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Request a standard computer
Northwestern IT maintains a pool of new MacBook and Dell computers for Weinberg College. These laptops are available for replacement for eligible computers, as well as for new faculty and staff. These computers are well-equipped with 16GB of RAM and 512GB solid state drive, which is sufficient for most workloads - Request a laptop computer
Purchasing a Custom Computer
If a standard computer will not work for your specific computing needs, please contact Northwestern IT via consultant@northwestern.edu or request assistance online. Northwestern IT will help build a shopping cart for a computer that will meet the minimum requirements. You can then work with your department to place an order.
Please note that currently there can be significant delays when ordering a custom computer. New custom computer orders may take weeks. There are also many more steps involved in ordering a custom computer, which can add additional time and delays to the process.
Northwestern IT offers support for Apple, Dell, and Lenovo computers.
Standard models
- For Apple, please select a MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or iMac.
- For Dell, after punching out to Dell, please click standard configurations and then click filter to select Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. Recommended computers include Dell Latitude, XPS, and OptiPlex computers.
- For Lenovo, login into iBuyNU, punch out to CDWG, and then click on "Lenovo Computer Pricing" to see the recommended standards. Recommended computers include Lenovo Thinkpads and ThinkCentre
Operating systems
- For Windows computers: Windows 11 Enterprise
- For Mac computers: latest release of macOS
Minimum requirements
- RAM: 16 GB
- Storage: 512 GB solid-state drive
- Warranty: Required 4-year parts and labor warranty (from purchase date)
Storage Recommendations
- Northwestern IT strongly recommends that new laptops and desktops include solid state drives. Solid state drives improve performance significantly and increase the lifespan of devices.
PURCHASING
- Note: Do not purchase Microsoft Office with a new computer. Northwestern maintains a Microsoft Office license agreement for all faculty/staff of the University, and the software is included in the Northwestern IT Software Image