Value PC Buyer's Guide:
Recommendations for Fourth Quarter 2003-2004

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 $800 and $1,300. Low cost PC's, which usually cost between $350 and $800 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. Workstations that will remain on the Ethernet connected portions of the University campus for their entire life cycle do not require modems.


2. Windows XP Professional is generally the best choice for new Windows desktops because of its superior driver support, stability, connectivity, and supportability. ISC also sees Windows 2000 Professional as an acceptable choice, though it is no longer state-of-the-art and Microsoft's support for it relative to Windows XP Professional is expected to decrease significantly in FY 2004. Schools or centers that choose to use other Windows operating systems (such as Windows NT Workstation 4.0) should be aware that Microsoft is rapidly retiring these operating systems.
   
   ISC does not recommend Windows XP Home. 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. In addition, Microsoft will not support Windows XP Home for the same extended period that it will support Windows XP Professional.


3. Mac OS X version 10.2.x/10.3.x is generally the best choice for the Macintosh platform because of its superior driver support, reliability, and excellent connectivity. Schools or centers may choose to use other versions of the Mac OS (such as Mac OS 9.2.x), but should be aware that Apple is aggressively retiring support for Mac OS 9.x in new workstations.


4. 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.

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 $350 to $800) 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