What should I Iook for when buying 12 new computers for my non-profit organization?
I’m looking into buying some desktops for my non-profit organization. My supervisor thinks we should look for DELL products; however, I have no knowledge of what would be required to properly operate 12 desktops. I mean, what speed should I be looking for? What additional gadgets or accessories should I include in my potential budget cost for these machines? We will be using the desktops to provide services for the community. People will come in and learn how to use the media/technology to organize on social justice issues, so we don’t need something super fancy, but we definitely want to get something good, something that will last us for several years. Does anyone have any recommendations? If you know of any organizations/websites that offer special deals to non-profits for technology I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
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Dell are very often used by any organization that needs to order a large set of computers at once, so this is a good bet. They are probably well equipped to supply you with everything you need. In terms of the actual computers, anything that’s mid-range in terms of prices will last at least 2–3 years, especially if you don’t need the computers to do anything particularly demanding. The most important part is to take a look at your budget and see what you can get. Try to get computers that have all the peripherals included to avoid the hassle.
well, regarding Dell, please keep in mind that you have a 2 year guarantee on them and as soon as the guarantee runs out customer services wont even want to talk to you.
my advice would be to find a small local computer shop that has the ability to give discounts. and may even be interested in sponsorting you.
by the sounds of things you dont really need anything too fancy, so i would say dont go for anything that costs more than about $400 per unit.
make sure the computers have plenty of room on the motherboard for future upgrades, you should be able to get something that will last you at least 5 years, assuming your graphics needs are not too high.
there are other cheats you could use too. such as keeping hard drive sizes to an abolute minimum and using shared external drives to suplement your storage.
if you can give more details on your exact needs i can probably help more.
Go Apple.
Most Apple stores have a “business partner” who can handle large orders and oftentimes provide a nice discount for large orders. They’ll work together nicely, and you can get a discount on extended coverage as well.
Your a nonprofit and you are buying 12 new computers? Have you looked into getting them donated for free or at least at reduced cost?
I think this would depend on your budget.
If you have the money, go Apple for sure.
If not I would consider linux, as it can run on very meager hardware and it sounds like you are only going to be doing web browsing and word processing; plenty of free and open source programs that will work well.
TechSoup.org has tons of info for you.
From the site:
TechSoup.org offers nonprofits a one-stop resource for technology needs by providing free information, resources, and support. In addition to online information and resources, we offer a product philanthropy service called TechSoup Stock. Here, nonprofits can access donated and discounted technology products, generously provided by corporate and nonprofit technology partners.
@RedPowerLady, we don’t have the $ yet, we are writing the proposal to get the $ for the computers, and part of the proposal writing is writing an estimated budget cost, that is why I need to do my research on how much 12 computers will cost me. The problem is that I don’t know what to look for. For example, what the hell is the difference between Vostros, Optiplex, Precision, Inspiron, and Studio XPS? I mean really, all we’re looking for is a simple computer.
@ksevilla333 I see what you are doing now. Budget writing is very important. Well in that case though you probably just need to decide between Mac and PC as Macs are higher priced (normally). Then go with a general estimate. Once you have a budget wrote up you could propose from different agencies that they offer you computers for free or at a low-cost because of your nonprofit status. Most nonprofs I know got their computers this way. Then it wouldn’t matter what type you want because they’ll give you what they want to give you, if that makes sense.
Are you doing video or audio editing? That will require more power than a general office machine.
And will they be Windows machines, or is that undecided?
Dell, IBM, Apple and others all have programs for giving free computers to non-profits.
Contact them.
Look at total cost of ownership over the next 5 years. Dell may appear to have a lower cost up front, but over the course of the useful life of the computer you’ll probably spend more on maintenance, upgrades, and security. Here’s what Apple has to say about it. And here’s some data from Macworld.
I am using an Aspire computer it is about six months old and I love it. My Husband has a new Dell. There is little difference. All the parts are made in Mexico, China and India. The best prices are on line .
My Husband had more problems with Dell than I had with this one. Dell Customer Service is in India. They call back at odd time. They speak English poorly. It is a problem when you can not understand them.
This Computer was bought at costco.com . Look at them in Best Buy, Staples etc but by on line.
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