The Computing Infrastructure Support (CIS) Department has revised the Basic Ordering Agreement for buying Micron PCs, streamlining the number of models available but adding some popular options.

The Micron Client Pro 325G has just been certified by CIS. This PC, the latest Intel-based platform in the Client Pro Line, replaces both the older Client Pro and the Millennia Athlon processor-based systems that were previously on the Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA). The Client Pro line comes with a three-year warranty on parts.

New Features and Selections
The new system comes with much faster memory (DDR-SDRAM), an optical mouse, an upgraded keyboard, and an integrated Intel Extreme Graphics video card to go along with the integrated 10/100mb Network Interface. The new configuration also includes an option for a DVD-R/RW combo drive. The systems are also much quieter than previous versions.

The 17-inch flat panel display is a Samsung 171S costing $660. CIS is investigating the possibility of adding an 18-inch flat panel Samsung display as well (with a target price under $1,000).

Disk options start at 40 GB as the default and offer options of 80 GB or 120 GB. The default memory selection is 256 MB, but you can order as much as 1 GB if needed. If you do not need a 250 MB Zip drive, you can remove it from your selection and save $83. The default processor is a Pentium 4 1.8 GHz chip, but CIS also included options for a 2.0 and 2.26 GHz version. Looking ahead, CIS has identified a DVD-ROM as the default device, rather than the CD-ROM.

"Our goal is to make the BOA as flexible as possible, giving Lab users a reasonable set of choices while still offering good buying advice with our default selections," said Charlie Verboom, manager of desktop support at the Lab. "The base price for the Client Pro with all the defaults is $1233, and this includes Microsoft Office."

Finding the Micron Store
You can reach the Micron store by going to the CIS home page click on "Buy a computer", then "LBNL standard PC." This takes you to the procurement page where the procurement card-based purchasing process is explained and a link Micron Web site is available.

Operating System Advice
All systems will come with Windows XP. CIS can put Windows 2000 or Windows 98 if your particular needs dictate an older operating system (HRIS or FMS users still need Windows 98, for example). The reason CIS chose to buy XP with all new systems is to ensure that Lab customers can upgrade to XP without incurring additional cost, should that become necessary during the life span of the computer.

A note to Linux users
CIS no longer offers a Linux option on the BOA. Micron does not certify their hardware for Linux and does not support a dual-processor Pentium or Athlon option at this time, so CIS decided to remove it from the list. For those of you who are looking for high-performance workstations (including dual-processor tower or rack mount systems), CIS (and others at the Lab) have had good luck with FineTec systems. Check out the Unix Hardware link for further information.