Computer Buying Advice

Need help buying a computer?
The Help Desk provides needs analysis and computing pre-purchase support for MIT students, faculty, and staff interested in buying a computer or computer accessories. The showroom, located in Building N42, has a selection of computers that you can try out.

Don't know where to start?
We can make recommendations based on the kind of work you to do and the kind of portability you need. Our recommendations are grouped into desktops, laptops and tablets then organized by work needs to make it easy to find the right machine. Read about our Recommendation Process for more details.

Do you have specific suggestions?
Why yes, we do! All of our recommended system configurations are available from one of the categories below.

How do I buy it?
You can purchase your computer on the web. Click on a link below to go to your chosen vendor's site. On their front page, click "Personal Purchase" to use your own credit card, otherwise click "Departmental Purchase" to use an MIT requisition.
Note: ECAT requires certificates.

Apple: ECAT
Dell: ECAT
Lenovo: ECAT (via GovConnection)

Can I talk to someone?
There are several ways you can contact us for help with buying a computer:

In person: Building N42
211 Mass Avenue
Monday thru Friday 9am to 5pm

Phone: 617.253.1101
Monday thru Friday
8am to 6pm (5pm on Tuesdays)

Email: computing-help@mit.edu