Which Mac is right for you?
Program Overview
The Academic Affairs Computer Refresh Program establishes the standards for technology distribution across the department.
The models listed below utilize education pricing discounts and have been selected to meet the performance needs of the vast majority of users. Any request for a computer outside of these standards requires formal approval from both IT Services and your department.
Program Guidelines
- Eligibility: Tenure-track and full-time staff receive new hardware. Lecturers (1-year), adjuncts, and part-time staff receive reliable, "best available" repurposed units.
- Equipment Standard: Laptops only (to support remote work). Includes one monitor, wireless keyboard, and mouse (Additional monitors must be purchased by the department).
- Asset Return: Old devices and power supplies must be returned promptly to help fund subsequent refresh cycles through trade-in and repurposing.
- Refresh Cycle: Typically every four years.
- Model Selection: Standard models for most users; high-end models for video/graphic-intensive roles.
- Security Compliance: All Apple computers must be enrolled in JAMF for identity and access management.
MacBook Pro
14-inch
M4 chip
- Apple M4 processor
- 24 GB RAM
- 512 GB or 1 TB SSD
16-inch
M4 chip
- Apple M4 processor
- 24 GB RAM
- 1 TB SSD
Due to the high cost of these computers, they are only for faculty and staff who need the highest level of graphic and/or video processing
MacBook Air
13-inch
M3 chip
- Apple M3 processor
- 16 GB RAM
- 512 GB SSD
15-inch
M3 chip
- Apple M3 processor
- 16 GB RAM
- 512 GB SSD
Best for administrative tasks, frequent travel, email, and web-based work.
Next Steps
For more information about the Computer Refresh Program, contact IT Support.
Training Resources
For training resources, see our Knowledge Base Mac Articles.