CIS Supported Hardware

CIS supports Dell and Apple computers at UNH through the Computer Service Center with free warranty repairs, and for purchasing any Dell or Apple computer system through the UNH Computer Store, both located in the MUB, Level 2 East, across from the student mailboxes.

In an effort to provide effective and efficient customer service to the University community across academic and administrative programs, Computing & Information Services (CIS) maintains a list of products for which it provides support.

Developing a list of supported products allows us to improve the service we provide to our customers by :

• promoting migration to selected technologies and concentrating on these products in greater depth
• exploring new programs, upgrades and technologies
• planning effectively for the introduction of new products and the phasing out of other products.

Our ability to support you depends on many factors beyond our control. Vendors of the products which have become outdated may no longer provide parts, drivers or technical support TO US which makes it increasingly difficult, and at times impossible, to support you.

Products Under Review
New releases of products are tested for 6-8 weeks after release before being recommended for addition to the Supported Products List. If a product is recommended for support, it will be added to the list following the quarterly SPAC meeting. If testing indicates that a product will be recommended, support by CIS will begin after the testing period.

Purchasing Tips

• Monitors
  
• RAM
  
• Removable Media/Backup Devices
  
• Hard Drive Capacity
  
• Printers
  
• Portable Computers
  
• Wireless Networking
  

There are two broad types of monitors, CRTs and LCDs.

CRTs are the traditional computer monitors and are roughly comparable to TVs in size and weight. We are no longer recommending CRT displays.

LCD displays are thin flat screens similar to those on notebook computers. LCDs take up less desk space, generate less heat, have lower electromagnetic emissions, and are much more energy efficient. LCDs have mostly replaced CRT displays. LCDs' visible area matches their nominal size, so a smaller LCD will have a visible area roughly comparable to the next larger size CRT. Recommendations for LCD include digital and analog connectors, minimum 1024 by 768 resolution, and at least 15 inches in size.

Monitors work in conjunction with the graphics adapter in the host computer and either device can be the limiting factor on the usable resolution and image quality. If you have a digital LCD display, match it with a graphics card with digital output (DVI for example). LCD displays work best at one particular resolution, called the native resolution. You should make sure your graphics card supports the native resolution of the display.

Higher screen resolutions allow you to display more on your screen, physically larger screens make objects larger at the same resolution, and higher refresh rates reduce flicker and eyestrain.

Significant productivity gains have been reported in tests where users upgraded to larger screens in the 20" to 24" range or especially to dual displays showing different desktops side by side.

The recommended RAM capacity is currently 1GB for Apple, 2GB for Windows. Adding RAM is usually the most cost-effective upgrade to consider. The two considerations on ordering a new computer are to get as much RAM as possible, and to consider configuring that amount of RAM to leave one or more memory slots open for future expansion (i.e., 1x2GB, instead of 2x1GB if you have 2 memory slots).

One of the most important responsibilities of a computer user is making backup copies of files. Even if this function is delegated or automated, there are many situations where it is important or at least convenient to make copies locally under your own control. For example, if you backup your files across the network it will be difficult to access those files if the network is down. Backups of important files should be periodically stored off site in case of disasters such as fires.

The most available backup device for most users is the optical Drive, also called CD burner or DVD burner. These are optional drives that use either CD-R media (write once) or CDRW (re-writeable). Either media type will hold approximately 700 megabytes. The media (similar to audio CDs) is among the least expensive backup alternatives. One advantage of CD-R/CDRW is that virtually all modern computers have drives which will read CDs. DVD-R/DVD-RW (called Superdrive by Apple Computer) is similar to CD-R/CDRW except that the media holds approximately 4.7 gigabytes.

There are two other considerations to keep in mind regarding removable media drives. One is to consider external drives. These drives can be shared by multiple users or you may bring the drive with you when you need to transfer files to computer which is not equipped with that device (a loaner system or your home computer for example). This assumes the other system(s) has the interface required by the external drive, often a USB port. Finally, you need to consider not only your needs but also whether you need to be able to read the media used by others you collaborate with. You may have a CDRW drive for backing up your files but also need a DVD capability to read disks regularly sent to you by a coworker.

As a means of transferring files or carrying digital information with you for use on borrowed computers, USB flash memory devices can be incredibly useful. Available in sizes from 512MB to 8GB these devices plug into virtually any USB compatible computer running Windows 98 or above, MacOS 9.X, OS X, and Linux 2.4 or above. These devices install their own drivers, and are ready for immediate use. They are about the size of a pack of gum and weigh only a few ounces; most will attach to your key chain.

