Buying Computers

You need the best technology without wasting precious budget dollars, and we're here to help! Below, you'll find equipment that CAS-IT recommends based on the way you work. We've dedicated our time to work with Tech Zone and our state-approved vendors to get you the right equipment to teach your classes and do your research. Best of all, Tech Zone and CAS-IT take extra steps to reduce stress when you have computer problems. We stock extra parts for the equipment we recommend and may even have an entire replacement ready to go! We know that one size doesn't fit all.

Your unique needs may require different configurations, work with your trusted CAS-IT support staff for an individual evaluation.

Standard computer recommendations for CAS with mobility and remote work in mind

CAS-IT primarily recommends a Dell Latitude 5440 customized for you through TechZone, or if you prefer the Mac operating system - a 14-inch MacBook Pro. Ask your trusted CAS-IT support person for ISU pricing!

Windows computer option from Dell

Last Updated 8/5/23

CAS-IT recommends a Dell Latitude 5440 customized for ISU through TechZone. This scalable laptop features a brighter screen with Dell's ComfortView Plus, extended battery life, memory card reader, headset jack, 2 USB 3.2, HDMI 2.0, locking slot, and 2 Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) with Power Delivery and DisplayPort. Paired with a Hub Monitor supporting full-sized displays and a full keyboard and mouse, it makes an excellent computer for both the office and on-the-go. We can usually service this laptop quickly on-campus with the robust 4-year warranty.

Your unique needs may require different configurations, work with your trusted CAS-IT support staff for an individual evaluation.

• Dell Latitude 5440
• Processor :13th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-1345U, vPro® (12 MB cache, 10 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.70 GHz Turbo)
• Windows 11
• Memory: 16 GB, 1 x 16 GB, DDR4, 3200 MT/s, single-channel, Non-ECC
• Harddrive: 512 GB, M.2, PCIe NVMe, SSD, Class 35
• Screen: 14.0" FHD (1920x1080) Non-Touch, AG, IPS, 250 nits, FHD Cam, WLAN
• Warranty - 4 Year Hardware Service
• Optional Warranty Upgrade - Accidental Damage Coverage¹
• Recommended – At least one Dell UltraSharp USB-C Hub Monitor (24 or 27 inch), one sound bar speaker model SB521A, and a UL 1363 certified or UL 1449 certified power strip

I do heavy statistical analysis that can take a day or more to run

CAS-IT recommends a Dell Latitude 7440 laptop, as configured in the 5440 recommendations above, further customized with:

• Memory - 32GB Memory

I do a moderate amount of creating and editing of graphics, videos, audio, etc.

CAS-IT recommends a Dell Latitude 7440 laptop, as configured in the 5440 recommendations above, further customized with:

• Processor - 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1370P, vPro® (24 MB cache, 14 cores, 20 threads, up to 5.20 GHz Turbo)
• Memory - 32GB Memory
• Two Dell UltraSharp USB-C Hub Monitors (24 or 27 inch)

Mac computer option from Apple

Last Updated 12/18/23

If a Mac computer is required/desired, CAS-IT recommends a 14-inch MacBook Pro (MPHE3LL/A). The most powerful MacBook Pro ever is here. With the blazing fast M1 Pro you get groundbreaking performance and amazing battery life. Add to that a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display and the best camera and audio ever in a Mac notebook. This laptop weighs 3.5 lbs. and the battery lasts up to 12 hours!

Please note: an Apple M3 Pro supports up to two external displays. The M3 Max supports up to four external displays.

Your unique needs may require different configurations, work with your trusted CAS-IT support staff for an individual evaluation.

• 14-inch MacBook Pro
• Apple M3 Pro chip with 11‑core CPU, 14‑core GPU, and 16‑core Neural Engine
• 18GB unified memory
• 512GB SSD storage
• Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 port
• 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
• Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID - US English
• Warranty - 3 years total with the AppleCare Protection Plan
• Recommended – An apple (or compatible) Keyboard and mouse to complete the desktop experience
• Optional Adapter - Apple USB-C Multiport Adapter for connection to projectors
• Recommended – One Dell UltraSharp USB-C Hub Monitor (27 inch), one sound bar speaker model SB521A, and a UL 1363 certified or UL 1449 certified power strip

I do heavy statistical analysis that can take a day or more to run

Because most statistical software ISU licenses can only be installed on Windows, CAS-IT recommends a Windows laptop from Dell.

I do a moderate amount of creating and editing of graphics, videos, audio, etc.

CAS-IT recommends a 14-inch MacBook Pro (MPHE3LL/A) further customized with:

• 1TB SSD storage
• One Dell UltraSharp USB-C Hub Monitor (27 inch)

I prefer a desktop rather than a laptop

As of 2020, the CAS Dean's Office recommends laptops to meet the need for mobility. However, in the case that a desktop computer is needed, CAS-IT recommends a Dell OptiPlex 7010 Micro Form Factor customized for you through TechZone, or if you prefer the Mac operating system - a 24-inch iMac with Retina 4.5K display. Either computer can be customized for typical, statistical, and graphical use cases.

Windows Computer option from Dell

Last Updated 8/5/23

This Dell OptiPlex 7010 Micro Form Factor easily handles multiple applications open simultaneously. You can connect up to three displays, a full keyboard and mouse, and numerous other devices. This computer is upgradable and repairable and should last for years to come!

Your unique needs may require different configurations, work with your trusted CAS-IT support staff for an individual evaluation.

• 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-13600T (24 MB cache, 14 cores, 1.80 GHz to 4.80 GHz Turbo, 35W)
• Windows 11
• 16 GB, 1 x 16 GB, DDR4
• 512 GB, M.2 2230, PCIe NVMe, SSD, Class 35
• Display Port/SMI/USB-C Port/USB 3
• Wireless - Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211, 2x2, 802.11ax, Bluetooth® wireless, external antenna
• Warranty - 4 Year Onsite Hardware Service
• CD\DVD Drive – external available by request
• Recommended – At least one Dell UltraSharp USB-C Hub Monitor (24 or 27 inch), one sound bar speaker model SB521A, and a UL 1363 certified or UL 1449 certified power strip

Mac Computer option from Apple

Last Updated 12/18/23

CAS-IT recommends a 24-inch iMac with Retina 4.5K display (Product Number: Z19E). This iMac includes four USB-C ports, a headphone jack, and a wired network port.

Your unique needs may require different configurations, work with your trusted CAS-IT support staff for an individual evaluation.

• Apple M3 chip with 8‑core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, 8‑core GPU and 16‑core Neural Engine
• 16GB unified memory
• 512GB SSD storage
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Four USB-C ports (Two Thunderbolt/USB Gen 4 and two USB Gen 3)
• Magic Mouse
• Magic Keyboard - US English
• Warranty - 3 years total with the AppleCare Protection Plan
• Optional Adapter - Apple USB-C to USB Adapter

None of these describe me or I'm not sure

No worries! CAS-IT is here to listen to your needs and customize a configuration based on those needs. Contact CAS-IT to request a recommendation. 

1- Dell Accidental Damage Service protects computers from drops, spills, and surges with an efficient repair or replacement service.  Service excludes theft, loss, and damage due to fire, flood or other acts of nature, or intentional damage. Please contact CAS-IT with questions.