Purchasing Computers and Peripherals

The following is information needed when purchasing computers and peripherals.

• IT Computing Standards  – These are standard configurations in use at UCSF for Windows and Apple PCs. Information Technology Field Services (ITFS) determines the recommended models for UCSF users to standardize the support for these computers, making it less costly and with faster response to support requests. Standardized models also reduce the purchase price to the users by allowing us to aggregate campus spend with preferred vendors and obtain better pricing contracts.

Apple computers:  All Apple equipment must be purchased through the CDW-G punch-out, which features our IT computing standard models on the first page. To purchase, scroll down the page to see the IT-recommended models. Select the one you want and add it to your cart; also add Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP). Apple support with UCSF is required—no exceptions.   

• If you don’t see a particular configuration in the punch-out, please reach out to your dedicated account team for a quote. Please contact our CDW-G sales representative, Scott Mueller: [email protected]. 

• AppleCare+ is no longer required due to low utilization and additional cost. All newly purchased Apple computers include a 1-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects in hardware, accessories, and software, offering repair, replacement, or a refund for issues that aren't caused by accidental damage and includes 90 days of complimentary technical support, but does not cover cosmetic damage, consumables like batteries, or issues from misuse, accidents, or unauthorized repairs. Customers must specifically add AppleCare+ during the ordering process, if desired. 

• For repair services, please call Apple directly at 800-800-APPL (800-800-2775).  If the AppleCare coverage option on your device requires a service fee and you do not wish to pay with your credit card, please obtain a repair quote and contact Joanne Petersen at [email protected] to discuss submitting a special services purchase order to Apple with the quote.  If the AppleCare representative asks for UCSF's LTSA (Limited Terms Service Account) number, it is 825773. 

• Note: UCSF IT is not responsible for accidental damage, hardware defects, or battery issues. Customers will need to work with Apple directly for any hardware repairs. All support continues to be done through UCSF IT or Apple directly, as before, using DEP; Apple handles the CDW-G computers the same as the ones we bought directly from them in the past. 

Windows PCs: Dell provides a BearBuy punch-out for purchasing Windows PCs. Their punch-out features preferred models under “IT recommendations.” These are “Smart Select” models and the hardware cannot be customized/configured. Learn more about the different ways to purchase and retrieve quotes from the BearBuy Dell Punch-out in the Dell Punch-out How to Buy Guide.

• NOTE: Dell eQuotes are not necessary on most items. The Dell punch-out contains a wide assortment of products. This method allows you to place items you buy frequently into a cart and save it for future use

• If you need a configuration that is NOT available in the Dell punch-out, you will need to contact the Dell sales representative, Taylor Fitzgerald [email protected] to get a quote.

  How to create a Dell equote

  How to use an e-quote or sales quote

Additional Dell information:

• Ensure your billing and ship to addresses are correct on the PO, as Dell cannot correct them once the order is in; they can only cancel and resubmit the order, causing delivery delays.
• Dell has a strict 30-day return policy; please open packages quickly. See Dell’s return policy.
• Special orders will take 10 to 14 days’ lead time. Check your order status here.
• If you require expedited shipping, you must add “Next Day Shipping” to your order – this will be an added cost to your order, depending on weight (usually between $50-$80 for most PCs).
• Dell order support information or Customer Service: 1(800) 274-7799, option 4.

If you have questions regarding computer purchases (not technical questions, please refer to ITFS for those), please contact Joanne Petersen, [email protected]. 

UCSF IT can provide new software to UCSF users. However, before you purchase new software, please check with ITFS to see if they already have the software you need.