktop

The Optiplex 5090 is available in the following "form factors":

  • Micro Form Factor
  • Small Form Factor
  • Mini Tower

Minimum Specifications:

  • i7 Intel Processor
  • 16GB Memory
  • 256GB Hard Drive
  • Windows 10 Enterprise
  • 24-inch widescreen monitor

Latitude 7400 laptop

Minimum Specifications:

  • i7 Intel Processor
  • 16 GB Memory
  • 256 GB Solid State Drive
  • Windows 10 Enterprise

Latitude 5400 laptop

Minimum Specifications:

  • i7 Intel Processor
  • 16 GB Memory
  • 256GB Solid State Hard Drive
  • Windows 10 Enterprise

XPS 13, 15 or 17 series

  • i7 Intel Processor
  • 16 GB Memory
  • 256GB Solid State Hard Drive
  • Windows 10 Enterprise

Specifications current as of 11/2021

Printers

We support most HP Laserjet printers and multi-function devices.  We do not support inkjet models such as HP Officejets.   

Please see the University's recommended printer list:  https://ithelp.brown.edu/kb/articles/recommended-printers