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IT Equipment Catalogue (Windows)

Standard Windows models

This table shows the current devices available. You may receive a Surface Laptop 5 or 6 depending on stock availability. 

Laptop purchases cannot be returned to XMA as they have University device and asset management software pre-installed.
  Surface Laptop 5

 Surface Laptop 6 
Processor  Intel Core i7 (quad core)   Intel Core Ultra 7
Memory (RAM) 16 GB  16 GB
Hard Drive (SSD) 256 GB  256 GB
Screen size 13.5" touchscreen  13.5" touchscreen
Weight 1.3kg  1.38kg
Details Surface Laptop 5   Surface Laptop 6
Price (ex VAT) £1310.50  £1299.50

Note: Details in the above table are correct as at 14/10/24. Updates and changes may be made to the specifications at any time. 

Pricing is ex VAT and should be confirmed with XMA at time of order. 
Prices are for the device only and do not include a docking station or hub, cabling for external monitors, or peripherals such as wireless keyboards or mice which need to be purchased separately.

What is available?

Microsoft Laptop 5 or 6

The default device supplied for staff. It is a traditional laptop with a 13.5” touch screen, Intel i7 or Ultra 7 quad core processor, 16 GB RAM and 256 GB storage (solid state). This is suitable for the majority of users in the university, and is a good replacement for a desktop computer as it can be used for medium-high computing tasks. It can be plugged into two monitors (cables purchased separately).

Photo of a Surface Laptop 5  
Suitable for

General user (med-high computing): Staff who would generally work using Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) but also need more heavy computing processing or graphic work. This device is suitable for Camtasia video editor and Yuja Learning Capture software.

 

Is there anything else available?

The majority of staff should find the standard Surface Laptop is suitable. If you would like us to explore different options to meet your personal specifications, please complete the IT Hardware Exception form so we can discuss your requirements. 

 

 

Peripherals

For long-term working on campus or at home, we recommend you connect your laptop to an external monitor, a separate keyboard and a mouse. This table shows the extras you need to set yourself up working.

Working on campus Working at home

Docking station - to allow easy connection to the wired network, separate keyboard and mouse.  

External monitor (if you don't have one) plus cable

Multi video adapter (docking station to monitor). This adapter should work regardless of the type of connection to the monitor (VGA , DVI or HDMI).

Separate keyboard and mouse

USB Headset (for Teams calls)

USB hub - to allow easy connection of several USB devices (e.g. mouse, keyboard, headset) and a separate monitor. 

USB-C video adapter and cable (Surface to monitor) if using a separate monitor.   

Laptop riser (if not using a separate monitor) - to raise the screen to a more comfortable height 

Separate keyboard and mouse

USB Headset (for Teams calls)

Docking station or USB hub

Microsoft Surface Dock 2: £155.00

XMA item number: 1GK-00005

A docking station allows easy connection to the wired network as it has an Ethernet port. The Surface Dock 2 also has two rear facing USB-C ports so you can connect two monitors (if you are using more than one monitor you will need a dock), plus two front facing USB-C and two USB-A ports so you can connect various different peripherals. It also charges the laptop battery and has a 3.5mm audio jack connection. 

 

and/or USB hub: from £8 

If you need more USB ports for your peripherals (e.g. if you have a mouse, keyboard and a headset to plug in), as the Surface only has one port. There are many variants available and what you need depends on the input (from the Surface, this is USB-C) and what outputs you require (USB-A or USB-C or a mix). Please see the UoR peripherals page for details of current stock available. 

 

Monitor and cables

24" monitor: from £100

The standard University monitor is a 24" height adjustable monitor, or you could go bigger with a 27" monitor. Many departments use two monitors as standard on desks. Please check the UoR monitors page for details of current stock available. 

 

Hub monitor

This is a new type of monitor that has an inbuilt hub which allows multiple devices (for example, USB and network connection) to be connected through the monitor. This means you don't need to purchase a separate dock. Devices such as mouse, keyboard, webcam and network cable etc. connect into the back of the monitor, and only the monitor needs to be connected to a power supply. 

If you are interested in purchasing a hub monitor please contact the Device Lifecycle team to discuss your requirements as not all hub monitors on the XMA website are compatible with UoR equipment.

 

Monitor connections

To connect a monitor directly to a Surface:

To connect a monitor into a dock (one cable per monitor) 

Mini Display Port Adapter

Most recent monitors are HDMI, however if you don't know what the input is, then choose the 3-in-1 Mini Display Port Adapter. This will connect any monitor type (HDMI/VGA/DVI) to your Surface dock (Mini display port). Useful if you don't know what type of input your monitor has, or if you are ordering for someone else.

Details: https://he.xma.co.uk/Product?pid=MDP2VGDVHD (XMA item number: MDP2VGDVHD) 

 

Other items available

Keyboard & Mouse

A wireless UK keyboard and mouse, which requires a USB port for the wireless receiver. 

Alternatively, a wired keyboard and mouse, which will need a USB-A port each:

Other types of keyboard and mice are available, including ergonomic if required. Please see the UoR peripherals page for details of current stock available. 

 

Laptop riser

Use instead of books to get your laptop to the recommended height if you aren't using a separate monitor. There are various different types available on the XMA Hub, this is just one option. 

Headset

You will be most comfortable on long Teams calls using a headset, which also leaves your hands free to take notes. Any headset with a microphone and USB connection (check which your laptop has) is suitable. There are several on the XMA Hub in the University of Reading recommended section.

 

Webcam

Desktops don't have a webcam and the camera on some of the older laptops might not have the best picture. If you're using a desktop, or you'd like a separate camera for your laptop, you can buy a webcam. There are several on the XMA Hub, we recommend these:

 

Carry case, slip case or rucksack

If you are travelling with your laptop, a case is useful to keep it all together with your cables, headset etc. There are various types available on XMA.

 

Updated by lm920207 on 14/10/24

Contents

Windows devices

Windows peripherals

Back to Buying Computer Equipment

Apple MacBooks
Mac Equipment Catalogue