Value PC Buyer's Guide:
Recommendations for Fourth Quarter 2002-2003

Value PC's are defined by Information Systems & Computing (ISC) as PC's that meet the necessary requirements for a three year life cycle. Value PC's tend to cost between $900 and $1,400. Low cost PC's, which usually cost $400-$900 and often compromise some combination of performance, reliability, compatibility, or expandability to achieve the lowest possible costs, are not recommended.

Value PC change history

Footnotes:

1. Pricing is generated using the online configurators available from Dell and Apple 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.


2. Windows 2000 Professional and Windows XP Professional are significantly more reliable, supportable, and secure than other versions of Windows (e.g., Windows 98/ME/XP Home). At this point in time, Windows 2000 Professional is generally the best choice for new Windows-based workstations because of its superior driver support, good security, high reliability, and excellent connectivity. ISC sees Windows XP Professional as steadily improving and expects it to be the Windows operating system of choice sometime in Fiscal Year 2003. Schools or centers may choose to use other Windows operating systems (such as Windows 98 or Windows NT Workstation 4.0) where local needs warrant such use, but should be aware that Microsoft is rapidly retiring these operating systems.


3. Mac OS X version 10.2.x is generally the best choice for new Mac OS-based workstations because of its superior driver support, greater security, high reliability, and excellent connectivity. Schools or centers may choose to use other versions of the Mac OS (such as Mac OS 9.2.x) where local needs warrant such use.


4. Workstations that will remain on the Ethernet connected portions of the University campus for their entire life cycle do not require modems.

Value PC manufacturers that ISC has had good experience with include Apple and Dell.

If your school or department is considering a significant quantity of Value PC purchases, ISC strongly recommends a consultation to weigh the pros and cons in today's rapidly changing environment (contact John Mulhern III in ISC, mulhernj@isc.upenn.edu; 573-3567).

Low Cost PC's – Not Recommended

Price reductions resulting from market competition and continued technical innovation make the definition of "Low Cost PC's" a moving target. It is generally true, however, that computers priced in the bottom 30% of the current range (currently ranging from $400 to $900) 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.

Bearing in mind that you get what you pay for in most cases, and that the costs associated with supporting these systems typically outweigh the actual purchase price, ISC recommends that "Low Cost PC's" not be purchased for general use.

desktop recommendations