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Prices Reduced on Micron Desktop Computers Purchased Through Lab Contract

Prices have dropped significantly for standard-configuration Micron PCs purchased through the Lab's Basic Ordering Agreement with Micron Electronics.

Under the Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) supported by the Lab's Procurement and Computing Infrastructure Support Departments, organizations can purchase discounted Micron desktop PCs with the Berkeley Lab-approved configuration.

Two models are available: an 800 MHz machine with extra memory (256 MB) and an enhanced video card for users with a need for a higher end machine, and a Celeron processor (566 MHz processor) with 128mb of memory sufficient for most normal desktop computing.

Prices for both have recently dropped, with the 800 MHz unit dropping the most. For example, configuration A, which includes the 800 MHz processor, 17" monitor and Windows 98, used to cost $2,145. The latest price is $1,558, a reduction of $587. Current price for the 566 MHz Celeron with 17-inch monitor and Windows 98 is $1,239.

If you are wondering which unit to get, consider the 566 MHz Celeron if most of your work is with the Microsoft Office and Netscape products. The Mac/PC Support Group (MPSG) did some testing with both units and could not really discern much of a difference when the two systems were used for basic desktop computing. One reason for this is that both computers feature much faster speeds accessing the hard drives (both models have ATA 100 hard disk drives).

Beginning in January, MPSG will have a test lab with one of each computer and employees will be able to do hands-on test drives for comparing them. Watch for details.

If you are wondering which operating system to get, go with Windows 98 if you are a user of the Lab's administrative applications (FMS, HRIS, Procard, Janus, and so on). Although the Computing Infrastructure Support Department is beginning to rigorously test Windows2000 for all Lab-supported applications, not all the software and toolset vendors have announced their support for the new version. "We can't move beyond Win98 until those we depend on have done their testing and certification," said Charlie Verboom, the Lab's desktop support manager.

Windows2000 is on the contract because a significant number of scientists use software that can take advantage of the latest that Microsoft has to offer, but don't necessarily need access to corporate applications. The Linux option is available if you want the LBNL-supported Redhat version loaded on the system, rather than a Windows operating system.

No matter which operating system you choose, the benefits of buying a Micron system under the BOA extend beyond the reduced pricing.. "It is much easier for MPSG to help solve problems on machines we know well and if it comes from a vendor we routinely do business with," Verboom said. "Also, we cannot support a non-standard system for any of the administrative applications."

Click here for the latest pricing and system details.