Updated March, 2024
NOBLE works with Dell to get a discount price for robust machines to best meet our libraries’ needs. The state benchmark is the Optiplex model, which are more standard and more rugged than the Dell Inspiron and Vostro models.
The new models have faster 13th generation Intel processors — quad core for the public PCs, ten cores for the staff PCs. Windows 11 Pro is now the standard operating system.
The pricing is better than the state contract pricing, due to our projected volume, saving $170 (23%) per unit on the Public PC model, and $348 (36%) per unit on the Staff PC model. Discount pricing on laptops is also available.
Recommended for New Purchases
Please see the NOBLE Pricing Worksheet (PDF)
There are two separate PC configurations on the PDF. A robust staff PC on page 1, and one recommended for public PC’s on page 2. Both of the PCs have solid state drives, as opposed to disk drives with moving parts. Solid state drives rely on memory chips for file storage and provide quicker access to files. Internal speakers are included on both the Public PC and Staff PC model.
The standard staff PC is equipped with Intel i5 processor, 256GB SSD, and 8GB memory. Since Evergreen is found to work optimally with more memory, it is recommended to upgrade to 16GB for improved throughput, although not required. Additional upgrade options are also available.
The standard public PC is equipped with Intel i3 processor, 256GB SSD, and 8GB memory, with additional upgrade options.
Monitors are not included, but available separately (on page 3 of the PDF) if needed, in 24″ and 22″ display with fully adjustable stand. Plus, a 24” model with built-in camera, speakers, and mic for videoconferencing. The larger display is recommended for staff functions, and for technical services particularly recommend the 24” monitor.
Wireless keyboard and mouse is an optional upgrade to new models, can be a useful option for staff. The PCs come standard with a wired keyboard and mouse.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Please contact Paula Cartolaro, Office Administrator, paula@noblenet.org, for any specific PC or laptop needs for Dell quotes using our group purchase ability as a customer under the state program.
- Donated PCs should meet the minimum requirements detailed for their uses below.
Windows Hardware Requirements
We strongly recommend running Windows 10 Pro and upgrading to Windows 11 Pro on all PCs. If any PC’s are still running Windows 7 Pro, Microsoft ended support January 14, 2020, therefore security patches are no longer being made available. This would leave the PC open to security vulnerabilities.
Windows 10 hardware requirements are:
- Computer/Processor: 1 GHz or higher
- Memory: 2 GB of RAM .
- Hard Disk: 20 GB of available disk space.
- Display: DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver.
- Drive: CD-ROM or DVD drive.
Software discounts, including Microsoft, are available through TechSoup, a donation program that is free to join, and includes nonprofits, libraries, colleges, and schools as eligible organizations.
Libraries must also take steps to keep Windows up-to-date through free downloads of service packs and security alerts from the Microsoft web site to help prevent serious disruptions from worms and other security vulnerabilities. PCs can be set up to download these updates automatically. We also recommend anti-virus software set up with automatic downloads and a security product like Deep Freeze for public PCs.
Long-Range Planning
Machine Replacement: We recommend that libraries should continue to plan to replace at least 20% of their PCs every year – a five-year replacement plan. Ideally the best and most powerful PCs should go to upgrade the prime patron-service locations, with the relieved PCs going to less intensive uses, such as Internet/catalog stations for the public.
The revised PC requirements we recommend are moderate. Libraries have usually asked us for hearty but practical equipment specifications which are sometimes needed to justify requests to local funding authorities who sometimes seek to substitute minimal equipment. PCs intended for extensive digital image manipulation, video work or gaming will be more satisfying with improved hardware.