Guide to Selecting the Right Fit Computer

Computer Types and Pricing

Due to frequent changes in computer pricing, visit the TSUS Marketplace to view Dell and Apple computers and cost.  Both Dell and Apple have tiles on the TSUS Marketplace homepage and will provide you with the most up-to-date pricing.

Windows Business Essentials Desktops

Windows Flexible Use Desktops

Windows Power-User Workstation Desktops

For users who require the basics. For users who require a higher level of performance. For users who run processor, memory, or graphics intensive programs.
Employees who primarily use their computers to check email, work with Microsoft Office applications, access the Internet, access shared network resources, work in SAP and Banner, use Zoom and Teams, and use a limited number of low-resource applications. These computers are better equipped and more than sufficient for most faculty and staff. They have more memory and processing power over the Business Essentials line and have increased graphics rendering and processing capabilities. These computers are large and powerful for truly advanced users and applications.  They are for users who need increased processor, memory, GPU processing capabilities, and/or multicore/multithreaded processing.  

Mac Business Essentials Desktops

Mac Flexible Use Desktops

Mac Power-User Workstation Desktops

For users who require the basics. For users who require a higher level of performance. For users who run processor, memory, or graphics intensive programs.
Employees who primarily use their computers to check email, work with Microsoft Office applications, access the Internet, access shared network resources, work in SAP and Banner, use Zoom and Teams, and use a limited number of low-resource applications. These computers are better equipped and more than sufficient for most faculty and staff. They have more memory and processing power over the Business Essentials line and have increased graphics rendering and processing capabilities. These computers are powerful and for truly advanced users and applications.  They are for users who need increased processor, memory, GPU processing capabilities, and/or multicore/multithreaded processing. 

Windows Mobile Essentials Laptops

Windows Flexible Use Laptop/Convertible Tablet

Windows Mobile Power-User Workstation

For users who require the basics on the go. For users who require a higher level of performance on the go. For users who run processor, memory, or graphics intensive programs at the office or while traveling.
These laptops are light, portable, and will allow you to do work or stay connected while virtually anywhere. These laptops are better equipped and more than sufficient for most faculty and staff. They have more processing power over the Mobile Essentials Laptops and have greater processing capabilities. These mobile workstations are for when you need the power of a desktop computer while not in your office or when you need increased processor, memory, and/or graphics processing while traveling.  They can be used as a desktop replacement for people who need a desktop and a mobile workstation. Due to the amount of heat a high end system vents, they are not intended to be used like a traditional laptop. They should be used while sitting at a desk.

Mac Mobile Essentials Laptop

Mac Flexible Use Laptop

Mac Mobile Power-User Workstation

For users who require the basics on the go. For users who require a higher level of performance on the go. For users who run processor, memory, or graphics intensive programs at the office or while traveling.
Employees who primarily use their computers to check email, work with Microsoft Office applications, access the Internet, access shared network resources, work in SAP and Banner, use Zoom and Teams, and use a limited number of low-resource applications and stay connected while virtually anywhere.   These laptops are better equipped and more than sufficient for most faculty and staff. They have more memory and processing power over the Mobile Essentials Mac Laptop, have increased graphics rendering and processing capabilities, and will allow you to do work or stay connected while virtually anywhere.   These mobile workstations are for when you need the power of a desktop computer while not in your office or when you need increased processor, memory, and/or graphics processing while traveling.  They can be used as a desktop replacement for people who need a desktop and a mobile workstation.

 

Computer Functionality

Windows Computers

Functionality Dell Business Essentials Desktops  Dell Flexible Use Desktops Dell Power-User  Desktops Dell Mobile Essentials Laptops Dell Flexible Use Laptop  Dell Power-User Mobile Workstation
Checking email X X X X X
Web browsing X X X X X X
Streaming video and movies X X X X X X
MS Word X X X X X X
MS Outlook X X X X X X
MS Excel X X X X X X
*MS Access X X X X X X
MS PowerPoint X X X X X X
*MS Publisher X X X X X X
*MS Visio X X X X X X
Work in the SAP Portal X X X X X X
Work in the SAP Business Client X X X X X X
Work in Banner (SIS) X X X X X X
Adobe Suite Adobe Acrobat DC only Usable Most Uses* Adobe Acrobat DC only Adobe Acrobat DC only Most Uses*
Web conferencing with Zoom or Teams X X X X X X
ArcGIS Desktop* Usable Better Most uses* Usable Usable Most uses*

 

Mac Computers

Functionality Mac Business Essentials Desktops Mac Flexible Use Desktops Mac Power-User Desktops Mac Mobile Essentials Laptops Mac Flexible Use Laptops Mac Power-User Mobile Workstation
Checking email X X X X X X
Web browsing X X X X X X
Streaming video and movies X X X X X X
MS Word X X X X X X
MS Outlook X X X X X X
MS Excel X X X X X X
*MS Access NA NA NA NA NA NA
MS PowerPoint X X X X X X
*MS Publisher NA NA NA NA NA NA
*MS Visio NA NA NA NA NA NA
Work in the SAP Portal X X X X X X
Work in the SAP Business Client NA NA NA NA NA NA
Work in Banner (SIS) X X X X X X
Adobe Suite Some Uses Usable Most Uses* Some uses Some uses Most Uses*
Web conferencing with Zoom or Teams X X X X X X
ArcGIS Desktop* NA NA NA NA NA NA
ArcGIS Pro and Online Usable Better Most uses* Usable Usable Most uses*
AutoDesk* NA NA NA NA NA NA
MATLAB Usable Better Most uses* Usable Better Most uses*
Mathematica Usable Better Most uses* Usable Better Most uses*
SAS* NA NA NA NA NA NA
SPSS Usable Better Most uses* Some uses Usable Better
Access shared networks/drives X X X X X Better*
Multiple monitors X X X X X X
Wired keyboards and mice NA NA NA Built in keyboard and Trackpad Built in keyboard and Trackpad Built in keyboard and Trackpad
Wireless keyboards and mice Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad and Magic Mouse (white) Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad and Magic Mouse (white) Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad and Magic Mouse (white) Compatible but not standard Compatible but not standard Compatible but not standard
Heavy graphics processing Some uses Some uses Most uses* Some uses Some uses Most uses*
Memory intensive applications Some uses Some uses Most uses* Some uses Some uses Most uses*
Multicore/Multithreaded/GPU processing Some uses Some uses Most uses* Some uses Some uses Most uses*

* If you need more processing power, RAM, drive space, or anything more than this, please consider a Department Funded Purchase (DFP) request and we can assist in getting a custom quote from Dell or Apple to meet your needs.

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The Computer Replacement Program (CRP) is in place to maintain standardized high-quality computers at Texas State. CRP computers are optimally configured with no additional options or modifications and are designed to perform for at least a four-year lifecycle.
As part of the Computer Lifecycle Management policy, the Division of Information Technology is now requiring participating departments in the FY26 CRP Cycle to exchange one obsolete, unsupported computer within 30 days of receiving a new CRP computer.