IT Equipment Catalogue
The UoR Staff Laptop
The standard UoR staff computing device is a Microsoft Surface Windows Laptop. This is a "medium-high computing" device which is suitable for most users who generally work using Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams). It can also cope with more demanding processing or graphic work than a basic model would, and is suitable for Camtasia video editor and Yuja Learning Capture software.
Apple vs Microsoft
If you decide on an Apple MacBook, please ensure that you can perform all your required functions with macOS. Accessing University corporate systems and other software applications may not be easily available for macOS or might not be covered by our existing Windows software licences.
You may be asked to provide a business justification (e.g. specific software needed, departmental requirement) for the purchase of a MacBook.
Stock and availability
Standard laptops
This table shows the standard laptops available for new purchases.
Laptop purchases cannot be returned to XMA as they have University device and asset management software pre-installed.
| Surface Laptop 7 | MacBook Air 2025 | |
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| Model number | EP2-22247 | A3240 / MW133B |
| Operating system | Windows 11 | macOS 15 Sequoia |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 | M4 chip |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 16GB |
| Hard Drive (SSD) | 256 GB | 512GB |
| Screen size | 13.8" touchscreen | 13.6” touchscreen |
| Weight | 1.35kg | 1.24kg |
| Colour | Black | Midnight (Black) |
| More information | Surface Laptop 7 | MacBook Air 2025 |
| Approx. price | £1300 | £1000 |
Details and pricing in the above table are correct at 30/09/25. Updates and changes may be made to the specifications at any time. Pricing is excluding VAT and should always be confirmed at time of order.
Prices shown are for the device only (including UoR build and asset tagging) and do not include a docking station or hub, cabling for external monitors, or peripherals such as keyboards or mice which need to be purchased separately.
Is there anything else available?
The majority of staff will find the standard Microsoft Surface Laptop is suitable. If you would like us to explore different options to meet your personal specifications, please complete the IT Hardware Exception form so we can discuss your requirements.
Peripherals
For long-term working on campus or at home, we recommend you connect your laptop to an external monitor, a separate keyboard and a mouse. This table shows the extras you need to set yourself up working.
| Working on campus | Working remotely |
| Docking station to power laptop and connect peripherals | USB hub to connect peripherals (connected to the laptop power supply) |
| External monitor(s) | Recommended: External monitor |
| Separate keyboard and mouse (wired or wireless) | Recommended: Separate keyboard and mouse (wired or wireless) |
| USB headset (for Teams calls) | USB Headset (for Teams calls) |
| Recommended: Laptop bag, rucksack or slipcase to protect your device while travelling | Recommended: Laptop riser |
A note about peripherals for Macs
As Apple now supports USB-C (aka Thunderbolt), most of the peripherals we have listed work for both Windows and Mac via USB-C. Some Mac specific peripherals also listed.
Docking station or USB hub
A docking station (or dock) has additional USB-C and USB-A ports so you can connect different peripherals. You can also charge your laptop battery through the dock. If you have a local wired network connection, the dock also has an Ethernet port for this.
Note if you have more than one monitor, you will need a dock as the laptop by itself does not support the two connections.
Docking stations (docks)
- Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock (XMA code: T8I-00005)
- Belkin laptop dock/port replicator (XMA code: INC015BTSGY-CZ)
Docks for Macs
- StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock (XMA code: TB4CDOCKUE)
USB hubs
If you need more USB ports for your peripherals (e.g. if you have a mouse, keyboard and a headset to plug in) but you don’t need Ethernet (wired connection to the network), you can use a USB Hub instead. There are many variants available and what you need depends on what plugs into your laptop (from your Surface or MacBook, this is USB-C) and what outputs you require for peripherals (USB-A or USB-C or a mix).
- Anker 332 Wired USB (XMA code: A8356H11)
- StarTech.com USB C Multiport Adapter for MacBook Pro/Air (XMA code: DKT30CMHSDPD)
Current stock items can be found on the XMA page on Unit4 marketplace (Agresso), or via search on XMA website.
