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.

Tenure/Tenure-track Faculty Start-up Computers

On 12/6/2024 Mike Regilio announced in the CAS Chairs and Directors meeting that new T/TT faculty offer letters should include the New Computer Offer Letter Addendum.docx which stipulates a default computer and available options.  Any customizations or alternatives to the listed options need to be approved by the CAS-IT Director. Questions about funding can be directed to the Associate Dean for Budget, Personnel, and Planning and questions about the computers can be directed to the CAS-IT Director.  CAS Chairs and Directors can see additional information about purchasing computers in the IT Guide for CAS Leadership and Lead Staff can access additional technology purchasing information in the CAS CAS Lead Staff Notebook.

Standard Replacement/Recap, Lab, and Other New Computer Purchases

CAS-IT primarily recommends a Dell Pro 14-inch laptop 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 7/13/25

CAS-IT recommends a Dell Pro 14 Plus 2025 customized for ISU through TechZone. This scalable laptop features a brighter screen with Dell's ComfortView Plus, extended battery life, 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 Pro 14 Plus (PB14250)
• Processor: Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 235USKU: 379-BFXD
• Memory: 16 GB: 2 x 8 GB, DDR5
• Hard Drive: 512 GB SSD
• Display: 14.0" Non-Touch
• 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 Logitech C920S webcam
• Required - 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 Performance Dell Pro 14 Plus (PB14250) laptop, as configured in the "Windows computer option from Dell" recommendations, further customized with:

• Processor - Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 255U
• Memory - 32GB Memory

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

CAS-IT recommends Dell Pro Max 14 (MC14250) laptop, as configured in the "Windows computer option from Dell" recommendations, further customized with:

• Processor - Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 255U
• Memory - 32GB Memory
• 1TB SSD
• Two Dell UltraSharp USB-C Hub Monitors (24 or 27 inch)

Mac computer option from Apple

Last Updated 5/28/25

If a Mac computer is required/desired, CAS-IT recommends a 14-inch MacBook Pro (MW2W3LL/A). 

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

• Apple M4 with 10-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores, 10-core GPU, Hardware-accelerated ray tracing, 16-core Neural Engine, 120GB/s memory bandwidth
• 16GB unified memory
• 512GB SSD storage
• SDXC card slot, HDMI port, 3.5 mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 port, Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports with support for Charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 4 (up to 40Gb/s), and USB 4 (up to 40Gb/s)
• Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID - US English
• Warranty - 3 years total with the AppleCare Protection Plan
• Recommended – One 4K Dell UltraSharp USB-C Hub Monitor (27 inch), sound bar speaker model SB521A, Logitech C920S webcam, and an apple (or compatible) keyboard and mouse to complete the desktop experience,
• Required - 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 (MTL73LL/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 7020 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 7/14/25

This Dell Standard Dell Pro Micro 2025 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.

• Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 235T vPro® (13 TOPS NPU, 14 cores, up to 5.0GHz)
• 16 GB, 1 x 16 GB, DDR5
• 512 GB SSD
• Display Port/HDMI/USB-C Port/USB 3
• Keyboard and Mouse
• 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 SB521A, and a Logitech C920S webcam
• Required - a UL 1363 certified or UL 1449 certified power strip

Mac Computer option from Apple

Last Updated 12/22/25

CAS-IT recommends a 24-inch iMac with Retina 4.5K display. 

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

• Apple M4 chip with 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
• 16GB unified memory
• 512GB SSD storage
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, Two USB 3 ports
• Magic Mouse
• Magic Keyboard with Touch ID - US English
• Required – UL 1363 certified or UL 1449 certified power strip

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.