New Technology Procurement Guide

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This article to provide guidance on obtaining new technology, including managed work computers, monitors, and accessories. If you have any questions, please email support@wharton.upenn.edu.

Curated Configurations

The recommended tier of laptops (shown in the green/middle column) are chosen based on many factors: UPenn hardware and procurement guidance, client feedback, compatibility with other technology deployed throughout campus, current/future trends, minimum hardware requirements, and budgeting. These are appropriate choices for most users. Configurations above and below the recommended tier are available based on use case, needs, and justification.

Desktop and Custom Requests

Requests for a model or configuration, from one of our preferred vendors (Apple, Dell, Lenovo) that differs from our standard, should be submitted to support@wharton.upenn.edu. Please include helpful details you’ve already determined, such as use cases, as well as questions that you may have.

All desktop requests are considered custom, CSS will work to ensure we help find the best solution in the desktop form factor.

Apple

Mac computers run on the proprietary operating system, macOS. This system is also known for its user-friendly interface, stability, and security features. Mac models excel in picture accuracy and photo and video editing tasks, and remain compatible with most productivity applications. Mac systems can seamlessly integrate with other Apple devices and services, such as iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch, and iCloud. This allows for a cohesive and interconnected experience across multiple devices.

MacOS may not be compatible with all productivity software and configurations. Examples include but are not limited to: Microsoft Access, ArcGIS, Toad, Power BI Desktop (Power BI Web only), Bluebeam Revu (Bluebeam Cloud only), Oracle Crystal Ball, and SAS.

Along with the standard Apple applications, the following 3rd party productivity apps come installed on every Mac:

Chrome
Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, To Do)

The built-in Self Service application allows users to browse through and download additional applications including:

Visual Studio Code	Dropbox	Slack	Global Protect (UPenn VPN)
MS OneNote	ChatGPT	Webex	CrashPlan (backup solution)
MS OneDrive	Grammarly	Zoom	FortiClient (Wharton VPN)
Adobe Acrobat Reader	Adobe Creative Cloud	MS Teams	Windows App (formerly Remote Desktop)
Solstice

Configuration Code	L1	L2	L3
Model	MacBook Air	MacBook Pro	MacBook Pro
Technical Specifications	M4 24GB Unified Memory 512GB Hard Drive 13 or 15-inch LCD Display Midnight chassis 3 or 4-year Warranty	M4 Pro (12‑core CPU, 16‑core GPU) 24GB Unified Memory 512GB Hard Drive 14 or 16-inch MiniLED Display (standard finish) Space Black chassis 3 or 4-year Warranty	M4 Max (14‑core CPU, 32‑core GPU) 36GB Unified Memory 1TB Hard Drive 14 or 16-inch MiniLED Display (standard finish) Space Black chassis 3 or 4-year Warranty
Use Case	Great for: Standard day-to-day use using the standard Wharton Baseline of applications. Lightweight traveling and commuting	Great for: Regular day-to-day use with consistent performance using the standard Wharton Baseline of applications. Performs for workflows requiring apps such as: SPSS MATLAB Python RStudio Stata JMP	Great for: Speeding up tasks that are resource-intensive. Fully utilizing apps such as: Adobe After Effects Adobe Premiere Pro Capable of running some local Large Language Models.
Pricing Estimate	$1458 (13-inch + 3yr warranty)	$2058 (14-inch + 3yr warranty)	$3488 (16-inch + 3yr warranty)

Windows PCs

Windows PCs operate on the Windows operating system, which is developed by Microsoft. Windows is known for its widespread usage, versatility, and compatibility. Windows has a vast library of compatible software applications, ranging from productivity tools and creative suites to gaming software and specialized business applications. This broad ecosystem contributes to the popularity of Windows PCs in various domains.

The Following productivity applications come installed on every PC:

MS Outlook	MS Teams	MS Word	MS Excel	MS PowerPoint
MS Access	MS Publisher	MS OneNote	MS OneDrive	Zoom
Chrome	Dropbox	Adobe Creative Cloud	Adobe Acrobat	7-Zip

The built-in Self Service application allows you to browse through and download additional applications including:

Box	Solstice	RStudio	Firefox	Global Protect (Upenn VPN)
JMP	Smart View	Notepad ++		Forticlient (Wharton VPN)
Visual Studio Code	R for Windows	Webex		CrashPlan (backup solution)

