Hardware Specifications
There are two brands of notebooks available for this program. The specs are listed in the table below. Explanations of the specific statistics and what they mean are listed below the table; you may also click on the statistic label to jump to that statistic's description.
These are the preliminary 2008 specs. The actual models you receive may differ in a few small details. Phase V configurations are being negotiated; the specifications below indicate the likely features and configurations. This page will be updated with the most current configurations when available.
| Feature | IBM-Compatible | Apple |
|---|---|---|
| Photo |  |
 |
| Model | Dell Latitude D630 | 15.4" MacBook Pro |
| Operating System | Windows XP Professional | OS U.S. English |
| Weight in Pounds | 6.1 lbs | 5.4 lbs. |
| Display Size | 14.1 inch Wide Screen WXGA | 15-inch LED-backlit widescreen display |
| Processor | Intel Core Duo T7700 (2.4GHz) |
2.4 GHz Intel Core2 Duo |
| Memory | 4GB |
2 GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM (1x1 GB modules) |
| Screen/Resolution | WXGA | WXGA |
| Hard Drive | 160 GB Hard Drive | 160GB Serial ATA drive @5400 rpm |
| Optical Drive(s) | 8x DVD+/-RW | 8X SuperDrive (DVD+RDL/DVD+/-RW, CD-RW) |
| Wireless | Integrated Intel 802.11 a/b/g wireless networking | AirPort Extreme Card 802.11n, Bluetooth |
| Warranty/Service | 3-year parts, labor, 3-year tech support | Mac OS X Maintenance 36 Mths |
| Accident Insurance | Yes | N/A |
| Lithium Ion Battery | 4+ hours with AC pack and 1-year limited warranty | 4+ hours |
| Ports | 3 USB 2.0, 1 IEEE 1394 (FireWire), VGA, 7-in-1 media card reader (Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, xD Picture Card, Mini Secure Digital, RS-MultiMediaCard), Integrated sound and stereo speakers, headphone/speaker jack, and mic jacks | 2 USB 2.0 ports, 1 FireWire 400 port, 1 ExpressCard/34 slot (may not be compatible with older express cards), 1 Apple Remote, Built-in iSight Camera, DVI port (VGA supported with included DVI to VGA adapter), Integrated Stereo speakers, microphone, combined optical digital input/audio line in, combined optical digital output/headphone out. |
| Carrying Case | Yes | Yes |
| Mouse | EZ Pad Pointing Device | Trackpad |
| Expansion Slots | 1 Type II PC card slot | 1 ExpressCard/34 slot (may not be compatible with older expansion cards) |
| Network Adapter | Integrated Intel 10/100/1000 Ethernet adapter | Integrated 10/1000BASET-T Gigabit Ethernet |
| Floppy Disk Drive | Modular 3.5" available, but not included. | Available from 3rd party manufacturers. |
Descriptions:
- Display Size
- The size of the attached monitor, measured diagonally in inches. Note that the screen resolution is different. Notebooks can also be attached to external displays, which may have different display sizes.
- Processor
- The type and speed of the laptop's CPU (Central Processing Unit - the microchip that processes information for the computer). Actual performance of the laptop will rest on the number of applications open, the amount of memory in the laptop, and other small factors.
- Memory
- The type and amount of RAM (Random Access Memory) the laptop has. In general, the more MB (MegaBytes) of memory, the faster the laptop will run. 1024MB is considered the base standard in modern computers, enough to run most applications at a quick speed.
- Screen/Resolution
- The technology that powers the display and the screen resolution the laptop can support. Generally, the display card matters more than the screen technology. The resolution can be lowered for people with vision problems via the operating system on the laptop. Both computers use standard LCD monitors. Both can be connected to external monitors. Both laptops have good graphics cards; unless you are doing intensive graphics work such as high-resolution 3-D rendering, they will perform very well.
- Hard Drive
- The capacity, speed (in rpm), and technology of the hard drive. That is where the operating system, programs, and files are kept on the laptop. RPM (revolutions per minute) refers to the speed which the hard drive spins, and consequently how quickly the computer can access data. This only matters when running processing-intensive tasks such as advanced audio/video editing or simulation modeling. Word processing, PowerPoint presentations, and web browsing are not affected by slower speeds.
