Computing and Network Services
Purchasing Equipment
Guidelines and information on purchasing a computer for teaching, learning, and research.
Reliable, up-to-date technology is essential for the work and research at SUNY ESF. Use the recommendations and information below to purchase a computer.
Thinking of buying a computer for college? Use the specifications below to get a laptop from the brand of your choice.
Windows
- Windows 11 Home or Pro
- 14" Display
- 1TB Hard drive
- 32GB of RAM (memory)
- Core Ultra 7U or better
- Nvidia Graphics card (optional depending on program)
- 4 year warranty with accidental damage (optional)
Apple
- Macbook air
- 13" display
- 1TB Hard drive
- 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural
- 32GB of RAM (memory)
- Apple Care
Things to Keep in Mind:
- For student studying in fields that utilize computer intensive programs like AudoCad, ArcGIS, or the Adobe Suite a NVidia graphics card is recommended (windows only)
-
Not all software is compatible on Apple computers and a virtual computer lab is available for students to use.
Purchasing computers, hardware, and IT peripherals through CNS ensures compatibility with existing systems, adherence to ESF standards, suitability for a research and academic environment, and the best possible pricing. Following these standards also allows us to provide the highest level of support for your technology needs.
CNS standards for Windows and MacOS devices are below. The research laptop and tower can be customized to better meet your needs. To purchase one of the models below reach out to CNS at helpdesk@esf.edu for a quote.
Windows Computers
| Daily Use | Daily + Research | Computational Research | |
| Model | Dell Pro Max 14 | Dell Pro Max 14 | Dell Pro Max Tower |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (24MB, 16 cores, 16 threads, up to 5.10 GHz Turbo, 28W) | Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (24MB, 16 cores, 16 threads, up to 5.10 GHz Turbo, 28W) | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K (36 MB cache, 24 cores, 24 threads, 3.2 GHz to 5.7 GHz, 125W) |
| Memory | 16 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB |
| Hard Drive | 512 GB | 1 TB | 2 TB |
| GPU | N/A | NVIDIA RTX PRO 500-Blackwell 6GB GDDR7 Graphics | NVIDIA RTX 4000 ADA, 20 GB GDDR6, 4 DP |
| Approx. Cost | TBD* | TBD* | TBD* |
*Due to global industry factors computer costs change weekly.
Apple Computers
Due to a variety of factors, it is recommended that Apple laptops only be purchases for individual daily use. For any research computing needs we recommend purchasing a daily use Apple laptop and a Windows desktop for research.
| Daily Use | Daily + Research | |
| Model | Macbook Air | Macbook Pro |
| Processor | M4 10-core CPU 10-core GPU | M4 14-core CPU 20-core GPU |
| Memory | 16 GB | 24 GB |
| Hard Drive | 512 GB | 1 TB |
| Approx. Cost |
Need Additional Help?
Reach out to the Help Desk at https://support.esf.edu | helpdesk@esf.edu | 315-470-6861
Helpdesk & Baker Lab Hours: Monday - Friday 8am-4pm