CLASnet works with the following vendors to ensure the recommended configurations are compatible with the networks in CLAS buildings. The quotes tend to cost between $1000 and $1200, and are checked every 30-90 days.
- Dell - UF Purchasing Portal to the Dell Premier site
- Please note it appears you need to create a Dell Premier account before you may access this page. Search for the "CLAS Standard Desktop", which is currently an Optiplex 755. The default OS license (XP Home) is correct, since our Microsoft contract allows us to upgrade to XP Professional.
Occasionally, a product refresh cycle may occur, which will negatively impact these quotes. When this occurs, the quote(s) may no longer look right, drop-down menus stop working, there's no default monitor option, etc. If this occurs, please contact CLASnet or your computer contact before ordering.
Other Vendors
UF also has purchasing contracts with other computer vendors. However, due to the bundling nature of our contracts, CLASnet cannot work with the vendors to test/create specific supported computer quotes. Your unit should only purchase such systems if you have local IT support staff to test, configure, and support such systems.
- Apple - Departmental Purchases
- Individuals may purchase products via the UF TechHub.
- Hewlett-Packard - UF list of preconfigured bundles
- The "Standard" "Small Form Factor Desktop" should meet many users' needs. Note that the bundles are currently updated only once every three months. Please check their prices against the other vendors before ordering.
- MPC/Gateway
- MPC is no longer in business. There are third-party companies selling refurbished computers and components, but CLASnet cannot recommend any such purchases.
Why do we recommend certain computers over others?
Our goal is to provide quotes for machines that are reliable, easy to maintain, and are known to work on the CLASnet/UF network. Thus, we test, then recommend, tested business-class configurations rather than "consumer" (home user) models. Business-class computers are designed from the outset to be more consistent (can usually order the same model for 6-18 months), have identical parts available when components need replacing, and have multi-year warranties. This means if a part breaks two years after purchasing the computer, you should be able to get exactly the same component from the company. This is generally not guaranteed on machines designed for home use.
-CLASnet
