Updated September 2024
NOBLE works with Dell to get a discount price for robust desktop computers to best meet our libraries’ needs. The state benchmark is the Optiplex model, which is more standard and rugged than the Dell Inspiron and Vostro models.
The recommended Optiplex 7020 model has the latest 14th generation Intel processor — quad core for the public PCs, 14 cores for the staff PCs. Windows 11 Pro is now the standard operating system.
The discount pricing is better than the state contract pricing due to our projected volume – saving $239 (30%) per unit on the Public configured desktop, and $217 (25%) per unit on the Staff configured desktop. Discount pricing on laptops is also available.
Recommended for New Purchases
Please see the Dell Optiplex 7020 Specs and Costs 9-15-2024
There are four separate desktop configurations. A staff and public small form factor on pages 1 and 2, and staff and public tower with Wi-Fi installed on pages 3 and 4. All configurations have solid state drives, as opposed to disk drives with moving parts. Solid state drives rely on memory chips for file storage and provide quicker access to files.
The standard staff desktop is equipped with Intel i5 processor, 256GB SSD, and 16GB memory. Evergreen is found to work optimally with 16GB memory, therefore that is now the standard for the staff desktop. Additional upgrade options are also available.
The standard public desktop is equipped with Intel i3 processor, 256GB SSD, and 8GB memory, with additional upgrade options.
Monitors are not included, but available separately, on page 5 of the Pricing Worksheet. Options are 24″ and 22″ displays with fully adjustable stands. Plus, a 24” model with built-in camera, speakers, and mic for video conferencing. The larger 24” display is recommended for staff functions, and particularly for technical services.
Wireless keyboard and mouse is an optional upgrade to staff models, and can be a useful option for staff. The desktops come standard with a wired keyboard and mouse.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Please contact Paula Cartolaro, Office Administrator, paula@noblenet.org, for any specific desktop or laptop needs for Dell quotes using our group purchase ability as a customer under the state program.
- Donated desktops should meet the minimum requirements detailed for their uses below.
Windows Hardware Requirements
We strongly recommend running Windows 10 Pro and upgrading to Windows 11 Pro on all desktops. If any desktops are still running Windows 7 Pro, Microsoft ended support January 14, 2020, therefore security patches are no longer being made available. This would leave the PC open to security vulnerabilities.
Windows 10 hardware requirements are:
- Computer/Processor: 1 GHz or higher
- Memory: 2 GB of RAM .
- Hard Disk: 20 GB of available disk space.
- Display: DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver.
- Drive: CD-ROM or DVD drive.
Software discounts, including Microsoft, are available through TechSoup, a donation program that is free to join, and includes nonprofits, libraries, colleges, and schools as eligible organizations.
Libraries must also take steps to keep Windows up-to-date through free downloads of service packs and security alerts from the Microsoft web site to help prevent serious disruptions from worms and other security vulnerabilities. Desktops can be set up to download these updates automatically. We also recommend anti-virus software set up with automatic downloads and a security product like Deep Freeze for public desktops.
Long-Range Planning
Machine Replacement: We recommend that libraries should continue to plan to replace at least 20% of their desktops every year – a five-year replacement plan. Ideally the best and most powerful desktops should go to upgrade the prime patron-service locations, with the relieved desktops going to less intensive uses, such as Internet/catalog stations for the public.
The revised desktop requirements we recommend are moderate. Libraries have asked for hearty, but practical equipment specifications which may be needed to justify requests to local funding authorities who sometimes seek to substitute minimal equipment. Desktops intended for extensive digital image manipulation, video work or gaming will be more satisfying with improved hardware.