Policy: Faculty and Staff Computer Specifications

IT Services replaces faculty and staff primary computers on a four-year cycle, as budget permits. When office computers are scheduled for replacement, Colleges faculty and staff will be contacted by the Program Management Office.

Below is the current list of computers. The specifications as listed are standard and any additions (e.g. larger monitor/LCD screen, more RAM and/or Accidental Damage Protection Insurance--see below for details) will require a budget number prior to ordering the computer equipment.

Once a new computer has been ordered and delivered to campus, the Help Desk will coordinate installation and the return of the old computer.

1. Lenovo (IBM) ThinkCentre Desktop, Dual-Core, 2.66GHz, 2G RAM, 160GB hard drive, with a CD-RW/DVD-RW Combo, LCD flat screen 17" viewable, speakers, sound system, network adaptor, keyboard and mouse with 4-year warranty. We provide, MS Office 2007 (Word, Excel, Access, FrontPage and PowerPoint) with Symantec anti-virus software.
2. Lenovo (IBM) Thinkpad Laptop, Model T400, Intel Duo Processor T8400 (Centrino) with 2.26 GHz, 2G Ram, 160GB hard drive, 14.1 widescreen TFT 1440 x 990, CD-RW/DVD-RW, Bluetooth wireless, network adaptor, video, external mouse and keyboard, battery, and carrying case with 4-year hardware warranty only (ADP Insurance and/or docking station, if requested, will be charged to the individual's department budget). We provide MS Office 2007 (Word, Excel, Access, One-Note and PowerPoint) with Symantec anti-virus software.
3. iMac Intel Core Duo Desktop, 2.4 GHz, 20" TFT screen, 2G RAM, 320GB hard drive, SuperDrive, speakers, OS X and MS Office 2008 (Word, Excel and Powerpoint) with anti-virus software. Apple's maximum warranty is 3 years.
4. MacBook (Aluminum), 13.1", 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo, 2G RAM, 160GB hard drive, SuperDrive, AirPort Card & Bluetooth, external mouse and keyboard, OS X and MS Office 2008 (Word, Excel and Powerpoint) with anti-virus software. Apple's maximum warranty is 3 years. Apple does not offer a docking station.
   
   Note: The above computer selections, with enhancements, require a budget number at the time you place your computer order.
5. I do not wish my computer to be replaced at this time. Please take note that your computer may no longer be covered under the manufacturer's warranty and that we may not be able to effectively service it in case of failure.

Note: Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) Insurance is an option for your consideration. This will cover repair costs if you drop your laptop or spill liquid on the keyboard, these events which are not covered under your 4-year warranty. It also covers replacement costs for theft, fire, power surges, lightning, vandalism and natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes and floods. This coverage is available within the United States and Canada.

Should you process a claim with Safeware, replacement cost is defined as "the cost to replace covered property with similar kind and quality property at the time of the loss". The value of the property is determined at the time of loss.

If you DO NOT opt to purchase the Accidental Damage Protection Insurance (ADP) and non-warranty damage occurs, your department is responsible for replacement. A new LCD could cost up to $400-$450 and a new system board could cost $600-$700.

SAFEWARE is the company that provides ADP Insurance coverage for laptop computers. Pricing for both the Lenovo (IBM) and Mac laptops is varied depending upon model and cost of the selected computer. For our standard Lenovo (IBM) Thinkpad model, 4-year ADP insurance will cost $253. The standard Apple MacBook model, 4-year coverage will cost $248. The total cost must be paid, at the time of your computer request. The PMO Office can assist you with this process once you provide a valid budget number.

Contact Deb Jerome, Jerome@hws.edu, ext. 3066 for further details.

 If you are having difficulty or you have unanswered questions, please submit a request, call the Help Desk at  (315) 781-4357, or e-mail helpdesk@hws.edu.