Dell computers selected as preferred products

The Administrative Excellence team, in partnership with Purchasing Services, has selected Dell computers — including three laptops and one desktop with an optional monitor — as UW–Madison preferred products.

The significant cost difference of the Dell products represents a savings on the purchase price of up to 50 percent when compared with products available through Apple or alternate PC contracts.

Demo models will be on display at the DoIT Tech Store, 1210 West Dayton Street, beginning today.

Additional Dell-configured computers will remain available through UW–Madison Material Distribution services (soon to be Shop@UW) for those with alternate requirements. However, the specifications included with these preferred products are expected to meet the system requirements for the majority of faculty and staff users on campus. Campus faculty and staff are urged to carefully review the business requirements before purchasing any non-preferred products.

A cross-campus team conducted the research and selection, ensuring that a broad range of core business computer needs and preferences was considered. The goals of the project included cost savings through centrally negotiated pricing, as well as time savings by eliminating the need for business units to sort out configurations and “shop around.”

The Purchasing Services home page has more information. Campus users of MDS can navigate to the preferred products available from Dell after logging in to MDS/Shop@UW.