Purchasing Hardware

Supported Hardware List

The minimum specifications for any hardware purchase will change rapidly as advances in technology and pricing variations occur. It is advisable to check with ICT or your local Staff ICT Support staff to determine what the minimum requirements will be at the time of purchase. The following information is reviewed and updated regularly.

Desktop and Notebook Computers

The purchase of desktop and notebook computers is covered by preferred supplier agreements.   

A preferred supplier arrangement has been negotiated with Dell and Hewlett Packard (via their reseller Leading Solutions).  Standard configurations have been set by ICT Service Delivery in consultation with the ICT Business Advisory Committee (Apendix A) after consulting widely with key stakeholders.  As per the Service Level Agreements in place with ICT's internal customers, ICT Service Delivery processes are aligned to provide support for the operation of these computers.  The configurations selected have been optimised to minimise the requirement for a non-standard configuration to be required by a client.  In the event that a client should require a machine with a different specification to the standard specifications available, the process outlined in Appendix B is to be followed.

ICT is unable to support machines procured outside of this process.

Printers and Scanners

ICT only recommends the purchase of Canon Multi Function Devices and HP standalone printers specifically manufactured with network connectivity built in. The following procedure has been agreed in regard to networking printers:

USQ system administration and computer support staff are often requested to network a wide-range of printing devices including personal printers, dedicated network printers, and multi-function devices such as photocopier/printers and scanner/printers. Networking a device that is not fully supported on the University Microsoft server network can lead to inferior performance, operational deficiencies and other adverse consequences. In order that all staff can make informed choices when selecting/purchasing a printing device, the following resolutions are proposed:

• USQ staff must seek professional advice from their ICT support officer to ensure that the device can be networked and supported satisfactorily before any purchase proceeds;
• USQ recommends and prefers the purchase of any Hewlett Packard printer specifically manufactured with network connectivity built-in and Canon Multi Function Devices;
• all printing devices purchased should have a minimum three year parts warranty; and
• failure to consult with ICT prior to purchase may result in refusal to provide assistance to network the device.