Technology Specifications

2024 Specifications (Updated 2024.03)

_Recommended Buys_

Desktop Configurations

This year, again, the best value PC for general purpose computing is our standard Ultra SFF (configuration 12) builds -- it has a 256 GB SSD, a 6-core processor, and 16 GB of memory. This tiny form-factor does have a couple of drawbacks: 1) it is tough to upgrade as there is VERY little space in the case and 2) the size makes it a little easier to walk off with or drop and there are fewer connectivity ports. It does include wifi, which is convenient when cabling isn't practical.

Config 1 Alt. is definitely the most powerful choice with a more powerful processor, larger hard drive, and a powerful GPU.  This would be well-suited for 3d accelerated workloads like CAD, video production, or game development.  There is also a "Alt HE Config" of our Config 12 which is very capable in a smaller space.

24" monitors are the value sweet spot, but some devices have more input options than others, so check with your tech to ensure the devices you want to purchase pair well together.  The 27" options have higher resolution screens which can help for some work loads and can be easier on your eyes.

All-in-One Configurations

While All-in-One configurations aren't available this year, you can get a Config 12 with a "TIO" monitor and essentially build your own AIO config for a reasonable price.  This is a great option to ensure the computers are neatly tucked behind the monitor instead of needing to stand somewhere.

Portable Configurations

It is difficult to recommend portable configurations due to all the circumstances to take into consideration.

For anyone often on the go, the 14" Thinkpad L14 (Configuration 7) should suffice at a good price.  It is just over 3 lbs. and is small enough to carry from one location to the other with relative ease. It has a powerful processor, capable graphics, and a Full HD screen.  I'd be happy with this machine.  The primary benefit of the high end variant is the brighter screen.

The High-End Touchscreen Ultraportable (Configuration 9) is a wonderful machine.  It is mostly as powerful as the L14 but slightly lighter and smaller.  Notably, it includes a touchscreen and the capability to operate in tablet mode.  These features do notably increase the cost of this device, but this cost can be justified if you are on this device often.

We mostly recommend the T16 (Config 8) for individuals who need a built-in number pad or who want the largest screen possible from the notebooks/laptops we offer.  The HE variant of this config is great if you need a powerful GPU.

Any of these devices are powerful enough to function as a desktop replacement.  

For a portable option which will be used as a supplemental computer, a Chromebook (Configs 5 or 6) is a wonderful option.  We've added a 14" Chromebook option (the Lenovo 14e) this year; these devices aren't quite as durable as the 500e but are good options that provide a larger screen and higher resolution than was previously available in our Chromebooks.  As our district leans more heavily on Google (G Suite/Google Apps) for Drive and Docs usage, these may eventually be perfect for a user's only device.  For now, depending on your workflow, a traditional setup (even a shared desktop) may be needed occasionally.  Either Chromebook config is great for filling Chromebook/Laptop Carts!

Chromebook Carts

We recently added Chromebook Carts to the Specs. The referenced price includes the assembled cart, fully wired with Chromebook power adapters and teacher and tech (front and back) master locks. The price does not include the Chromebooks, and they must be purchased on the same purchase order or the wiring cannot be done, as the cart prep and wiring is done in the Presidio warehouse. We suggest Wireless Access Points travel with each (new) Chromebook cart. This will help reduce wireless infrastructure overload.  Please work with your building tech to request Access Points from the CTC (contact: Tom Abraham).

_Current Specs._

Current Bid Winner PC Specifications (Vendor: Presidio)

ViewSonic Interactive Displays are offered as an alternative to SMART products and will be provided by Touch Tech Pro.  Feel free to contact us if you have questions.  Touch Tech Pro is willing to answer questions you have about ViewSonic as well.

Updated 2025.03

Interactive Display Specs

If you don't need interactive (touch-screen) functionality, and just want to display content, a large monitor or TV will be vastly cheaper and can be purchased from our vendors such as tigerdirect, cdwg, or bhphotovideo, though mounting would have to be done by Waterbury staff.

The ViewSonic Interactive Displays are SMART Interactive Display alternatives.  They are priced relatively similar to the SMART Boards, but don't have a "Premium" software suite requiring additional pay...all software is included.

