What to Consider Before Ordering New Hardware
New hardware devices should be ordered through the bookstore via U Market. Before submitting an order to replace an existing hardware device, consider the following scenarios to ensure you have a smooth hardware transition.
Back Up Existing Data
Most units will connect to your department’s shared or network folders. If these connections need to be set up manually, use our guide to Connect to a Shared Drive or Network Folder.
Frequently, users can back up data by transferring necessary files into Google Drive. For additional instructions, see the Google Drive Self-Help Guide.
If you’re within the Healthcare Component of the University, also known as HST, the preferred solution for user data is Box.
- Box: Use Apps (Box Drive) to Edit Box Data from your Desktop
- Box Drive: Install Instructions for HST Supported Devices
For additional storage needs, you can leverage this interactive tool to Select Digital Storage Options.
Determine What To Order
In many cases, the provided stock options will meet the needs for day to day use. The following are some considerations to make that will help determine which type of device and model to select.
Desktop PCs
The standard model, stocked desktop options are the Dell Optiplex 5070 and 7090. The 7090 includes a faster processor and an additional 256gb of memory. Both options include a mouse and keyboard included with the device, so may not need to be ordered separately. Exact specifications can be found on the product page.
Apple and Windows Laptops
There are both MacBook and Dell Latitude Windows laptops available. Apple M1 Macs currently do not support Windows Virtual Machines (VMs). If you need to run VMs an Intel processor Mac or Windows device will need to be purchased.
Macbook Pros will require a Dell WD19TBS docking station if it will be connected to dual monitors.
iMacs
The standard iMac option is in silver. If other colors are needed, they will need to be custom ordered.
Review Additional Accessories and Cables
Consider what additional cables, adapters or accessories you will need in order to set up your new device. In many situations you’ll be able to reuse existing materials, but consider if you need any of the following:
- Monitors
- HDMI Cables
- DisplayPort Cables
- Adapters (for example, USB-C to USB-A)
- Docking Stations
- Keyboards
- Computer Mouse
Note: Most new laptops have very few ports for plugging in accessories. New Dell laptops commonly have USB-C and USB-A ports. New Apple laptops may only have USB-C ports. If you will be connecting your laptop to monitors, a wired keyboard & mouse, or other wired accessories, docking stations are an excellent solution that provides multiple types of connection ports while only using one USB-C port on your device.
Docking stations typically have DisplayPort and HDMI ports for connecting to monitors. Many older monitors use DVI-D and VGA ports & cables, which are not supported by new docking stations. Check your current monitors to ensure they will be able to connect to a docking station. Your monitor may already have an HDMI or DisplayPort port, but might need a new cable to connect it to a docking station using that port. If you are unsure what ports your monitor or docking station currently has, please refer to the following diagram.
Cables can be ordered alongside your new hardware device when submitting an order at the U of M Bookstores PunchOut in U Market.