Radford University provides recommendations for technology purchases to university departments as well as to Radford University students. For assistance with technology purchases not listed below, please contact the Technology Assistance Center.
Do I need to purchase a new computer before coming to campus?
Although Radford University does not have a computer requirement for all students, most students choose to bring a laptop. If you currently own a laptop, consider bringing that device with you. However, as you progress through your academic career, you may find it beneficial to upgrade and purchase a new device.
If you are bringing your own computer, the minimum specs should include:
If you plan to buy a new computer (Windows or Mac), the following are recommended specs: Laptop for mobility and ease of support
All Radford University students have access to a full version of Microsoft Office Suite for free.
Are there computer requirements for my major?
The following colleges and departments have laptop requirements for their students. Students in these disciplines should check with their academic advisor regarding specific computer recommendations. These requirements ensure that students have computers that will run specific software needed for their respective disciplines.
What software is needed or recommended?
Are there additonal equipment recommendations?
What security options will protect my equipment and my data?
How do I connect to WiFi?
Radford University provides WiFi connectivity all around campus, including residence halls. Two Ethernet ports are available in each residence hall room, but most students prefer to use wireless connectivity.
“Eduroam” is the preferred WiFi connection on the main campus. It is the fastest and most reliable network.
Your Radford University user account will provide you with internet access in all residence halls, classrooms, computer labs and OneCampus portal.
Should I bring a printer?
We recommend residence halls students connect their printer directly to their computer through a USB cable. Although wireless printers can be configured, anyone in the building may be able to print to them.
Printers are available in computer labs for students to access. Student are giving a $5.00 printing allocation at the beginning of each fall term.
Who do I call if I have technology questions?
The Technology Assistance Center is located in Walker Hall 125 (by elevators).
The hours of operation are Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. for walk-in and phone support. Additional phone support is available Sunday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Find answers to common questions or enter a support ticket at www.radford.edu/itonestop and someone will be touch with you.
You can always call us at 540-831-7500.
University-Owned Computers (Faculty and Staff)
Radford University currently standardizes on Dell and Apple mobile and desktop computers. Recommended models and some key features of each are listed below.
Model |
Latitude 5420 - Laptop |
Latitude 7420 - Tablet |
Processor |
Intel Core i5 |
Intel Core i5 |
---|---|---|
RAM |
16GB |
16GB |
Hard Drive |
512GB Solid State |
512GB Solid State |
Wireless Card |
Yes |
Yes |
Video Card |
Intel HD Graphics |
Intel HD Graphics |
Battery |
3cell |
3cell |
Screen |
14" HD TouchScreen |
14" HD TouchScreen |
Card Reader |
Media Card Reader |
Media Card Reader |
Weight |
3.24 lbs |
3.4 lbs |
LCD Camera |
Yes |
Yes |
Est. Base Price |
$1,038 |
$1,160 |
Optional Docking Station |
$200+ |
$200+ |
Optional Optical Drive |
$50 |
$50 |
Additional Power Cord |
$40 |
$40 |
Model |
OptiPlex All-in-One Desktop |
Processor |
Intel Core i5 |
RAM | 16GB |
Hard Drive |
512GB Solid State |
Video Card |
Integrated Video Card |
WiFi |
Wireless Combo Adapter |
Speakers |
Internal |
Monitor | 23.8" |
Est. Base Price |
$989 |
Model | MacBook Pro 13" |
iMac 21.5" Desktop |
Processor | Apple M1 Chip, 8-core CPU & GPU | Apple M1 Chip, 8-core CPU & GPU |
RAM | 16GB | 16GB |
Hard Drive | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD |
Wireless Card | yes | yes |
Battery | 14 hours | NA |
Screen size | 13" Retina display | 21.5" |
Keyboard | yes | wired with numeric keypad |
Mouse | Trackpad | wired |
Touch Bar and Touch ID | yes | NA |
Est. Base Price w/Warranty* | $1,508 | $1579 |
Optional Ethernet Adapter | Add $49 | NA |
Optional Optical Drive | Add $79** | Add $79 |
Optional USB-C to USB Adapter | Add $19 | |
Optional Universal Docking Station | Add $200+ |
* Contact Academic Technologies at acadcomp@radford.edu or call 831-7521 to request a current quote.
** Requires a USB-C to USB Adapter.
Once a computer quote has been obtained, departments can enter a purchase request in eVA. Note: Computers should not be purchased with University credit cards.
When entering the order data in eVA:
Contact Academic Technologies at acadcomp@radford.edu or phone 831-7521 with questions.
Based on criteria such as energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, reliability, and compatibility with existing equipment, ITS recommends a selection of 24", and 27" monitors for departmental purchases. The tables below list some common features for monitor comparison. The examples provided are Mac/PC compatible, energy compliant, LED display, and include 3-year warranty.
24” |
27” |
24” USB-C Hub Monitor |
27” USB-C Hub Monitor |
Model E2422HS | Model E2722HS | Model P2422HE | Model P2722HE |
Cables Included
|
Cables Included
|
Cables Included
|
Cables Included
|
Port Connections
|
Port Connections
|
Port Connectinos
|
Port Connections
|
Full HD (1080p) 1920 x 1080 |
Full HD (1080p) 1920 x 1080 |
Full HD (1080p) 1920 x 1080 |
Full HD (1080p) 1920 x 1080 |
$151 |
$174 |
$263 |
$273 |
The Division of Information Technology works closely with Apple and RU's Procurement & Contracts Office to obtain the appropriate configuration and simplify the ordering process for iPads. The steps to purchase a University-owned iPad include the following:
Step 1: The department completes an iPad Justification & Quote Request and submits the form to Academic Technologies.
Step 2: Academic Technologies obtains a quote for specified iPad quantities and accessories and forwards the quote to the department contact identified on the Justification form.
Step 3: The requesting department enters a purchase requisition into eVA and attaches the quote and completed iPad Justification/Quote form to the PR. The following information should be included on the PR:
PK2K3LL/A
Personalized 10.2-inch iPad Wi-Fi 64GB - Space Gray
Engraving
Poperty of Radford University
Step 4: Once the iPad arrives at the RU Campus Warehouse:
NOTES:
DoIT Provided Telephones
The Division of Information Technology provides desktop telephone handsets to new
positions if an existing phone is not already in place. Request for phones for new
positions should be submitted in ITOneStop by the department.
Departmental Telephone Purchases
Departments are responsible for purchasing replacement VoIP desktop phones as well
as new and replacement conference phones and optional headsets. Both desktop and conference
phones should be purchased from state contract. Listed below are the current recommended
models and purchase tips. To request a current phone quote, enter a service ticket
in ITOneStop.
Desktop Phone Handset
Conference Phone
Vendor: Innovative Systems and Solutions (ABS Technology Architects)
Contract Number: UCP-3491557JC
Ship to Location: Indicate on the PR that phones be shipped to Radford University Campus Warehouse.
Warehouse staff will forward phones to IT for setup and delivery to the department.
Optional Phone Headset
The following compatible headset and accessory lifter are recommended for department
purchase. Departments should follow standard ordering procedures including at least
one quote from a SWAM vendor.
The computer accessory options listed on this page are recommended by DoIT for Radford University departmental purchases.
Webcams