Even the base hard drive in most bundles will meet or exceed the hard drive capacity recommendation so additional space is strictly a personal decision. Since it is essential to have backup copies of your files anyway you may be able to remove the originals from your hard drive at some point. Multimedia applications, especially audio and video, generate very large files and can generally use as much hard drive capacity as is available.

The first choice in printers is between a laser printer and an inkjet. Within the inkjet category there are all purpose models and photo printer models.

Laser printers print sharper text and usually do so faster than inkjet printers. Laser printers generally have much higher capacities of paper and consumable supplies (toner in this case). Laser printers have a much lower cost per page than inkjets. For all of these reasons networked printers serving a workgroup of several people are almost always laser printers. Color laser printers are now quite affordable. The important specs to consider on laser printers are print speed, network interface, postscript capability, and monthly duty cycle.

Inkjet printers are capable of stunning color graphics and near film quality photographic reproductions. Many all-purpose inkjets also print text at very acceptable speeds and quality. Most inkjets are four color printers with a black cartridge and a single color cartridge containing cyan, yellow, and magenta ink. Some inkjets have separate cartridges for each color that can be replaced independently. Some photo printers add additional colors allowing them to produce finer gradations of tone for the best photographic output. These printers are not optimized for text output and would not usually be a good choice as a primary printer. The quality of the paper media is as important to the final quality as the choice of printer. High quality prints on top quality photo paper can cost over a dollar per page. In comparing inkjets look at the draft and high quality print speeds, number of ink colors and number of print cartridges, and the cost of replacement cartridges.

Additional thought on printers

Because of differences in the technology used to print the specification of laser printers and inkjets cannot be compared accurately. In particular the superior printing of text on plain paper by laser printers is not really reflected in the specifications. Also, laser printers usually test at near their rated speeds while inkjets are often much slower in the real world than their rated speed. Inkjets usually offer several different quality settings with vastly different speeds.

If connecting a new printer to an older computer make sure the printer you consider offers an interface your computer does support. Some printers are USB only. Printers use software called a printer driver to establish communication and allow the computer to control features of the printer. You should confirm that drivers are available for the version of the operating system you are using.

While the appeal of color inkjets is undeniable don't reject a low cost personal laser printer out of hand for home use. If you print a lot the laser printer will pay for itself over time as well as offering the benefits described above.

Carefully review any special needs you may have in terms of software applications the printer needs to work with, or special media you need to print such as tabloid size documents, heavy stock, or envelopes. Many specialized printers are available for special needs.

There are three broad classes of notebook computers: Ultraportables, Mainstream, and Desktop Replacements.

Ultraportables typically have small screens and middle of the road processing speeds to keep weight and power requirements down. Twelve-inch screens are common, with total weights in the 2 to 4 pound range. Usually they only have a built in hard drive, other drives such as floppy disks or optical drives are external units which are only carried when needed. Ultraportables are the least common type of notebook and usually only the most mobile users will opt for the savings in size and weight at the expense of performance, battery life, and integrated features.

Mainstream notebooks are sometimes referred to as two spindle designs. Most will have a built-in hard drive and an optical drive, usually a CD or DVD burner. 14-inch screens are common, as are total weights of 5 to 6 pounds. The flexibility of the two-spindle design makes these the best choice for many people, and the popularity of this class makes these notebooks some of the best values on the market.

Users who choose a portable as their primary or only computer sometimes prefer Desktop Replacements. This class of notebook offers the highest processors speeds and most accelerated graphics, often comparable to midrange desktops. The largest and heaviest portables, these usually have 15" to 17" screens and exceed 7 pounds in weight. Most users are looking for lighter, more mobile systems.

Other items to consider for notebook purchases

It is wise to order your notebook with the processor, memory, hard drive capacity, and other options that will satisfy your needs through the life of the computer. This is liable to be much less expensive than considering changing something later.

If you order your notebook with less than its maximum RAM choose a configuration which leaves one memory slot open.

Consider accidental damage coverage, the standard warranties do not cover damage due to liquid spills, dropping the computer, and damage beyond normal use.

Plan for all communication interfaces you are likely to need including telephone modems, Ethernet, and wireless (see below).

Consider buying the most powerful battery offered, and possibly a second battery.

You will probably want a desktop style mouse or trackball for prolonged sessions of use when you are have an appropriate tabletop available.

You may want a portable surge protector to filter power sources when traveling.

Don't forget a case to carry and protect the computer; many designs are available including briefcase, backpack, and courier styles.

Wireless networking is widely available at UNH. Visit the UNH WiFi Page for more information. The menu on the right provides system requirements, wireless locations, troubleshooting, and more. Most current or recent portable computers come with compatible wireless cards. WiFi cards are available from the UNH Computer Store if needed.