Current Computer Specifications

IT Replacement Cycle
We provide one IT replacement cycle computer per eligible position. We do not provide the Windows operating system for Apple computers. Laptop computers will stay with the assigned employee until replaced due to equipment age or the employee is separated from the College. Desktop computers stay with the position and do not follow individual employees. The computer replacement cycle for eligible positions is every five years for desktops and four years for laptops and tablets. Early, out of cycle replacements not due to hardware failure will incur a cost of the value remaining on the computer. Monitor replacement cycles will differ depending on type of monitor. When a computer is replaced, the old computer must be returned to IT. Computer equipment is not available for resale purchase.

The configurations below are available to faculty and staff requesting IT Replacement Cycle College-owned computers. Specifications are subject to change without notice, based on inventory and availability from suppliers.

You may also use the links below to request additional computer equipment using department, faculty, grant or other college funds. When requesting computers outside of or in addition to the standard IT replacement cycle, please include appropriate cost center information when submitting the request.

All faculty and staff are assigned the following hardware by default:

  • A single Windows or Mac laptop
  • A single 27” monitor
  • Keyboard/mouse

Note: Optical drives are not included in any laptop or notebook models.
(External DVD drives are available for short-term loan from IT Multimedia Services, Room 110 first floor Seeley Mudd Building.)

Please contact us, should you need assistance or if you have questions.

Due to certain software or departmental requirements, Windows computers may be required for some positions. Please consult your supervisor before making a selection.

College Computer Request forms

Please review the configurations below and use the appropriate link to make your computer request.

For questions about who may request computers for staff, computer details, pricing information, or if you want more information about any model please contact the IT Help Desk at 413-542-2526 or email AskIT@amherst.edu.

Windows Model | Macintosh Model | Optional Accessories | Optional Upgrades

Windows Model

Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Laptop
Price: $1786
Request ThinkPad T14 laptop computer

  • Windows 10 (64 bit)
  • 14-inch UHD (1920x1080), non-touch screen
  • i5 quad-core or AMD processor (based on availability)
  • 16 GB memory
  • 512GB SSD
  • Built-in wireless and bluetooth
  • Built-in webcam and microphone
  • Laptop sleeve case

    Macintosh Model

    MacBook Pro 14-inch - Laptop Computer
    Price: $1,898.00
    Request MacBook Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro

    • Space Gray
    • M1 Pro with 8-core CPU, 14-core GPU
    • 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
    • 16 GB unified memory
    • 512 GB SSD storage
    • 3x Thunderbolt 4 ports, 1x HDMI port, 1x SDXC card slot, 1x MagSafe 3 port
    • Built-in wireless and Bluetooth
    • Built-in webcam and microphone
    • 3-Year AppleCare+ for Schools -14-inch MacBook Pro (no service fees)

    Optional Accessories

    If you request accessories beyond the standard offerings, you will need to make up the cost differrence out of departmental or startup funds.

    Check with the IT Help Desk for (AskIT@amherst.edu, 413-542-2526) for product details and exact pricing.

    • Displays:
      • Dual monitor Option: (2) 27-inch Lenovo display with daisy chain capability $330 (Windows Only)
      • Upgrade: 34-inch curved display $595, may require special order. if special order, expect long lead times due to pandemic related computer equipment shortages
    • Windows laptops only
      • Lenovo wireless mouse and keyboard $50
      • USB 3.0 powered multiport hub $40
    • Mac notebooks only:
      • wireless mouse $79, wireless Magic Trackpad $129
      • wireless keyboard $99, wireless keyboard with numeric keypad $129
      • USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter $34.95
      • USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (HDMI, USB-A, USB-C) $69
      • USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter (VGA, USB-A, USB-C) $69
      • Additional power Adapter $88

    Options and Upgrades

    Every year, IT purchases computers in volume in anticipation of the replacement cycle computers. This allows the College to leverage its purchasing power. The configuration for the computers included in the volume purchase, listed above, are excellent and at or above industry standard for today's computing requirements.

    We will need to procure a new computer from the manufacturer for any of the optional upgrades listed below, so departmental, research, startup funds or outside grants would be needed to cover the entire cost of the purchase as this would be an additional purchase for the College within the fiscal year, and the cost will be significantly more than the cost paid during the volume purchase. Any upgrades require a new purchase since the computers in stock cannot be upgraded. Many internal components in modern computers now are soldered into the motherboard.

    Due to the pandemic which has led to global manufacturing issues, component shortages, and shipping delays, special order upgraded computers may have very long lead times of 3-4 months or may not be available.

    Computer equipment purchased with faculty Startup funds becomes part of the IT replacement cycle. Hardware upgrades outside of our standard configuration must be discussed with the Information Technology Department to determine costs and delivery times. Should you require an upgrade to a specific system, please contact askit@amherst.edu.