Workstation Offerings
Find the right University of Alberta-approved desktop or laptop for your role. Our standard configurations are designed for seamless integration, robust security and reliable support.
Each standard configuration includes security features such as encryption, managed updates and a next-business-day warranty to ensure the device remains protected while you work.
On This Page
Standard offerings | Custom configurations | Delivery and installation
Purchasing your device through IST includes:
- professional IST install in your office (including hardware & software that you detail you need in your request)
- connection to printer
- university-approved cybersecurity protection and imaging
- network and internet connection
- warranty support in case of failure:
- Windows computers: 5 years of next-business-day hardware support
- Instrument computers: 3 years of next-business-day hardware support
- Apple computers: 4 years of Applecare through our Apple-authorized service provider
Standard offerings
The U of A offers a range of standard computer configurations to suit various needs. Orders for standard computer configurations can be made through the Computer and/or Accessories Request form. To view images and additional specifications, click on the offering name.
Offering Name | Use Case | Kept In-stock? | University Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instrument Desktop | A budget-friendly computer with additional hardware slots, which is used for running instruments and lab equipment. | Pending | $834.20 |
| Essential Laptop | For mobile users who work on general administrative tasks, such as connecting to email, accessing Peoplesoft, web browsing, and working in Google Docs/Sheets. | Pending | $1,389.88 |
| Essential Desktop | For users who work on general administrative tasks, such as connecting to email, accessing Peoplesoft, web browsing, and working in Google Docs/Sheets. | Yes | $1,182.29 |
| Essential Plus Laptop | For mobile users who are doing some data analysis, some media editing, and entry-level programming, along with general administrative tasks. | Pending | $1,933.82 |
| Advanced Laptop | For mobile users who need more computing power with CPU and GPU for tasks such as local big data analysis (SAS, Microsoft Access), simulations and machine learning, imaging, media editing and production (Adobe Creative Cloud), setting up and running virtual machines, as well as general administrative tasks. | Pending | TBD |
| Advanced Desktop | For users who need more computing power with CPU and GPU for tasks such as local big data analysis (SAS, Microsoft Access), simulations and machine learning, imaging, media editing and production (Adobe Creative Cloud), setting up and running virtual machines, as well as general administrative tasks. | Pending | $4,212.45 |
| Macbook Air | For mobile users who work on general administrative tasks. | Built-to-Order | $1,872.92 |
| Macbook Pro | For mobile users who need more compute power for research and administrative tasks. | Built-to-Order | $3,004.24 |
Important considerations for Apple devices
Apple devices are available for procurement through IST, but they are not considered a standard configuration. This means:
- a longer procurement and deployment* time
- less seamless integration with U of A infrastructure, in comparison to our standard offerings
- access to shared drive and shared printing resources is limited or sometimes unavailable
- major updates from Apple are subject to delay
- higher purchase and maintenance costs
- limited warranty period
- no next-business-day support from Apple
- a shorter coverage period than our standard device lifecycle of five years
*Estimated deployment times are in relation to hardware purchased for break-fix or onboarding procedures. Hardware purchased through the life-cycle management program is subject to that program and pre-scheduled for each faculty.
Custom configurations
For users with specific or unique computing needs that exceed the in-stock computer offerings, most custom configurations are available upon request.
To request a custom configuration:
- access the university computer order form
- from the drop-down options, request a custom-built laptop or desktop
- enter the specifications you are looking for in the form
An IST analyst will confirm pricing, availability and installation timelines with you.
Estimated delivery and installation timelines
| Computer offering | Kept in stock? | Target quantity in stock | Average expected delivery + install timeline |
| Instrument Computers | Yes | 50 | 5 - 10 business days |
| Essential Laptop | Yes | 30 | 5 - 10 business days |
| Essential Plus Laptop | Yes | 5 | 5 - 10 business days |
| Advanced Laptop | Yes | 5 | 5 - 10 business days |
| Macbook Air | No, built to order | 0 | 3 - 8 weeks |
| Macbook Pro | No, built to order | 0 | 3 - 8 weeks |
| Desktop | No, built to order | 0 | 3 - 8 weeks |
| Custom configurations | No, built to order | 0 | Custom-built: 6 - 8 weeks High-performance: 12+ weeks |