IT Equipment Catalogue (Windows)

Stock and availability: Whilst every effort is made to keep up to date with current stock, models become unavailable or are replaced at short notice. All IT items available on the marketplace (Agresso) are suitable. Please raise a ticket with DTS if you would like specific advice.

Microsoft Surface Laptop

The default device supplied for staff. It is a traditional laptop with a 13.8” touch screen, Intel Ultra 7 processor, 16 GB RAM and 256 GB storage (solid state). This is suitable for the majority of users in the university, and is a good replacement for a desktop computer as it can be used for medium-high computing tasks. It can be plugged into two monitors (cables purchased separately).

  

This is suitable for general user (med-high computing): Staff who would generally work using Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) but also need more heavy computing processing or graphic work. This device is suitable for Camtasia video editor and Yuja Learning Capture software.

 

Is there anything else available?

 

Docking station or USB hub

A docking station allows easy connection to the wired network as it has an Ethernet port. Docks enable you to connect two monitors (if you are using more than one monitor you will need a dock), plus they have USB-C and USB-A ports so you can connect various different peripherals. Docks will also charge the laptop battery.

Docks

• Microsoft Surface Dock 2:£155.00 (XMA code1GK-00005)
• Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock: £193.30 (XMA code T8I-00004)
• Wavlink Universal Docking Station: £115.06 (XMA code JLWL-UG69PD2PROC)

 

USB hub: from £8 

If you need more USB ports for your peripherals (e.g. if you have a mouse, keyboard and a headset to plug in), as the Surface only has one port. There are many variants available and what you need depends on the input (from the Surface, this is USB-C) and what outputs you require (USB-A or USB-C or a mix).

• Anker 332 Wired USB £36.84 (XMA code A8355011)

Please see the UoR peripherals page or the XMA page on Agresso for details of current stock. 

 

Monitor and cables

Standard flat screen monitor

The standard monitor is a 24" height adjustable flat screen monitor (or you could go bigger with a 27" monitor). Many departments use two 24" monitors as standard on desks.

• iiyama 24” £86.39 (XMA code XUB2493HSU-B7)
• iiyama ProLite 27’’ £174.98 (XMA code XUB2797QSN-B2)

Please check the UoR monitors page or the XMA page on Agresso for details of current stock.

 

Hub monitor

This is a new type of monitor that has an inbuilt hub which allows multiple devices (for example, USB and network connection) to be connected through the monitor. This means you don't need to purchase a separate dock. Devices such as mouse, keyboard, webcam and network cable etc. connect into the back of the monitor, and only the monitor needs to be connected to a power supply. 

 

If you are interested in purchasing a hub monitor please raise a ticket via the IT Service Desk to discuss your requirements as not all hub monitors on the XMA website are compatible with UoR equipment.

 

Cables - monitor connections

To connect a monitor (HDMI, DVI or VGA) directly to a Surface (USB-C):

• HDMI to USB-C 2m (e.g. USB3C-HDMI-2M-OS)
• DVI to USB-C 2m (e.g. USB3C-DVI-2M) 
• VGA to USB-C 2m (e.g. CDP2VGAMM2MB)

To connect a monitor (HDMI, DVI or VGA) into a dock (mini display port). Note one cable is required per monitor. 

• HDMI to mini display port 2m (e.g. 26-7198) 
  
  

Mini Display Port Adapter

Most recent monitors are HDMI, however if you don't know what the input is, then choose the 3-in-1 Mini Display Port Adapter. This will connect any monitor type (HDMI/VGA/DVI) to your Surface dock (Mini display port). Useful if you don't know what type of input your monitor has, or if you are ordering for someone else.

• Startech Travel AV Adapter (XMA item number: MDP2VGDVHD) 

Cable and adapter stock fluctuates rapidly. Please see the UoR peripherals page or the XMA page on Agresso for details of current stock. 

 

 

Other items available

Keyboard & Mouse

A wireless UK keyboard and mouse, which requires a USB port for the wireless receiver. 

• Logitech MK270 Wireless keyboard/mouse (XMA item number: 920-004523)

Alternatively, a wired keyboard and mouse, which will need a USB-A port each:

• Logitech MK120 (Wired keyboard/mouse (XMA item number: 920-002552)

Other types of keyboard and mice are available, including ergonomic if required. Please see the UoR peripherals page or the XMA page on Agresso for details of current stock available. 

 

Laptop riser

If you aren't using a separate monitor, use a riser to get your laptop to the recommended height. There are various different types available on the XMA Hub, this is just one option. 

• Kensington SmartFit Easy Riser Laptop Cooling - Grey (XMA item number: 60112)
  
  

Headset

You will be most comfortable on long Teams calls using a headset, which also leaves your hands free to take notes. Any headset with a microphone and USB connection (check which your laptop has, USB-A or USB-C) is suitable. We recommend eith Sennheiser (EPOS) or Jabra.

• Wired monoaural (one ear) EPOS IMPACT SC 30 USB ML (XMA item number: 1000550)
• Stereo wired EPOS ADAPT 165T USB-C II (XMA item number: 1000906)
• Stereo wired Jabra Evolve 20 SE Headset Wired USB (XMA item number: 4999-829-469)
• Stereo wireless EPOS Adapt 260 (XMA item number: 1000882)

There are several on the XMA Hub in the University of Reading recommended section.

 

Webcam

Desktops don't have a webcam and the camera on some of the older laptops might not have the best picture. If you're using a desktop, or you'd like a separate camera for your laptop, you can buy a webcam. There are several on the XMA Hub, we recommend these:

• Logitech C920 Pro HD webcam (XMA item number 960-001055) 

 

Carry case, slip case or rucksack

If you are travelling with your laptop, a case is useful to keep it all together with your cables, headset etc. There are various types available on XMA.

 

Updated by lm920207 on 30/09/25