Note
If you are making a computer purchase for personal use (non-Emerson funds), please see more information at Purchasing a Personal Computer.
Purchasing Process
All items listed below are available through the vendor catalog, which approved purchasers can access on Workday. If you do not have access to the vendor catalog, please contact Procurement Services.
Please only purchase approved technology from the vendors linked to below (Apple and Connection). Be aware that, while some computer hardware can be found in the Amazon vendor catalog, it is not approved for campus use. These items will have a Company Restricted label at the top of the webpage.
After you make your purchase, your new computer equipment will be shipped to the mailroom, then brought to the Help Desk for inventory and configuration. Once we receive the equipment, we will reach out to you for details on its use and destination. Computer configuration includes the installation of management software, security tools, and encryption, and in the case of mobile devices, a secure pin. We will contact you when it is ready for deployment or pickup. If the equipment arrives at your location before it reaches the Help Desk, please let us know so we can prepare it for you.
Please reach out to us to schedule an appointment.
While using your new device, we require you to comply with the Data Classification Guideline and Data Transmittal and Storage Requirements.
Tech Refresh
While there are many reasons a department would purchase a computer on their own (new employees, specific technical needs, etc.), the school also has a Tech Refresh program to ensure all the computers on campus are kept up-to-date. Read more about how this works in our Hardware Replacement Policy guide.
The suggested configurations below state whether Tech Refresh funds would cover their cost, or if your department may have to contribute to the purchase.
Hardware Standards
Below is a listing of standard computer hardware that is suitable for the Emerson College work environment. If you have a specific need outside of these standards, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@emerson.edu for a consultation or to request a quote.
- Apple Laptops
- Apple Desktops
- Windows Laptops
- Windows Desktops
- Printers, Docks, and Accessories
Apple Laptops
13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (Standard Build)
The 13-inch MacBook Pro is IT’s most popular Tech Refresh computer. With plenty of RAM and a fast solid-state hard drive, this model is great for anyone interested in upgrading to a laptop.
 |
processor: |
Apple M2 chip with 8‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU |
| ram: | 16 GB Unified RAM | |
| Neural Engine: | 16 Core | |
| storage: |
256 GB Solid State Hard Drive |
|
| available ports: | Two Thunderbolt USB 4 ports* 3.5 mm headphone jack |
|
| display: | 2560 x 1600, 500 nits, P3 Wide color | |
| weight: | 3 Lbs | |
| tech refresh: | Can be covered completely by Tech Refresh funds. |
* We recommend purchasing a multi-port adapter that will allow you to plug in USB and HDMI devices, and has an extra Thunderbolt 3 port.
16-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (Power User)
If 13 inches isn’t enough screen real estate, then the 16-inch MacBook Pro might be for you. Weighing only 1.7 pounds more than the 13-inch MacBook, this model is great for powerful video editing on the go.
 |
processor: | M1Pro 10-Core CPU 16-Core GPU |
| ram: | 16 GB Unified Memory | |
| Neural Engine: | 16 Core | |
| storage: | 1 TB Solid State Hard Drive | |
| available ports: |
Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports* HDMI SDXC Card Slot MagSafe3 Port |
|
| display: | 3456 x 2234 pixels | |
| weight: | 4.7 Lbs | |
| tech refresh: | Not completely covered by Tech Refresh funds. |
*We recommend purchasing a multi-port adapter that will allow you to plug in USB and additional HDMI devices, and has an extra Thunderbolt 3 port.
Apple Desktops
24-inch iMac with Retina 4.5K Display (Standard Build)
The 24-inch iMac with Retina 4.5K Display is IT’s most popular Tech Refresh desktop computer. This model is great if you are looking for a powerful all-in-one machine with plenty of screen real estate.
 |
processor: | Apple M1 Chip 8-core CPU |
| ram: | 16 GB | |
| graphics: | Apple M1 Chip 8-core GPU | |
| storage: | 256 GB Solid State Hard Drive | |
| available ports: | Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports 3.5 mm headphone jack |
|
| display: | 4480 x 2520 pixels | |
| tech refresh: | Can be covered completely by Tech Refresh funds. |
If you plan to plug an additional display into the iMac, please confirm that you have the correct input or adapter available. If you’re unsure what you may need, we’ll happily make a recommendation.
Windows Laptops
Dell 14-inch Latitude 7430 (Standard Build)
The 14-inch Latitude 7430 is IT’s recommended computer for anyone interested in upgrading to a Windows laptop. With plenty of RAM and a fast solid-state hard drive, this is a great all-around lightweight laptop that offers everything you need for your day-to-day work.
 |
processor: | 1.8 GHz to 4.8GHz ten-core Intel Core i7 |
| ram: | 16 GB | |
| graphics: | Intel Iris XE Graphics | |
| storage: | 256 GB Solid State Hard Drive | |
| available ports: | Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports One USB 3.2 port HDMI port uSD card slot 3.5 mm audio jack |
|
| display: | 1920 x 1080 pixels | |
| weight: | 2.7 Lbs | |
| tech refresh: | Can be covered completely by Tech Refresh funds. |
Windows Desktops
The Optiplex 5090 Tower is IT’s recommended Windows desktop computer. This compact, yet powerful, desktop has plenty of ports for your everyday needs.
 |
processor: | 2.9 GHz to 4.8 GHz eight-core Intel Core i5 |
| ram: | 16 GB | |
| graphics: | Intel UHD Graphics | |
| storage: | 256 GB Solid State Hard Drive | |
| available ports: | USB-C port Two Display ports Five USB 3 ports Four USB 2 ports SD card slot 3.5 mm audio jack Optical disk drive |
|
| display: | External 21.5-inch HD monitor | |
| tech refresh: | Can be covered completely by Tech Refresh funds. |
Dell Optiplex 5490 Ultra All-In-One (Standard Build)
If you are interested in a Windows desktop, but want something more compact, IT recommends the Optiplex 5490 Ultra All-in-One. With the computer and monitor all built into one, you don’t have to sacrifice your desk space for more power.
 |
processor: | 2.0GHz to 4.5 GHz six-core Intel Core i7 |
| ram: | 16 GB | |
| graphics: | Intel UHD Graphics | |
| storage: | 256 GB Solid State Hard Drive | |
| available ports: | Two USB-C ports Three USB 3 ports 3.5 mm audio jack |
|
| display: | Built-in 23.8" monitor | |
| tech refresh: | Can be covered completely by Tech Refresh funds. |
Dell Optiplex 5000 Tower (Power User)
The Optiplex 5080 Tower is IT’s recommended Windows desktop computer for those who need a bit more power. With double the RAM and hard drive space, this tower is great for editing video, designing graphics, or other processor-intensive applications.
 |
processor: | 2.1GHz to 4.8GHz twelve-core Intel Core i7 |
| ram: | 32 GB | |
| graphics: | Intel Integrated Graphics | |
| storage: | 512 GB Solid State Hard Drive | |
| available ports: | USB-C port Two Display ports Five USB 3 ports Four USB 2 ports SD card slot 3.5 mm audio jack Optical disk drive |
|
| display: | External 21.5-inch HD monitor | |
| tech refresh: | Can be covered completely by Tech Refresh funds. |
Printers, Docks, and Accessories
There are a variety of accessories and peripherals that can enhance your computing experience. Please browse the options available in the Connection vendor catalog in Workday. We're here if you have any questions or would like some recommendations.