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Notebook Computer Purchasing Guide:
Specifications effective April 2, 2008
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| Recommended Configurations for Mid-Weight Notebook Systems
Specifications effective April 2, 2008 Specifications will be reviewed and updated quarterly as appropriate (10/1, 1/1, 4/1, 7/1) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Mac OS | ||
| Hardware | Processor | Core 2 Duo T7500 (2.2 GHz) | Core 2 Duo T8300 (2.4 GHz) |
| Memory (RAM) | 2.0 GB | 2.0 GB | |
| Mass Storage | 120 GB/7200 RPM
or 160 GB/5400 RPM |
200 GB/7200 RPM
or 250 GB/5400 RPM | |
| Display & VRAM | 14.1-inch to 15.4-inch WXGA 128 MB or 256 MB discrete video card |
15.4-inch widescreen 256 MB or 512 MB discrete video card | |
| Miscellaneous | DVD±R/CD-RW drive internal Bluetooth |
DVD±R/CD-RW drive internal Bluetooth | |
| Network Connectivity | High-bandwidth | internal 10/100BaseT Ethernet internal 802.11b/g (Wi-Fi) |
internal 10/100/1000BaseT Ethernet internal 802.11b/g (Wi-Fi) |
| Low-bandwidth | internal V.92 modem | optional V.92 modem | |
| Operating System | Windows XP Service Pack 2
or Windows Vista |
Mac OS 10.5.x | |
| Support Period | Until July, 2010 | Until July, 2010 | |
| Estimated Price | $1,500 - $1,750 | $2,050 - $2,550 | |
Notes: this specification does not apply to extremely large portable systems often called desknotes. Desknotes are generally not useable as notebooks - they are too large and have too little battery life. ISC has developed a separate set of desknote recommendations
These notebooks, sometimes called sub-notebooks, tend to weigh between two and five pounds and have small (12.1-inch to 13.3-inch) screens. In performance, they tend to be relatively close to last year's desktop recommendations, but contain fewer features. Examples of such notebooks are the Apple MacBook Air, the Apple MacBook (in its higher-priced versions), the Dell Latitude D430, the Lenovo ThinkPad X61, the Lenovo ThinkPad X61s, the Lenovo ThinkPad X300, the Toshiba Portégé R400, and the Toshiba Portégé R500.
| Recommended Configurations for Lightweight Notebook Systems
Specifications effective April 2, 2008 Specifications will be reviewed and updated quarterly as appropriate (10/1, 1/1, 4/1, 7/1) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Mac OS | ||
| Hardware | Processor | Core 2 Duo U, L/SL, or T series processor | Core 2 Duo L or T series processor |
| Memory (RAM) | 1.5 GB | 1.5 GB | |
| Mass Storage | 80 GB hard drive
(64 GB solid state drive optional) |
80 GB or 120 GB hard drive
(64 GB solid state drive optional) | |
| Display & VRAM | 12.1-inch to 13.3-inch XGA or WXGA integrated video |
13.3-inch widescreen integrated video | |
| Miscellaneous | DVD±R/CD-RW drive optional Bluetooth |
DVD±R/CD-RW drive internal Bluetooth | |
| Network Connectivity | High-bandwidth | internal 10/100BaseT Ethernet internal 802.11b/g (Wi-Fi) |
internal or external 10/100BaseT Ethernet internal 802.11b/g (Wi-Fi) |
| Low-bandwidth | internal V.92 modem | optional V.92 modem | |
| Operating System | Windows XP Service Pack 2
or Windows Vista |
Mac OS 10.5.x | |
| Support Period | Until July, 2010 | Until July, 2010 | |
| Estimated Price | $1,700 - $3,400 | $1,400 - $2,000 | |
Notes: some Intel-based lightweight notebooks are Tablet PCs - in other words, they support Microsoft's Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, which is a pen-based superset of Windows XP Professional and/or they support Windows Vista. ISC sees Tablet PCs as an emerging technology; providers that have previously considered or deployed pen-based computing devices should strongly consider evaluating these devices. Please see ISC's Tablet PC Purchasing Guide for more information.
