Computer Depot - Hardware

If you are in the market to purchase hardware for institutional use, the Computer Depot recommends that all departments refer to the following pages. The Depot has provided the following recommendations, based on the most recent technology available and on the expertise of the IT staff.

IT highly recommends that you contact the Computer Depot before making any purchases however, since many different standards and interfaces have been developed and are not universally accepted. Compatibility issues are always a concern, and should be addressed prior to purchase.

Although there are a variety of vendors to choose from, at this time, Skidmore recommends purchasing peripherals through Software House International (SHI) or CDW-G. Click on the Contacts page for vendor contact information. SHI provides educational and volume discounts as well as frequent specials.

Technical support and repairs are handled by Network & Technical Services (formerly Telecom) and requests are submitted via the Help Desk ticket system.
Answers to most questions are readily available through the Help Desk (x5900) or the Depot (x5992).
Consultation and assistance is provided by IT for specific projects.
Under the 4-year computer replacement plan, evaluation and recommendation of future upgrades and support is offered on a continual basis.

Media Services offers both slide and flatbed scanners for campus use and maintains a supply of digital cameras for general loaning purposes. In addition, they have Hi-8 and VHS camcorders available to be loaned out as well. Media Services also offers several mini-DV camcorders which are available for special projects only. Visit Media Services' web pages.

Standard: IT recommends this model for most campus settings. These printers offer exceptional performance with industry-leading print quality, a versatile design to accommodate both general office and specialized printing needs, and a low total cost of ownership - all for an affordable price. Hewlett Packard's LaserJet 4200 series offer a versatile, expandable design to accommodate general office or specialized printing needs today or in the future.

17 PPM
Internal fast-ethernet print server
3 High capacity paper trays
64 MB of memory built in
Cost per page: $0.05

Advanced: IT recommends this model for departments on a case-by-case basis. Hewlett Packard's fastest, most expandable LaserJet is designed to meet today's complex, high-volume printing needs. The modular design of the LaserJet 8150 series allows an organization to build a custom printing and imaging system to meet the unique needs of each workgroup. Versatile paper handling accessories include high-capacity input /output and finishing options for high-volume, unattended printing.

32 PPM
Full duplex, edge to edge printing
Scalable network management
Embedded web server
32 MB memory built in
20,000 page toner cartridge
Cost per page: less than $0.01

Although Skidmore does not technically support or recommend the purchase of Inkjet printers, they
may be appropriate for campus use in the following situations:

Offices that are isolated from available networked printers.
Offices that frequently print color graphics.

Inkjet printers are most popular for individual and home use. Purchase price starts around $100 and the print quality is very good. Additional costs include print cartridges which sell for between $30 and $40 and last for a few hundred pages.

For office or home use, go to HP's business product site for color printer solutions and let them help you choose a model to match your needs.