Review/Request a Dell Computer
Using Department Funds
(Non-Replacement Program/NRP)

Software Image

Standard computers that are ordered with software image will have standard Texas State software and configuration settings loaded by Technology Resources. The software image contains software that enable faculty and staff to do general word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, e-mail, and other tasks that support everyday work activities. Our image comes with Windows XP.  We only purchase Vista Home because the license fee is cheaper.  Our Microsoft Campus Agreement Subscription allows us to upgrade/downgrade as needed.  When in doubt, request a software image.

Review/Request Standard Computer Configuration
If you need assistance in choosing your computer, check with your department techinical support person or call the IT Assistance Center at 5-ITAC (4822).

Use the BOBCATALOG system to access the Dell Premier site for review and/or purchasing.  Find BOBCATALOG instructions here.  To see the Texas State standard computer configurations with our discounted pricing, you must use the BOBCATALOG.  Pricing shown on other Dell websites will not reflect the Texas State standard configurations or our discounted price.

When purchasing computers, do not place any non-computer items in your cart.  Computer requests will be routed for ITAC Review and any other items in your cart can be delayed if there are questions about your computer request. 
Place only one model of computer in your cart.  Dell are "complete ship" vendors so a delay on any item will delay all items for that order.  To order more than one model, create a new cart. 

• Ensure that you are starting with an empty BOBCATALOG cart.  On the Punch-out list, click on the Dell logo. 
• Creating a Dell cart
  • The list of standard computers will be displayed.
  • Be sure that you know if you want your computer to have our standard software pre-installed, as noted on the configuration name as "software image" and start with that configuration.  If unsure, choose " software image." 
  • Choose one of the computers on the Standard Configurations list.
  • If you know you want to purchase a standard configuration, scroll to it and jump to Click Add to Cart instructions, below.
  • To see configuration details, click Customize.
    •  Review the configuration to see if it will meet your requirements.
    • You may choose to select a standard computer or upgrade a standard.  To upgrade, simply choose the options you need.
    • If you find that you cannot upgrade a standard computer to meet your needs, go to Request a Non-Standard Computer instructions below, then return and complete the steps in this section.
    • Click Review Summary  to review the final configuration and price, if you wish.
  • Click Add to Cart
  • Make sure that your Dell cart contains only one model of computer and additional items that you are ordering for this computer, and that the quantities are correct.  If not, correct as needed.
  • Click Create Order Requisition
  • Under Trade Compliance, answer I will/will not export this order outside the United States.
  • Click Continue.
  • Click Submit Order Requisition
  • You will return to your BOBCATALOG cart.
  • In the BOBCATALOG cart:
    • Ensure that the right computer is shown in the Line Item Details.
    • In the Description field, enter "NRP" followed by computer recipient name, or lab name, or brief description of other use.
    • Complete the BOBCATALOG Computer Request Form, indicating which computer you need
    • Be sure you proceed to the Review stage of your cart.
    • Attach the Computer Request Form to the BOBCATALOG cart using the box entitled Internal Notes and Attachments.  (Please do not attach at the line item level.)  For File Name, enter the same text as in Description field above.
    • You may use the Comments feature to record communications regarding this request.
    • Use the Assign Cart feature to send your cart to the requisitioner in your department.
    • This ends the responsiblity for the shopper.
  • Requisitioner Processing
    • Enter the rest of the of the information required to complete a BOBCATALOG requisition.  This includes the fund/cost center. 

• Codes that will be helpful for computer orders only:
  • Account Assignment Category - A (for assets)
  • Storage Location - If you are requesting that ITAC set up your computer, use MCS5, otherwise, you may use your department's location.
  • The G/L Account for computer purchases is 737800.
• Once all codes are entered and all reviews are complete, use the Place Order feature to submit it for ITAC Review. Quotes for models that are not a standard configuration will be reviewed by ITAC staff to ensure that the requested computer will meet your needs.

Request a Non-Standard Computer

If our standard Dell computer configurations and upgrades will not meet your requirements, you may request a custom computer.  Technology Resources strongly recommends the Optiplex and Latitude lines (consumer models such as Dimension and Inspiron will require justification).
Quotes for models that are not a standard configuration will be reviewed by ITAC staff to ensure that the requested computer will meet your needs.

• On the Dell punch-out, click on the Systems tab located at the top of the screen.
• Choose either Desktop or Laptop categories, as needed.
• Browse until you find a model that meets your needs.
• Note:  Do not start with a "FLX" or "N-series" model.
• Click Customize beneath the computer model of your choice.
  • Select the options that you need.  Cost is shown next to each option.  There may be several pages of options from which to choose; click Continue.  You may be prompted to click Continue more than once.
  • Please note that for laptops, you should select at least a 3-year warranty (including CompleteCare) and for desktops, a 4-year warranty.
  • Return to instructions above entitled Click Add to Cart.
• If you would like to browse or search for additional items, click on the Software & Peripherals tab.  You may also use the Search box at the top of the page.
  • Add needed additional hardware items to your cart.  Note:  Software may not be ordered through the NRP.  If you need to order software, please visit our Software pages.
  • After all items are added, then Proceed to Cart and Checkout.
  • Return to instructions above entitled Click Add to Cart.