Peripheral notes: media slices, port replicators, and docking stations are not included in this pricing - they can be expected to add to the estimated price in these amounts:
This specification is intended as a complement to the recommendations for desktop systems in ISC's Value PC Buyers Guide. These notebooks tend to weigh between five and eight pounds and have small to medium sized (13.3-inch to 15.4-inch) screens. In performance, they tend to lag behind last year's desktop recommendations and contain fewer features. Examples of such notebooks are the Apple MacBook (in its lower priced versions), the Dell Latitude D630 (in its lower priced versions), and the Lenovo ThinkPad T61 (in its lower priced versions).
| Recommended Configurations for Value Notebook Systems
Specifications effective April 2, 2008 Specifications will be reviewed and updated quarterly as appropriate (10/1, 1/1, 4/1, 7/1) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Mac OS | ||
| Hardware | Processor | Core 2 Duo T7100 (1.8 GHz) | Core 2 Duo T7200 (2.0 GHz) |
| Memory (RAM) | 1.5 GB | 1.5 GB | |
| Mass Storage | 80 GB | 80 GB | |
| Display & VRAM | 12-inch to 15.4-inch XGA or WXGA
integrated video |
13.3-inch widescreen
integrated video | |
| Miscellaneous | CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive | CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive internal Bluetooth | |
| Network Connectivity | High-bandwidth | internal 10/100BaseT Ethernet internal 802.11b/g (Wi-Fi) |
internal 10/100BaseT Ethernet internal 802.11b/g (Wi-Fi) |
| Low-bandwidth | internal V.92 modem | optional V.92 modem | |
| Operating System | Windows XP Service Pack 2
or Windows Vista |
Mac OS 10.5.x | |
| Support Period | Until July, 2009 | Until July, 2009 | |
| Estimated Price | $1,050 - $1,200 | $1,250 | |
Price reductions resulting from market competition and continued technical innovation make the definition of "Low Cost Notebooks" a moving target. It is generally true, however, that notebooks priced in the bottom 30% of the current range (currently ranging from $500 to $1000) compromise some combination of performance, reliability, compatibility, or expandability to achieve the lowest possible costs. Compatibility with recommended network products is a particularly important consideration at Penn, as is a three-year warranty.
Bearing in mind that you get what you pay for, and that the costs associated with supporting these systems significantly outweigh the actual purchase price, ISC recommends that "Low Cost Notebooks" not be purchased for general use.
Estimated prices for these notebooks include three-year service plans from the manufacturers, which ISC strongly recommends. Note that the three year warranty is an extra cost for some notebooks (including Macintoshes) and that this cost is reflected in the estimated price.
Pricing is generated using the online configurators available from Dell, Apple, and Lenovo and is for general reference only. Support providers will often be able to generate more competitive pricing using various means, such as purchasing components (RAM, etc.) seperately and taking advantage of vendor bundles and rebates.
These specifications are sometimes revised in mid-quarter when major changes in configurations from Apple, Dell, and Lenovo become generally available. When this happens, the relevant notebook category has the revision date highlighted in red and both operating system categories are repriced.
Other than some differences in peripherals, support for notebook systems is generally little different than for desktop systems.
Notebook manufacturers that ISC has had good experience with include Apple, Dell, Lenovo, and Toshiba.
Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 is supported and recommended. It is an appropriate choice for new systems running the Windows platform because of its emphasis on security, superior driver support, stability, connectivity, and supportability. It is also the only version of Windows XP to implement the "No Execute" security capability supported by all current Intel and AMD processors. ISC does not recommend, but will support Windows XP Home Service Pack 2. Windows XP Home is missing important networking and security features, such as domain-based authentication, that are critical to many Schools and Centers in the University.
Windows Vista (Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions) is also supported and recommended for general use, though it is not currently compatible with all University applications. ISC does not recommend, but will support Home Premium. Home Premium is missing important networking and security features, such as domain-based authentication, that are essential to many Schools and Centers in the University. ISC will not support Home Basic. Home Basic is missing many important networking, maintenance, and security features that are critical to many Schools and Centers at the University. See the University's main Windows Vista page for more information and advice.
Mac OS 10.5.x is the only supported and recommended choice for new Macintosh systems, as Apple's newly released systems always require the latest version of the Mac OS. It features superior driver support and security. See the University's main Mac OS 10.5 page for more information and advice.
Apple's Boot Camp technology offers the promise of added flexibility in the future for users who need to occasionally use Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista. It should not be used to turn a Macintosh into a full time Windows machine. Boot Camp also requires that both the Windows and the Mac OS operating systems be patched and maintained.
If your school or center is considering a notebook purchase, ISC strongly recommends a consultation to weigh pros and cons in today's rapidly changing environment (contact John Mulhern III in ISC, mulhernj@isc.upenn.edu; 573-3567).
Notebook computer change history
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