IT Computer Store

• Overview
• First-Time Users
• Returning Users
• The Selection Process
• Procurement and the Delivery Process
• IT Support Options
• FAQs
• Suggestions

Recommended
Sources

• Windows
• Linux/UNIX
• Macintosh
• Workgroup Servers
• Peripherals
• Software
• Parts and Supplies

 

Information Technology Division

• Information Technology
• Institutional Systems
• Infrastructure
• User Support

 

IT Computer Store

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How often do the recommended choices (and prices) for equipment acquired from Dell change?
2. What does “Sweet Spot” refer to (as defined in the Dell contract)?
3. Can I buy printers through this contract and if so, what should I consider when buying one?
4. I’m not much of a computer expert. How can I tell what I need in my new system?
5. What does “recommended” mean?
6. What are the advantages of buying a recommended system as opposed to customizing a computer?
7. What if I buy a system that is not “recommended?”
8. How long will it take for my new computer to arrive?
9. Are there any extra costs?
10. How do I get technical support for my computer?
11. Can I buy a computer for personal use at the same price?
12. What is the benefit of buying through the Lab’s Online Computer Store rather than browsing the Web for another vendor?
13. When will we be able to buy Linux workstations through the Computer Store?
14. Can I return a computer to the vendor without going through the Lab?

1. How often do the recommended choices (and prices) for equipment acquired from Dell change?

Each quarter, a committee of IT managers representing the University of California (and collaborating institutions) choose desktop and notebook configurations based upon customer input.  Minor changes to configuration and price for our recommended systems will normally be made quarterly, with higher impact changes occurring annually.

2. What does “Sweet Spot” refer to (as defined in the Dell contract)?

Sweet spot prices are associated with specific offerings made by Dell. These are re-evaluated on a quarterly basis and the prices are guaranteed to be heavily discounted. Each of these sweet spot systems can be customized, with pricing for incremental changes also discounted.

3. Can I buy printers through this contract and if so, what should I consider when buying one?

Yes, printers are available. We recommend you give strong consideration to Hewlett-Packard printers. Berkeley Lab maintains a printer service contract for HP printers (the current vendor is SSP). Past experience has proven that many more firms offer economical printer repairs service for HP than any other brand. Additionally, other brands have proven to be expensive and difficult to service. When buying a printer, carefully consider your options for repair and remember that the IT Division provides on-site support only for HP printers.

When selecting a specific HP printer, consider buying one with high capacity trays, duplex capability and adequate memory. Our recommendations take into account the kinds of features most people indicate they need. Laser printers are more economical that inkjet printers. Network-attached printers are preferred over those that can only be directly attached to a single computer.

4. I’m not much of a computer expert. How can I tell what I need in my new system?

The recommended choices for desktop and laptops computers help you select a computer without having in-depth knowledge. These choices are reviewed by IT Division support staff, along with IT specialists from a number of institutions who participate in the KST contract.

For example, In the laptop area, three classifications that are typically used to describe the laptop marketplace are referenced, with recommendations for each. They are referred to as ultra light, hybrid and workstation replacement.

5. What does “recommended” mean?

“Recommended” means the system will be supported on site by the IT Division. When the computer arrives, an “image” of the Lab’s standard software load is instralled for customers who have general computing requirements. Warranty support is coordinated on behalf of the customer by the IT Division. Spare parts are kept in stock. The IT Division will also represent you in any issue you have with a recommended system you buy and are not satisfied with.

6. What are the advantages of buying a recommended system as opposed to customizing a computer?

While Berkeley Lab employees are not required to purchase computer equipment under these contracts, doing so ensures that technical support and repairs can be provided on a more timely basis. In addition, overall pricing to the Lab and to our partner institutions will benefit as our buying power increases due to increasing volume.

Selection of a recommended system provides a standard, Lab-supplied software “image” with up-to-date (and ongoing) security patches, Lab standard software, local support, spare parts, Help Desk support, and the guarantee that the system is compatible with the Laboratory’s central business applications.

Read more about LBNL’s standard software load.

7. What if I buy a system that is not “recommended?”

There are situations that require a computer different from the recommended unit.  Choosing a unit that is not recommended assumes you will be responsible for the computer, knowing that the IT Division will not be able to guarantee that Lab standard software will work, and that you will have to assume responsibility for repair if something should break.

8. How long will it take for my new computer to arrive?

Based on the past experience and vendor input, Lab customers can expect anywhere between 15 and 18 days of elapsed time for the the successful conclusion of the process.

• If through eBuy
• 15 minutes after approval, a PO is electronically created and sent to the vendor
• If through normal procurement channels (ePro)
  
• 1-3 days to place the order through requisition preparer & buyer
  
• 10 days vendor (most vendors are "build to order" and do not stock extensive inventory)
• 1-2 days Receiving & Property (DOE tags applied)
• 3 days IT group ( schedule appointment, image system, deliver, install)
  

9. Are there any extra costs?

All recommended machines go through the IT Division for initial preparation. This process will cost $100, unless your division will contract with IT Division to be part of the emerging Workstation Standardization and Centralization (WS&C) program, in which case there is no extra cost. For information on the pilot program within the IT Division, go here.

10. How do I get technical support for my computer?

Call the Help Desk at x4357 or go to the Web site and complete an electronic help request.

Any question the Help Desk can answer for you is free. If they can not solve your problem and the ticket must be resolved by another group, there are two ways to go:

1. If you are part of the WS&C program, your division has already contracted for support and there will be no additional charge.
2. If you are not part of the program, you can ask for help on a Time and Material Basis. The IT Division’s UNIX Systems Group will respond if you have a Linux/UNIX issue, or the Mac/PC support group will respond if you have Windows or Macintosh problem. Note: Time and Material business is considered second priority for the IT Division as this is a diminishing recharge business and the division is not staffed up to support quick response.

11. Can I buy a computer for personal use at the same price?

We do not have any programs for personal purchases at this time.

12. What is the benefit of buying through the Lab’s Online Computer Store rather than browsing the Web for another vendor?

The Lab benefits from having a single vendor to deal with. Vendor performance statistics (average delivery time, warranty repair issues, and so on) are part of the contract. In addition, some companies do not extend academic discounts to the Lab, so you may be paying more than necessary. We know that quotes can sometimes be generated assuming an academic discount, only to have procurement hit a barrier when they actually go out and attempt to procure the system at the price you found.

13. When will we be able to buy Linux workstations through the Computer Store?

When one of our eBuy partners (Dell or CDWG) offer linux on standard commodity equipment. There are no current plans to develop a special eBuy vehicle.

14. Can I return a computer to the vendor without going through the Lab?

No. Computers must enter and exit the Lab in specific ways. The receiving department within Facilities must officially receive the equipment, assign a unique DOE number, and then forward to the end user. When a computer is sent back to a vendor (for example, as a warranty repair or a return of some sort), a shipping document must be prepared as per Section 6.03 of the RPM.