Dell

Configuration Code	L4	L5	L6	L7
Model	Dell Pro 14 Premium	Dell Pro 14 Premium	Dell Pro 16 Plus	Dell Pro 14 Max
Technical Specifications	Intel Ultra 7 (Copilot +) 32GB RAM 512GB Hard Drive 14-inch FHD Display Integrated Graphics Lightweight Chassis 3 or 4-year Warranty	Intel Ultra 7 (Copilot +) 32GB RAM 1TB Hard Drive 14-inch QHD+ OLED Touch Display Integrated Graphics Lightweight Chassis 3 or 4-year Warranty	Intel Ultra 7 (Copilot +) 32GB RAM 1TB Hard Drive 16-inch QHD Display Integrated Graphics 3 or 4-year Warranty	Intel Ultra 7 265H 64GB RAM 2TB Hard Drive 14-inch QHD+ Display (non-touch) 8MP camera NVIDIA RTX PRO 500-Blackwell 6GB Graphics Long Life Cycle Battery 130W Power Supply 3 or 4-year Warranty
Use Case	Great for: lower price point Regular day-to-day use with consistent performance using the standard Wharton Baseline of applications. Performs for workflows requiring apps such as: SPSS Python RStudio Stata JMP SAS	Great for: Regular day-to-day use with consistent performance using the standard Wharton Baseline of applications. Performs for workflows requiring apps such as: SPSS MATLAB Python RStudio Stata JMP SAS	Great for: Those who need a 16-inch screen instead of the extra portability of the Pro Premium design. Regular day-to-day use with consistent performance using the standard Wharton Baseline of applications. Performs for workflows requiring apps such as: SPSS MATLAB Python RStudio Stata JMP SAS	Great for: Tasks that can benefit from dedicated graphics. Performs for workflows requiring: Moderate ArcGIS workloads Camtasia Adobe Premiere Pro/After Effects
Pricing Estimate	$1700	$1900	$1900	Available by custom quote

Lenovo

Configuration Code	L8
Model	Lenovo X1 Carbon (Aura Edition)
Technical Specifications	Intel Ultra 7 (Copilot +) 32GB RAM 1TB Hard Drive 14-inch QHD+ OLED Display (not available in touch) Integrated Graphics 3 or 4-year Warranty
Use Case	Great for: Regular day-to-day use with consistent performance using the standard Wharton Baseline of applications. Performs for workflows requiring apps such as: SPSS MATLAB Python RStudio Stata JMP SAS
Pricing Estimate	$2100

Displays

Having the right display configuration is essential to achieving high levels of productivity and getting the best computing experience. Throughout Wharton’s campus, Dell displays offer the widest range of cross-platform compatibility, which makes them a staple in offices, departments, and hoteling/touch-down spaces. The recommended displays offer a variety of extra port options, networking, easy one-cable connection for laptop users, and a great balance of resolution and image quality.

Configuration Code	S1	S2
Model	Dell UltraSharp 34-inch Curved (with hub) U3425WE	Dual Dell 24-inch (hub + non-hub combo) P2423D + P2423DE
Technical Specifications	UWQHD (Ultrawide 3440 × 1440) curved display Integrated hub with networking (no separate dock needed) Extra ports for accessories USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort connections Up to 90W charging	2K resolution per display A combination of one hub and one non-hub display, leaving a dock optional for PC users (Mac users will require a separate dock). Extra ports for accessories USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort connections Up to 90W charging
Use Case	Great for those who prefer a single display solution	Great for those who prefer to work with dual displays and easily separate workspaces. Pairs well with the Dell WD22TB4 dock for Mac users or PC users who need extra ports.
Pricing Estimate	$750	$650

Peripherals/Accessories

A solution is not complete without the right peripherals/accessories. Here are some of the most popular choices.

A1 Mouse & Keyboard Logitech MK650 Mouse and Keyboard	A2 Keyboard Logitech MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard	A3 Mouse Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse
Pricing Estimate: $65	Pricing Estimate: $120	Pricing Estimate: $100
A4 Webcam Logitech BRO 4K Webcam	A5 Docking Station Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock SD25TB4 Up to 130W of power for charging Extra ports for accessories Supports Thunderbolt, HDMI, and DisplayPort connections	A6 Spare Charger Anker 100W compact charger / 6ft Braided USB-C charge cable Compact 3 ports can charge multiple devices simultaneously
Pricing Estimate: $150	Pricing Estimate: $275	Pricing Estimate: $60

Questions?

Email: support@wharton.upenn.edu