Ithaca College

Due to changes in Apple’s product line, we find it necessary to make some changes to the standard Macintosh platform for the Technology Renewal Program. We will be moving from the iMac desktop computer to the Mac Mini as the standard Macintosh platform in the program. 

As ITS announced in Intercom a few weeks ago, iMac computers no longer include an internal DVD drive. The price of the new iMac also increased $100 for the basic system. Where we would need to purchase an external DVD drive, this would increase the cost even further.

This places a significant burden on the Technology Renewal budget. The challenge is how best to manage the college’s technology dollars while still insuring that our community has the necessary computing resources. We have determined that the Mac Mini computer is a better option for the program. Therefore, beginning June 1, 2013, the following changes are being implemented.

Beginning June 1 (cycle C), we will move to the Mac Mini as the Apple standard desktop. Over the next three years iMacs for offices will be replaced with a Mac Mini, keyboard, mouse and a high quality 21.5” monitor which includes a camera and speakers.  In student computer labs it will be a 19” monitor without the camera and speakers. For subsequent renewals (when the Mac Mini comes up for replacement) only the Mac Mini CPU, keyboard and mouse will be updated; monitor replacement will be the responsibility of the department, as it currently is for Dell desktops.

For FY 13-14 only, DVD drives will be provided by the renewal program to those who request them. This will give departments time to budget for these external devices should they be needed in subsequent replacement years. For ease of ordering we are working with Staples Link, the college’s office supply vendor, to have a selection of monitors and Mac-compatible DVD drives available on their ordering website.

These changes have been reviewed and approved by a number of Mac-intensive areas on campus and various interest groups, as well as by the Information Technology Planning and Advisory Committee.  They will result in substantial savings to the College each year without impacting an individual's ability to perform his or her work. Thank you for your understanding as we continue to seek a prudent balance between demands on our budgets and providing the technology tools our campus requires.

Please contact Michael Taves, Executive Director of ITS, if you have questions about these changes to the program, and Irene Scott with any general questions about technology renewal.