Monitor and cables
Standard monitor
The standard monitor is a 24" height adjustable flat screen monitor (or you could go bigger with a 27" monitor). Several departments use two 24" monitors on their desks.
- iiyama ProLite 24” (XMA code: XUB2492HSU-B6)
- iiyama ProLite 27’’ (XMA code: XUB2763HSU-B1)
Current stock items can be found on the XMA page on Unit4 marketplace (Agresso), or via search on XMA website.
Note monitors should be flat screen and must be height adjustable.
Cables - monitor connections
Cable and adapter stock fluctuates rapidly. Current stock items can be found on the XMA page on Unit4 marketplace (Agresso), or via search on XMA website.
To connect a monitor (HDMI, DVI or VGA) directly to a Surface (USB-C), you will need one of:
- HDMI to USB-C cable (e.g. XMA codes: CDP2HDMM2MH, CDP2HDMM1MH)
- DVI to USB-C 2m (e.g. XMA code: USB3C-DVI-2M)
- VGA to USB-C 2m (e.g. XMA code: CDP2VGAMM2MB)
To connect a monitor (HDMI, DVI or VGA) into a Surface dock (mini display port), you will need as many cables as you have monitors (one cable is required per monitor).
- HDMI to mini display port 2m (e.g. XMA code: 26-7198)
Apple products have a USB-C (or Thunderbolt) connectivity so any USB-C cable is suitable. If you want one that specifically states Apple, try:
- Apple Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) Pro Cable (3m) (XMA code: MW5H3ZM/A)
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 code: MDP2VGDVHD)
Apple USB-C AV Multiport Adapter
The USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter lets you connect your USB-C—enabled Mac, iPad or iPhone to an HDMI display, while also connecting a standard USB device and a USB-C charging cable. Connect the adapter to a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) connector on your Mac, iPad or iPhone, and then you can connect to your TV, monitor or projector via an HDMI cable.
- Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (XMA code: MW5M3ZM/A)
Other items
Keyboard & Mouse
A wireless UK keyboard and mouse, which requires a USB port for the wireless receiver.
- Logitech MK270 Wireless keyboard/mouse (XMA code: 920-004523)
Alternatively, a wired keyboard and mouse, each will need a USB port:
- Logitech MK120 Wired keyboard/mouse (XMA code: 920-002552)
Apple keyboard & mouse:
- Apple Magic Keyboard (black) with numeric keypad (XMA code: MXK83B/A)
- Apple Magic keyboard (black) (XMA code: MXCL3B/A)
- Logitech MX Anywhere 3S for Mac mouse (black) (XMA code: 910-006947)
- Apple Magic Mouse (black) (XMA code: MXK63Z/A)
Many other types of keyboard and mice are available, including ergonomic if required. Current stock items can be found on the XMA page on Unit4 marketplace (Agresso), or via search on XMA website.
Laptop riser
If you aren't using a separate monitor, you can use a riser to get your laptop to the recommended height. There are various different types available on the XMA page, this is just one option.
- Kensington Easy Riser Aluminium Laptop Riser (XMA code: K50417WW)
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 either Sennheiser (EPOS) or Jabra.
- Wired monoaural (one ear) EPOS IMPACT SC 30 USB ML (XMA code: 1000550)
- Stereo wired EPOS ADAPT 165T USB-C II (XMA code: 1000906)
- Stereo wired Jabra Evolve 20 SE Headset Wired USB (XMA code: 4999-829-469)
- Stereo wireless EPOS Adapt 260 (XMA code: 1000882)
Current stock items can be found on the XMA page on Unit4 marketplace (Agresso), or via search on XMA website.
Webcam
Desktops don't have a webcam and the camera on an older laptop 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 website, we recommend this one:
- Logitech C920 Pro HD webcam(XMA code: 960-001055)
Laptop bag, slip case or rucksack
If you are travelling with your laptop, even if it's from home to work and back again, you should protect it with a slip case, rucksack or laptop bag. A bag is also useful to keep all your cables, headset etc. together. There are various types available on the XMA page on Unit4 marketplace (Agresso), or via search on XMA website.
Updated by lm920207 on 28/10/25