At heart, these are large, high resolution, multi-touch interactive displays.  They can run using built-in software which offers basic functionality and the benefit of requiring no external cables or PC, or can run in the more traditional mode, connected to a desktop or laptop, optionally driven by ViewSonic software which is comparable to SMART Notebook.  They can also have the screen of a tablet or in-room computer "cast" to them, allowing it to mirror another screen of a wired or wireless device, though wifi strength and network saturation can make this tricky in some situations.

All Interactive Displays come with a USB cable and power cable and video cable, but a mount will need to be purchased if adding an ID to a new location and the larger units *require* the more expensive built-out bracket instead of the standard one.  If replacing an older ID, the previous mount should be fine.

ViewSonic displays work best with HDMI or DisplayPort cables and function optimally relatively close to the source.  Sometimes using a small computer directly behind or near the ID is the best situation.  Consult your building tech if needed.

There are just two mounts for the Interactive Displays: an included one for standard wall mounting and one for "build-out" (over whiteboard / chalk board) mounting -- these are required for the larger 2 model boards for safety.  If in doubt, get the "build-out" mount, though building or district IT staff can advise.  The install labor fee is bundled into the Interactive Display cost.  For pricing without the fee bundled, contact Nick Chapman at the Computer Technology Center.  There are also "Mobile Carts" to which the IDs can be attached if they aren't to be stationary.  These are motorized and move up and down as needed, and the more pricey one even tilts flat.

Questions and Answers:

Why would I buy this instead of SMART?
As price is pretty similar with the MX series, the main reason I'd recommend ViewSonic is the MyViewBoard software which is free, as compared to SMART's Notebook software, which has a free variant, but requires a yearly renewal fee for the premium features.  Yearly renewal fees for software that used to be perpetually free is tough to budget for.

Will I have trouble using this if I love SMART Notebook software?
Probably not, but it would require learning new software.  Plus it would require switching Notebook files over to MyViewBoard, which is possible, but may not be seemless.  If you are a heavy Notebook software user, you'd probably be better off staying with SMART.  For anyone else, the ViewSonic and SMART products would probably behave similarly.

Here is a video and some information about the MyViewBoard softare.

SMART Boards will be provided by RnB Enterprises.

Updated 2025.03.06

SMART Board Specs

If you don't need interactive (touch-screen) functionality, and just want to display content, a large monitor or TV will be vastly cheaper and can be purchased from our vendors such as tigerdirect, cdwg, or bhphotovideo, though mounting would have to be done by Waterbury staff.

The SMART MX Series are newer, more cost-effective IDs priced similarly to ViewSonic options.  We haven't used them much, but didn't notice much difference between it and the traditional line for our use, making it the general recommendation.

The even newer GX Series is cheaper, still.  We haven't used them at all, but imagine they will perform reasonably.  The differences between the series can be compared here.

Interactive LCDs / SMART Monitors, which look like wall-mounted TVs and provide a multi-touch interface, have largely replaced projectors in recent years for newly purchased devices.  They are notably brighter than most projectors and typically last longer than projectors and don't require replacement bulbs.  All current models support a 4K resolutions and should look much better at close viewing distances (a smaller room), but require adequately powered PC as the video source.  Be sure to consult your building technician prior to purchase.  Current models do include built-in low-powered computers which will allow basic functionality like browsing the internet and interacting with the screen, but don't have the Notebook suite software many people expect to use with a SMART monitor.  The convenience is that no connections to an existing PC are required for this type of use.

All LCDs come a USB cable, but a display cable of appropriate length, with consideration of the video source, should be chosen.  Please speak with your tech if you are unsure which cables to purchase.  All displays accept HDMI, some also accept DisplayPort.  There is a DisplayPort to HDMI converter available for purchase if needed.

There are just two mounts for LCDs: one for wall mounting and one for "build-out" (over whiteboard / chalk board) mounting.  If in doubt, get the "build-out" mount.  The install labor fee is bundled into the Interactive LCD/Monitor cost.  For pricing without the fee bundled, contact Nick Chapman at the Computer Technology Center.

[nc 2023/03]