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 M2 Chip  16 GB RAM (Memory)  512 SSD (Storage)  Supports one external display   3-Year AppleCare with HDU	14-in MacBook Pro   Space Gray  Apple M2 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 M2 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 M2 Max with 12‑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 M1 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