LSA Technology Services defines standards to facilitate the speed and accuracy of support and endeavors to provide you with the tools you need to perform the duties of your role. You may make use of this shared shorthand when describing your needs for a new computer.
The information on this page is for Administrators and Managers to reference when requesting hardware for a new position or space across campus, as well as for Staff, Faculty, and Students who wish to purchase a device equivalent to LSA standards.
If you would like to request the purchase of a computer or accessories for yourself or your team, please make a ticket by completing the Computer Purchase Request form, emailing LSATechnologyServices@umich.edu, or calling 734-615-0100.
Comparison of different recommendation levels
Devices are recommended based on several factors, including hardware reliability, performance, and cost. All recommended devices offer fast processors, sufficient memory, and ample storage to run the latest software releases over the next four years.
- Standard devices are recommended for faculty and staff who primarily use their computer for office productivity applications, email, and web browsing, and can very easily multi-task for office use.
- 16GB RAM, 512GB Hard Drive, i7 (or equivalent) CPU
- Performance devices are geared towards running memory-intensive or research-centric applications and programming - examples include: statistical analysis, photo/video editing, etc.
- 24-32GB RAM, 1TB Hard Drive, i7 (or equivalent) CPU
- High-performance devices are for power users who need the most out of their machines for their day-to-day work, needing a discrete graphics card or large overhead in available resources for highly intensive technical workloads.
- 36-64GB RAM, 2TB Hard Drive, i9 (or equivalent) CPU
Please use the above terms to help describe your needs when requesting a new computer through a ticket with LSA Technology Services.
Current Models
Windows
Windows devices are purchased from Dell through a strategic partnership that allows us excellent pricing for enterprise machines with a 4-year warranty included in the price of the machine. Many of these models can be found through the LSA Tech Shop, but pricing may differ than when purchasing through Dell directly. Please inquire with Technology Support if you wish to purchase any of these devices for your team.
- Standard :
- Dell Pro 14 Laptop - Ultra 7 CPU - 16GB RAM - 512 GB SSD
- Performance :
- Dell Pro 14 Laptop - Ultra 7 CPU - 32GB RAM - 1TB SSD
- High Performance :
- Dell Pro Max 16 Laptop - Ultra 9 CPU - 64GB RAM - 2TB SSD
MacOS
MacOS devices are purchased primarily through CDW-G and pricing varies throughout the year. Additionally, all MacOS devices purchased for University use should be purchased with a 4-year AppleCare+ warranty, an additional cost. These items will need to be enrolled in our management systems. Please inquire with Technology Support if you wish to purchase any of these devices for your team.
- Standard :
- MacBook Air - M4 - 16GB RAM - 512GB SSD
- Performance :
- MacBook Pro - M4 Pro - 24GB RAM - 1TB SSD
- High Performance :
- MacBook Pro - M4 Max - 36GB RAM - 2TB SSD
Standard Peripheral Options
Our Standard Computing Package is based on a yearly allocation, and our standard peripheral options paired with a standard Windows or MacOS computer will always fall within the allocation set for that fiscal year. In FY26, the standard allocation is set at $2000. Pricing on individual items may vary slightly due to the availability of product models throughout the year. Please inquire for more specific information about pricing for requested items.
If you would like to request the purchase of a computer or peripherals for yourself or your team, please make a ticket by completing the Computer Purchase Request form, emailing LSATechnologyServices@umich.edu, or calling 734-615-0100.
Display Options
- 2x Dell 24" Monitor (1080p HD) w/
- Dell Thunderbolt Dock
OR
- Dell 34" Curved Docking Monitor (Ultrawide 2k QHD)
These options both provide power delivery, wired Ethernet access, and adequate USB-A ports to connect a variety of accessories and peripherals at one's primary working location.
Input Peripherals
- Keyboard and Mouse (wired available upon request)
- Wired Headset w/ Microphone
- External Webcam (optional for laptops, as all recommended models come with a built-in webcam)