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In this guide, you will find instructions about choosing the right workplace equipment.

(info) Eesti keeles

When doing work, it is important to choose suitable work tools that help to do the work efficiently and with high quality. The right tool saves time and effort and also ensures a better result.
Before choosing work equipment, it is important to find out which task needs to be performed and which tools are needed for this. Think about what the job requirements are and what work tools help to meet these requirements. It is also important to consider your personal preferences and abilities. Consider your comfort level and choose equipment that are right for you.
Finally, before making a choice, research different options and compare them. Ask the opinion of colleagues or specialists and familiarize yourself with the functions of various tools. This way you can make an informed choice and ensure an efficient work result.

Procurement contract products

At the beginning of the year, we organized a mini-competition no. 258712 for ordering computers and equipment within the framework of procurement contract RH249476. The winner was AS MarkIT Eesti, through which you can now order HP computers and equipment. The contract is valid until January 19, 2024.

According to the contract, you can order HP laptops and desktop computers and monitors at a special price. You can learn more about the offered equipment here.

You can get information about the most ordered products here.

Computers

Different computer models are in use at the University of Tartu, which can be broadly categorized as follows: Computers with standard and special configurations.


Various computer models are used at the university, which can be broadly categorized as follows: with i5 and i7 processors. If a separate graphics card is also necessary during work tasks, we would classify it as a special configuration computer.

When choosing a computer, we base it on the three most important components: processor, RAM and SSD (a newer type of hard drive).

Computers with an i5 processor today (2023) have 4 cores and 8 buses. They can handle all the demands of typical office work today and should handle typical work for at least 4-5 years.

Computers with an i7 processor today (2023) have 6 cores and 12 buses. Thanks to this, it is possible to run more and more demanding programs at the same time with this computer. We would recommend the i7 processor if the computer is running several resource-intensive programs. Thanks to the higher power, this computer should handle typical tasks for at least 5-6 years.

At least an i5 processor is established as the University of Tartu standard.

RAM is random access memory that stores all information that is not stored on the computer's hard drive. The more RAM there is, the more programs, web browser windows, etc. can be opened on the computer. When the computer's RAM becomes full, the computer becomes slow, and often it is enough to close a program. It is possible to add RAM modules to all desktop computers, but some laptops have it soldered to the motherboard and adding a module in the future is not possible.

At least 16GB of RAM has been established as the University of Tartu standard.

SSD capacity is also important. It is possible to add disks to desktop computers, but some laptops may not have the ability to add disks and have to replace the entire disk.

A 512GB SSD has become the standard at the University of Tartu.

The components of a computer with a special configuration depends strongly on the work being done, so we order them as needed. In order to order a machine with a special configuration, it would be necessary to know what programs are used in the work and what the work speed expectations are. If, for example, image or video processing is involved, the speed of work depends on the power of the graphics card.
For recommendations contact IT helpdesk.  

MacOS computer

Apple laptops are also used at the University of Tartu.

The Apple M1 and M2 are Apple-designed system-on-chip (SoC) processors designed to run in Apple's latest computers and laptops, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and more. The M1 processor came out in 2020 and then the M2 in 2022.

You cannot add or change memory or disk size with Apple laptops.

Both processors are based on Apple's own ARM-based processor architecture. They use so-called "5-nanometer" manufacturing technologies, which allow them to be smaller and faster than previous processors.
The M1 processor has eight cores, four of which are strong and four of which are weaker. The M1 allows for up to 16GB of RAM and up to a 2TB SSD. However, the M2 has up to 12 cores, which means it should be more powerful than the M1. The M2 also has a better GPU and supports up to 64GB of RAM.

Both processors are optimized for high performance and low power consumption, which means they run faster and use less power. The M1 and M2 processors use technologies developed by Apple themselves, such as Apple's Neural Engine, which allows users of these devices to enjoy better performance and energy efficiency.

When ordering, specify the desired configuration. You can find additional information on the Apple website.

Apple offers a variety of accessories that complement MacOS computers and allow them to provide a better performance and user experience. Here are some of them:

Magic Keyboard is Apple's wireless keyboard that connects to Mac, iPad and iPhone via Bluetooth. This keyboard offers comfortable and fast typing and also has several shortcuts that allow users to quickly access various functions.

Magic Mouse is a wireless mouse from Apple that connects to Mac, iPad and iPhone via Bluetooth. This mouse offers a touch-sensitive surface that allows for quick and comfortable navigation and double-tap access to various functions.

AirPods are wireless headphones that work via Bluetooth. They offer excellent sound quality and can be used to wirelessly connect Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad and Mac. AirPods also offer voice control and automatically activate when placed in the ear.