- Optical Drive
- The speed of the optical drive on the laptop. Both models can read and burn to CDs and DVDs. You can burn files to blank CD and DVD media for backup or transfer. You must supply your own blank CDs and DVDs; the campus store sells these in bulk.
- Wireless
- The ability to access the Internet through a wireless connection. Both models come with internal cards that can access any wireless network, including the campus wireless network. This means you can check email and surf the web without needing a network cable or phone line. Note that many wireless networks are protected, including the campus wireless network. To join them you may need to sign up for access. You must sign up for a campus VPN password to use the campus wireless network. The Apple model also includes Bluetooth capability. Bluetooth is a short-distance wireless protocol used by many cell phones as well as some mice and other devices.
- Warranty/Service
- CITS will handle any repairs or problems that occur. Contact the CITS help desk at 508-999-8790 or ITSCenter@umassd.edu if any damage or problems occur.
- Accident Insurance
- This indicates if the University has accident insurance for the computer. Contact the CITS help desk at 508-999-8790 or ITSCenter@umassd.edu if any damage or problems occur.
- Lithium Ion Battery
- The type and duration of the battery in the laptop. Both models can be plugged into an external power socket for power and to recharge the battery; this is recommended for best performance. You can still use the notebook without being plugged into an external power socket. Note that the time listed is the manufacturer's measurement; actual time will depend on screen brightness and the amount of processing the laptop performs.
- Ports
- The kinds of devices and connections the laptop supports.
- IEEE 1394 (FireWire): a high-speed protocol that runs over special cables. Typically used with external cameras, hard drives, and optical drives. FireWire ports and cables are not compatible with USB, though you can use USB and FireWire devices simultaneously on the same computer. Both models use the FireWire 400 standard; the pin number refers to the type of connector you can use with that model.
- USB 2.0: a high-speed protocol that runs over special cables. Typically used for keyboards, mice and other input devices; now also often used for external hard drives, optical drives, printers and cameras. Backwards-compatible wit USB 1.1 and 1.0, though the speed will be reduced. Not compatible with FireWire, though you can use USB and FireWire devices simultaneously on the same computer.
- Audio In/Out | Microphone In | Headphone/Audio Out: both laptops are equipped with headphone and microphone jacks.
- VGA, S-Video TV out: both laptops allow you to hook up an external computer monitor. External projectors for slideshows typically connect through the VGA port. An external computer monitor can be used in place of the laptop's screen when you are at your desk, for example, to have a larger monitor to work with.
- 7-in-1 Memory Card Reader: Flash cards come in several varieties, and are typically used with digital cameras and camcorders. Memory card readers accept several of the varieties of flash memory cards available.
- Carrying Case
- Both models come with a carrying case, with padding and space for cables.
- Mouse
- Both models come with a trackpad for using the mouse. Note that you can use any external USB mouse with the laptop, but CITS will only support and service the models that we equip with the laptop.
- Expansion Slots
- A bay where you can put in a PC card slot. PC cards are expansion cards that give added capability to the laptop, and that can be swapped in and out at will. Both laptop's ports and capabilities should cover most situations you may encounter.
- Network Adapter
- The kind of Ethernet connection the laptop supports. Both models support the latest model; they can connect to any Ethernet network on campus or off.
- Floppy Disk Drive
- Neither model comes with an internal 3.5" floppy disk drive. You can purchase an inexpensive floppy drive that plugs into the laptop's USB port if you need to use a floppy disk.
Hardware FAQ
- Can I use a USB key drive/external disk drive with this laptop?
- Yes. The USB key drive simply connects to the laptop's USB port and is recognized by the operating system. External drives should also work. You can also store information on the laptop's hard drive, and back up any information on the laptop using the internal DVD burner. You should keep backups of all work you do on the laptop.
- What am I responsible for when I use the laptop?
- The laptop is University property, and as such you are expected to take reasonable care in keeping it secure and in good condition. For more information, please read the Responsible/Acceptable Use of Computing Services policy. You should also read the Software FAQ for information regarding proper use and responsibilities of software on your laptop.
- What model should I go with?
- Both models can run Microsoft Office, surf the Internet, get email, in short just about anything a desktop computer can do. Which model you go with is really a matter of what you want the laptop for and what your preference is. There may be a specific program that will only run on an Apple laptop, or you may prefer Windows PCs to Macintosh. If you have questions regarding how it will be used, contact Rob Roy at x9654 or Rob.Roy@umassd.edu.
