Ithaca College

Submitted on behalf of Keith W. "Mac" McIntosh, Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer, ITS
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Apple recently made significant changes to its Mac Mini computer, which has been the standard Apple desktop model for the Technology Renewal Program the past two years. 

The most notable change was to the unit’s processor. The previous Mac Mini incorporated a quad-core processor; the new 2014 models are dual-core only. Information Technology Services believes this represents a ‘step backward’ for these models, and is not acceptable for the renewal program. As a result, the Technology Renewal Program will again be providing Apple iMac computers, which do offer quad-core processors, beginning with the spring 15 installs.

We have already submitted the order for spring 15 iMacs, and will update the standard Apple desktop in the iProcurement ITS Catalog for new Apple desktop ordering. 

Please note that due to the timing of this change, and the need to submit the spring order as soon as possible, we are not able to make any changes to your existing spring 15 technology renewal selections. 

The new iMac configuration will be:

iMac 21.5-inch
2.7GHz Quad-core Intel Core i5
Intel Iris Pro Graphics
8GB RAM
1TB Serial ATA Drive

As noted in previous Intercom announcements, the initial decision to switch from the iMac to the Mac Mini was made to offset a significant price increase in the iMac desktops. Moving back to the iMac brings that cost increase to the forefront yet again.  This change represents an increase to the lease schedule of $28K.  As a result Information Technology Services will continue to work closely with college administration to analyze savings opportunities for the program.

Keith W. "Mac" McIntosh
Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Information Technology Services
310 Job Hall

CIO@ithaca.edu