The Apple Watch is a wearable device designed to track health and fitness. It allows users to track their heart rate, exercise, sleep time and more. Apple Watch also offers the ability to receive messages and calls, and can also be used as a means of payment through Apple Pay.

Thunderbolt Display is a high-resolution monitor from Apple that offers excellent image quality and is compatible with a laptop via USB-C. This monitor also offers a wide viewing angle and multiple USB ports to connect various peripherals.

Today, we are moving towards a mobile work environment, which is why the presence of additional devices has become more important. Mobile workstations or video conferencing capabilities may be required.
NB! Prices include VAT. Prices are not fixed and may change.

The dock is suitable for those who already have monitors and want to turn their laptop into a stationary workplace.
With the help of the dock, it is possible to connect the laptop to additional devices, including monitors, making the capabilities of the laptop comparable to that of a desktop computer.
Today's docks generally use a USB-C or Thunderbolt connection, and a laptop can be connected to the dock using a single cable.
When choosing a dock, you should consider the model of the laptop, the number of monitors to be connected and their resolution.

The monitor can both display the image from the laptop and charge it via USB-C, which actually eliminates the need to purchase a separate dock (for a laptop). Accessories (mouse-keyboard-valves) can be connected to the monitor and there is a network socket for wired internet.

University of Tartu recommends using a USB-C docking system monitor with a laptop, if the user does not have any existing separate monitor or dock yet.

  • 24'' with USB-C docking system Dell P2423DE - 334€

  • 27'' with USB-C docking system Dell P2723DE - 390€

  • 27'' with USB-C docking system HP E27m G4 - 402€, which also has a built-in webcam, speakers and a microphone

The main advantage of a wired mouse is ease of use and no need to charge batteries or change batteries. As a standard desktop computer set, this option is the most convenient and also best suited for general purpose computers.

The main advantage of a wireless mouse is the reduction of wires on the desk, greater mobility (up to 10 meters from the device) and better portability.

A combo mouse is most optimal when using both a laptop, tablet and desktop computer. The mouse comes with a USB adapter to connect the mouse to a desktop computer and Bluetooth capability to connect the mouse to a laptop or tablet. The mouse has a button for connecting to different computers.

The main advantage of a wired keyboard is ease of use, and there is no need to charge the battery or change the batteries. It's an ideal choice for a typical desktop PC suite, and also works well for general purpose computers.

Wireless keyboards offer an advantage in terms of mobility: they can be used up to 10 meters away from the device. Therefore, they are well suited for use in meeting rooms with a projector or also as a mobile workplace where a tablet is used. A Bluetooth keyboard can be connected to a wide range of devices, but desktop computers may require an additional Bluetooth adapter.

The combo keyboard is the most optimal solution when using both mobile, laptop, tablet and desktop computers.

A keyboard with an ID card reader, which has the ID card reader placed at the top of the keyboard, which makes it easier to remove the card and helps prevent firmware changes.

The set includes one USB adapter that allows you to connect a keyboard as well as a mouse. In addition, the keyboard has a button for connecting between different devices.

Headphones can be categorized into wired and wireless based on the type of connection. Headphones used with a computer are divided into headphones with a 3.5mm and USB connection, of which models that cover the entire ear are usually preferred.

Headphones with a 3.5mm audio jack require full power from the computer and may require an additional power supply for mobile devices, especially with high-end speakers.

USB-connected headphones contain an amplifier and are compatible with all devices, but may be impractical for mobile devices that do not include a USB port.

Wireless headphones may offer added convenience, but come with additional responsibilities, such as battery charging and compatibility monitoring. When choosing headphones, it is important to observe the type of connection, compatibility with existing devices and possible active noise reduction capabilities.

In-ear headphones are the preferred choice for sportiness, comfort and mobility. The headphones are light and take up little space, making them easy to carry. These headphones are designed for near-field listening to prevent sound leakage and ensure accuracy.

To participate in a Zoom/Teams video meeting and the other party would see a high-quality image.

Also check Meeting room solutions.

Backpacks may be preferred for those who want to distribute the load evenly and comfortably, and they usually hold more than shoulder bags. In addition, wearing a backpack allows free hands and thus more comfortable movement. However, carrying a backpack can cause back strain, especially if the bag is heavily loaded.

Shoulder bags, on the other hand, are usually lighter and smaller, suitable for those who only carry a few items, such as a laptop. However, carrying a shoulder bag can be uncomfortable, especially if the bag is heavy or if another shoulder bag is already being carried.

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