NTC Faculty Laptop Replacement
A laptop refresh program is being implemented during late FY2011 and early FY2012 for full-time faculty, due in part to the high failure rate of the current MacBook laptops and warranty expiration. This large-scale replacement will begin a new four-year rotation with extended hardware warranty coverage.
Two options were selected: 1) a Dell E6520 or 2) a Macbook Pro.
(Hardware specifications are included at the end of this message.)
Key advantages of the Dell system include:
- A keyboard better suited to the Windows operating system.
- A 15.6” display.
- A port replicator with secondary power supply, allowing the system to be easily removed from the desktop without unplugging all the cables.
- Hardware encrypted hard disks, greatly enhancing security.*
- Cost. (A Macbook Pro is a $970 premium over the Dell.)
Because maintaining a dual-boot configuration is resource intensive, dual-boot configurations on Macbook Pro’s will only be implemented upon request.
Request forms were forwarded to faculty and orders have been placed.
Dell E6520 Specifications:
Intel Core i5-2540M, 2.60GHz, 3MB Cache
4.0GB, DDR3-1333MHz SDRAM
Internal Backlit English Keyboard
nVidia NVS 4200M 512MB DDR3 Discrete Graphics
320GB Encrypted Hard Drive 7200RPM
15.6 in HD(1366x768) Anti-Glare LED-backlit Display
Windows 7 Professional, 64-bit
Intel WiFi Link 6205 (802.11a/g/n 2X2) 1/2 MiniCard for VPRO Latitude E/Mobile Precision
Dell Wireless 375 Bluetooth Module
90W 3-Pin, AC Adapter
8X DVD+/-RW
Integrated webcam with single digital microphone
6-Cell (60WH) Primary Lithium Ion Battery for Latitude
Next Business Day Limited Onsite Service After Remote Diagnosis 4
E/Port, Simple Port Replicatorfor Latitude E-Family/Mobile Precision
4-year warranty coverage
Apple Macbook Pro Specifications:
2.0GHz Intel Core i7
4GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB
500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 7200 rpm
Accessory Kit
Backlit Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S.
MacBook Pro 15-inch Glossy Widescreen Display
Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter
SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD ± RW/CD-RW)
4-year warranty coverage
* Dell systems with hardware encrypted drives eliminate liability if a laptop is lost or stolen. If a system with either sensitive information or lower risk NPI (non-public information such as grades) is lost or stolen, every individual whose information may have been exposed must be notified of the breach. BSU has already experienced this scenario. By regulation, a hardware encrypted device is exempt from this requirement. This is a significant advantage over a standard hard disk.