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Choosing a computer

CELS Computer Standards 

 The CELS Systems Group supports all Apple computer models running the macOS operating system. When Linux or Microsoft Windows operating systems are preferred or required, we encourage the purchase of a Dell business-class computer, such as the Dell Latitude family of models for laptops and Dell Optiplex family of models for desktops. Regardless of the make and model of the computer, we advise selecting a computer with the minimum technical specifications listed below.  

 Minimum technical specs (base build) 

Memory 16 GB RAM
Storage 512 SSD
Warranty 3-Year Protection Plan with Hard Drive Uplift (HDU)

 Apple Computers 

Guidance when selecting a model and configuration options 

Do you need to connect up to 5 external displays?  If yes, select a model with an M2 Max Chip.  
Do you need to connect up to 2 external displays?  If yes, select a model with an M2 Pro or Max Chip.  
Do you need 64GB or more of RAM?  If yes, select a model with an M2 Max Chip.  
 

 Apple model and configuration recommendations  

Apple Laptops 

ASL1 Laptop Build  ASL2 Laptop Build 
13-in MacBook Air  

  • Space Gray 
  • Apple M3 Chip 
  • 16 GB RAM (Memory) 
  • 512 SSD (Storage) 
  • Supports one external display  
  • 3-Year AppleCare with HDU 

 

14-in MacBook Pro  

  • Space Gray 
  • Apple M3 Pro Chip 
  • 16 GB RAM (Memory) 
  • 512 SSD (Storage) 
  • Supports up to two external displays 
  • 3-Year AppleCare with HDU 

 

ASL3 Laptop Build  ASL4 Laptop Build 
14-in MacBook Pro  

  • Space Gray 
  • Apple M3 Max Chip 
  • 32 GB RAM (Memory) 
  • 512 SSD (Storage) 
  • Supports up to five external displays 
  • 3-Year AppleCare with HDU 

 

 

16-in MacBook Pro  

  • Space Gray 
  • Apple M3 Max with 14‑core CPU, 30‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine
  • 32 GB RAM (Memory) 
  • 512 SSD (Storage) 
  • Supports up to five external displays 
  • 3-Year AppleCare with HDU 

 

 

 Apple Desktops 

ASD1 Desktop Build  ASD2 Desktop Build 
Mac Mini 

  • Apple M2 Pro Chip 
  • 16 GB RAM (Memory) 
  • 512 SSD (Storage) 
  • Supports up to two external displays 
  • 3-Year AppleCare with HDU 

 

Mac Studio 

  • Apple M2 Max Chip 
  • 32 GB RAM (Memory) 
  • 512 SSD (Storage) 
  • Supports up to five external displays 
  • 3-Year AppleCare with HDU 

 

Dell Computers 

 Dell model and configuration recommendations 

 Dell Laptops 

DSL1 Laptop Build  DSL2 Laptop Build 
14-in Dell Latitude 7400 Series 

  • 16 GB RAM (Memory) 
  • 512 SSD (Storage) 
  • 3-Year Warranty with HDU 

 

15.6-in Dell Latitude 5500 Series  

  • 16 GB RAM (Memory) 
  • 512 SSD (Storage) 
  • 3-Year Warranty with HDU 

 

 Dell Desktops  

DSD1 Desktop Build   
Dell Optiplex 7080  

  • 16 GB RAM (Memory) 
  • 512 SSD (Storage) 
  • 3-Year Warranty with HDU