From the KnowledgeBase
Computers: How can I buy a computer through Princeton University for myself or departmental use?
Solution:
As a member of the Princeton community, there are a number of
opportunities
to purchase a computer for personal use or for a department or office.
There
are options available for faculty, staff, and students. All of these
computer
purchases allow you to find a quality computer at competitive prices.
Student Purchases
The Student Computer Initiative (SCI) provides Princeton students with
aggressively priced, highly capable computers to facilitate academic
work.
For more information, see:
- Student Computer Initiative (SCI) web site
- Dormnet computer hardware and software minimum requirements
- Why should I buy an SCI computer?
Departmental Purchases
Authorized departmental representatives can make computer purchases
directly
through The
Princeton MarketPlace. The Princeton Marketplace is an online
ordering
system that conveniently puts all of Princeton’s e-commerce vendors
into a single website. To see the available suppliers (such as Apple or
Dell)
and a select group of recommended computer bundles recommended for
ordering,
please contact your departmental administrator or SCAD/DCS support
representative. When you initiate your order with the computer vendor,
you
must also submit a form that requests Hardware Support to contact you
for
scheduling of the installation and set-up of your new computer. Use the
Hardware
Installation Service Request Form to request help.
Faculty Academic Purchases
The following links contain information relating to the Faculty
Computer
Program (FCP) sponsored by the Office of the Provost.
- Princeton University Faculty Computer Program (FCP)
- OIT Software Sales (Software purchases)
- Hardware Support Services (network cards, modems, modem cards, RAM upgrades, hard drive upgrades)
Faculty and Staff Personal Purchases
Computers for personal purchase are not offered through the University.
However,
individuals are encouraged to consider Dell and Apple for personal
acquisition
and to use the University's current
standards as a suggested guide. For University personalized
portals to
these vendors, follow these links to
Dell,
Apple
and Lenovo.
You will need to identify first the state of New Jersey and then
Princeton
University to drill down to the offerings.
Please note that any purchase made through the Faculty/Staff personal purchase websites (for personal use) will not be reimbursed by the University. Specific pricing questions cannot be answered by the OIT Help Desk as the prices and configurations change often and vary according to vendor standard and "special" offerings and availability of stock. It is advised that faculty and staff shop for the best deal using the links provided.
Related Links:

