CRON
School of Architecture and Planning
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Ave, Room 9-514
Cambridge, MA 02139
cron@mit.edu

careers

Buying Guide

Need Your Own Computer?

Strictly speaking, you do not need your own computer for your time at MIT. The School provides computing facilities at all hours of all days. That said, most people bring a computer of their own so that they can work at home or while traveling.

What is Good Enough?

The expected lifetime of a computer is four to five years. While a four-year-old computer may still work fine, technology will have advanced to the point of making a new computer attractive. If your computer does not meet the baseline specifications below, you may want to consider either upgrading (especially if you only need more RAM) or buying a new computer.

Baseline Windows PC

Baseline Macintosh

Desktop or Laptop?

Although laptops (other than netbooks) are powerful enough to run all course-related software, desktops are much less expensive. Students, however, are always on the go, hence laptops have great appeal. Indeed, most incoming students bring laptops. In their quest for ever-greater portability, laptop makers have to make various tradeoffs among power consumption, heat generation and dissipation, size, weight, and cost. The result is that laptops tend to fall into three broad categories:

At any point on the scale, however, you will get more computer for your dollar with a desktop. If you are shuttling your computer to school or work daily, then clearly lighter (5 pounds or less) and smaller is the way to go. However, if you only take the machine on the road for the occasional trip out of town, you may be more willing to tolerate the weight in exchange for having a more powerful computer the rest of the time. This choice is highly personal.

Macintosh or Windows?

Both platforms are widely used in the School, with approximately 75% of faculty and staff using Macintosh. Those faculty engaged in GIS and Building Technology applications tend to favor Windows PCs as most such software is Windows only. This is also true for the most used 3D and rendering applications. Approximately 50% of the School's student body own Macs. CRON supports both platforms.

How might you decide which to use? All major productivity software (Microsoft, Adobe, etc) is available for both platforms. What's more, the files are 100% 'binary compatible' which is to say one can use the identical files across platforms. However there is one gotcha for those interested in running ESRI's ArcGIS, AutoCAD and most 3D products on their personal computer. These are Windows applications ONLY. They will NOT run on Macintosh unless your Macintosh uses an Intel processor and you have configured it to run Windows using Boot Camp or virtualization software, as described below.

The Mac enjoys favor among those editing digital video, preparing multimedia presentations and graphics work in general. For word processing, office automation, and web browsing, both do equally well.

In the case of security and maintenance the Macintosh has historically been less vulnerable to viruses and spyware, and requires less maintenance hassle.

Intel-based Macintoshes Running Windows?

We have much experience running Windows on Macintosh hardware, and can recommend it. (Indeed, all our public cluster computers are Macintoshes running both OS X and Windows XP). Given this, should you buy a Macintosh and enjoy the benefits of both worlds? If you plan on spending all your time running Windows on the Macintosh, then there is not much benefit--particularly as PCs are cheaper than Macs (less true of laptops). If you are a PC user but tempted by the Macintosh platform, this might be the time to test the waters.

There are two mechanisms for running Windows on Macintosh hardware. Both require a Macintosh with an Intel processor - they are not options on systems with PowerPC processors.

Running Windows within VMware or Parallels on the Macintosh gives you both Windows and Mac OS at the same time, but remember that your computer will need enough RAM for both: at least 3GB (we recommend 4GB).

More information on running a Windows virtual machine on a Macintosh can be found here.

Which Windows? XP or Vista?

Answer: XP Professional. (That was simple.)

We have not had good luck with Windows Vista in terms of usability, performance or compatibility with the software we support. Some new computers require Vista because they contain components for which there are no XP drivers, but we encourage students to purchase new PCs with XP Professional, and to not upgrade existing PCs to Vista. MIT provides XP Pro to all students, so students who already have Vista may choose to reinstall using XP instead (if you are comfortable reinstalling an operating system, and XP drivers exist for your hardware). Since XP Pro is available from MIT, we strongly encourage people with non-XP computers to up/downgrade to XP if possible. (XP Media Center supports multimedia drivers and applications that are unavailable on XP Pro, so this will not always be an option.)

PCs that run Vista should have at least 2GB of RAM for normal use, and 4GB to accommodate serious CAD, drawing or GIS use. A faster CPU will also be helpful. At present, the windows software CRON and MIT make available is generally 32-bit, but can run (with no guarantees) under a 64-bit OS. So we recommend 32-bit Vista for the time being.

Our evaluations of Windows 7 have been positive and we expect to support it soon after it becomes available.

What Equipment Should Your Computer Have?

First, you can consult the MIT Information Systems (IS&T) official list of recommended computers. These models are meant to suit the full range of computer users at MIT, but since the needs of Architecture and Planning's community are particular, our recommendations may differ. Specifying computers is a moving target as improvements are announced monthly.

CRON Recommended Desktop Windows PC (as of April 8, 2009)

MIT IS&T recommends the Dell Optiplex 755 desktop. We also recommend an upgrade to a 22" or 24" display:

Dell Optiplex 755 Energy Smart Desktop

This system configuration cost $859.33 on April 13, 2009 (prices will vary with time). Any desktop PC configured to the same specifications will work just as well.

CRON Recommended laptop Windows PC (as of April 8, 2009)

The MIT recommended Dell and Lenovo laptops listed at
http://web.mit.edu/ist/topics/hardware/laptops.html
will all work in our environment.

Any other model laptop will work equally well, given these specifications or better:

For example, a very good value is the Dell E6400 offered at MIT's price of $1287.

Latitude E6400 :: $1287
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo T9550 (2.66GHz, 6M L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
Memory 4.0GB, DDR2-800 SDRAM, 2 DIMMS
Hard Drive 160GB Hard Drive, 7200RPM with Free Fall Sensor
Optical drive 8X DVD+/-RW w/Roxio and Cyberlink PowerDVD
Display 14.1" UltraSharp WXGA+ (1440x900) LED Display - Brush Metal Black
Video Integrated Webcam with digital microphone
Graphics NVIDIA Quadro NVS 160M With Express Card
Ports EEE - 1394 (FireWire), docking connector, USB 2.0 (x4), VGA, Display Port, RJ-11 (optional), RJ-45, eSATA, USB PowerShare
Audio Built-in stereo speakers with 24-watt digital amplifier, built-in microphone, optical digital audio output/headphone out, optical digital audio input/audio line in
Networking Dell Wireless 1510 802.11a/g/n Draft Mini Card, Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module
Software Windows XP
Price $1287
Notes

3 Year Basic Limited Warranty and 3 Year NBD Onsite Service
3 Year CompleteCare Accidental Damage Protection

CRON Recommended Macintosh Desktop (as of June 26, 2009)

Note: Apple is running a free iPod(Touch) 'Back-to-School' promotion

24-inch iMac (MB418LL/A) :: $1,399
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo T9550 (2.66GHz, 6M L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
Memory 4GB (two 2GB SO-DIMMs) of 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM; supports up to 8GB
Hard Drive 640GB Serial ATA; 7200 rpm
Optical drive Slot-loading 8x SuperDrive with 4x double-layer burning (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Display 24-inch (viewable) glossy widescreen TFT active-matrix LCD, 1920 by 1200 pixels, millions of colors
Video Built-in iSight camera; Mini DisplayPort output with support for DVI, dual-link DVI, and VGA video connections via adapter
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 9400M with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory
Ports One FireWire 800 port, Four USB 2.0 ports on computer; two USB 2.0 ports on keyboard
Audio Built-in stereo speakers with 24-watt digital amplifier, built-in microphone, optical digital audio output/headphone out, optical digital audio input/audio line in
Networking Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit), Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (802.11n)2; built-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
Other Apple Keyboard and Apple Mighty Mouse, Built-in IR receiver, optional VESA mount adapter kit
Software Macintosh OS X 10.5, iLife
Price $1,399
Notes Apple often has a free iPod(Touch) 'Back-to-School' promotion in late summer ($230 value)

CRON Recommended Macintosh Laptop (as of June 26, 2009)

Note: Apple is running a free iPod(Touch) 'Back-to-School' promotion

2.53GHz MacBook Pro (MB467LL/A):: $1,399
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo (2.53GHz, 3M L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
Memory 2GB (two 1GB SO-DIMMs) of 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-8500); supports up to 8GB
Hard Drive 250GB Serial ATA; 5400 rpm
Optical drive 8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Display 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen display, 1280-by-800 resolution
Video Built-in iSight camera; Mini DisplayPort output port with support for DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI (requires adapters, sold separately)
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory
Ports Two USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps)
One FireWire 800 port (up to 800 Mbps)
One SD Card slot
Audio Built-in stereo speakers, built-in omnidirectional microphone, combined optical digital input/analog line in, combined optical digital output/analog line out
Networking Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit) Ethernet, Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (based on IEEE 802.11n draft specification)2; built-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) module
Other 60W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, power cord, lithium-polymer battery
Software Macintosh OS X 10.5, iLife
Price $1,399
Notes

Strongly recommended one purchase AppleCare Protection Plan ("For up to three years from computer's purchase date, you get access to Apple's award-winning telephone technical support for questions about Apple hardware, Mac OS, iLife, and iWork. And you get global repair coverage for your Mac--both parts and labor--through convenient service options.")

Apple often has a free iPod(Touch) 'Back-to-School' promotion in late summer ($230 value)

Recommended Options for All Computers

Laptop Options

Non-Recommended Options for Any Computers

Fun Stuff

How Much Should You Pay?

The sky is the limit when it comes to buying a new computer. One can easily pay $10,000 or more if one really wants to. Few of us, however, are so extravagant. More realistically, a good desktop PC with a monitor and a basic printer will cost between $800 and $2500, depending on the options. You can spend less, but below $500 you will start having to make some difficult sacrifices. On the high end, beyond $3000 provides no benefits except for the most extreme numerical analysis, simulation or video applications. For a laptop, the budget will need to be higher. Plan on spending a minimum of $1300 on a laptop meeting the specs above (add about $100 to include a basic printer). More elaborate configurations can easily run to $3000 or more. Macintoshes tend to cost more than comparable PCs.

Which Brand and Where Should You Buy It?

Disclaimer: You are not required to bring a computer. You are welcome to buy any brand of computer you wish. We do not require you to buy any particular brand or from any particular vendor. You have many options, many of which may be superior to those we describe here. We also cannot vouch that our experience with various vendors will be the same as yours and cannot accept responsibility for any unhappy experiences. These remarks represent our subjective opinions only.

First, you need to make a decision about whether you are going to buy a PC or a Mac. Please see 'Which Platform?' above.

For PCs, we have had good experiences with Dell and Lenovo over many years. (Lenovo builds and sells the computer models, particularly Thinkpads, that were made by IBM in the past.) We have generally been pleased with their products, prices, and support. We like being able to configure PCs to our own specifications, the prices are usually better than those at a retail store, and the machines are typically delivered to one's door within a week or so. When shopping for either of them, start at MIT's personal purchase web pages (MIT Web certificates required) to see the discounts those vendors provide to MIT students. It often pays to look at the regular home user listings too; these may be cheaper if a specific model is having a promotion, or have more up-to-date models and features. The cost of delivery through the education site is frequently less than at the consumer site. The sites change frequently as products and promotions come and go, so you will need to check this yourself when you are ready to buy.

For Dells, MIT tends to recommend the Dell Optiplex and Latitude lines, which are built for reliability, serviceability (on-campus) and long life. Dell's Dimension and Inspiron product lines are oriented towards consumers, with higher performance (especially for games) at a given price. Dell has a web page explaining the distinction between the desktop product lines. Dell's Precision models are high-end workstations, providing extreme performance and reliability at a high price.

Lenovo has an excellent reputation for its Thinkpad line of laptops. Lenovo consistently ranks at the top of PC laptop vendors for customer satisfaction and the ease of getting problems fixed when the do occur. Lenovo's T and X series laptops emphasize reliability and long life..

Only Apple manufactures Macintoshes. You can buy them via MIT's personal purchase web pages (MIT Web certificates required) or from retail stores (show proof of being an enrolled student). Apple often offers special 'Back-to-School' promotions wherein Apple throws in an iPod(Touch) for free upon purchase of a computer (a $230 value).

Unfortunately we've found both HP and Sony Vaio laptops, despite their shine and many lights, to need repairs and software fixes at an unsatisfactorily high rate.

Dell and Apple computers are bought directly from the corresponding vendors. MIT has a special arrangement with the online computer merchant GovConnection whereby you can buy Lenovo computers and other items at a discounted MIT price. This includes academically-priced software; the discount from the commercial version can be quite large. Although GovConnection often has good prices, you may do better by shopping around. The CNET Shopper web site makes it easy to compare prices on a product for many vendors at once.

Many of the MIT IS&T recommended computers are on view in the IS&T showroom in N42 (immediately inside the front door). They do not sell computers there, but they do offer pre-sales consulting and the opportunity to look at and use the equipment before buying it. For laptops this can be particularly valuable.

What About Used or Refurbished Computers?

As a general rule, stay away from used computers. Buying a used computer from an individual is particularly risky, as you know little of the machine's history, and most private sellers have unrealistic expectations about what their old computer is worth.

Where Can You Learn More?

Ah, the Internet. One of the great boons of the emergence of the Web is the wealth of product reviews available online at no cost! Whatever you are considering, you owe it to yourself to look for a review or two of the product. Here are some good sites for buying guides and computer reviews:

CRON staff can offer you personalized assistance in picking a computer that will work well in and around the School and Institute.You can reach us by email at cron@mit.edu. Additionally, the staff at IST can provide help with computer buying questions.

 

• 2009-08-20 23:07:02 •