Ordering hardware
Important: Hardware price rises and supply issues - 2026
As of early 2026, due to various world-wide factors, we've seen both significant increase in prices of Dell and other computer hardware products and extended lead-times on delivery for some hardware.
Known Dell timelines will be updated where possible below and pricing updated on the Certified Technology Product Service.
Please be aware that this will have ongoing impacts into the foreseeable future.
If you are needing to purchase computer hardware, please plan (well) ahead and log a ticket to IT Service Centre as needed.
IT hardware ordering process
The Certified Technology Product Service is UNSW’s way for staff to order all hardware and equipment, as well as software. You can confidently order products knowing they are approved for use by the University.
To start ordering, log onto the Certified Technology Product Service to find, explore, review, access product information, and order directly from the list of approved IT hardware and software products.
More information, resources and support is available on The Certified Technology Product Service SharePoint Site (SSO login required).
Product catalogues
These brochures are for reference only and may change over time. To request a brochure under the "exception purchase" process, note it on the form and discuss it with your financial delegate and the Digital team to ensure the device is economical and suitable.
UNSW preferred vendors
UNSW has selected Dell as our preferred vendor for all Windows-related IT purchases and CompNow for all Apple-related devices. This decision was made to:
- Standardise IT equipment across campus: Ensuring consistency in IT equipment helps streamline support and maintenance processes.
- Proactive support with Dell Devices: Dell devices come equipped with a built-in Support Assist tool that proactively checks the health of your system’s hardware and software, enabling timely issue resolution.
- Tailored IT solutions: Dell will work with you to thoroughly understand your IT requirements and recommend business-grade devices that are best suited for your needs.
- Extended warranty coverage: All Dell products purchased come with an extended warranty, providing additional peace of mind and protection for your investment.
- Consistency and suitability: Providing computers that meet the specific needs of UNSW staff ensures a consistent user experience across the university.
- Fit for purpose devices: Devices are selected based on their suitability for use by UNSW staff, ensuring they meet the required standards and functionality.
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Once you’ve submitted your request you’ll receive an automated email from svcequipmentrequest@unsw.edu.au.
Contact your manager to check if they received an email from svcequipmentrequest@unsw.edu.au. They will need to open the email, scroll to the bottom of the email and click on the blue "Approve" button.
If they haven’t received it, please check the automated email you received from svcequipmentrequest@unsw.edu.au and check if the manager's email address was entered correctly. If not, you’ll be required to re-submit a new IT equipment form with the correct email address.
You won’t need to raise a purchase order for your order.
IT has high volumes of stock on hand, so your request can usually be fulfilled within 5 days for standard devices. Exception orders may take longer, as we wait for quotes from vendors.
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- For all Internal IT stock items: Please wait at least five business days before checking your order progress. You can email the service desk quoting your CASD ticket number.
- For all Dell orders, you can check your order status using this link: Order Support | Dell Australia.
- Please use customer number: 395001689.
- PO format should be entered as DeptID.00000xxxxx. e.g., Engin.0000012345.
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UNSW IT maintains a limited on-campus buffer stock of approved laptop devices to support urgent operational needs such as new staff onboarding and replacement of faulty equipment.
These devices are pre-purchased in advance and made available at the original procurement cost paid by UNSW IT at the time of purchase.
For requests of up to 5 devices, laptops are typically fulfilled from this existing buffer stock inventory, enabling faster delivery and stable pricing. Requests for 6 or more devices are generally treated as new procurement orders and are sourced directly from vendors such as Dell or CompNow.
These orders are priced based on current supplier market rates, vendor availability, exchange rates, and prevailing hardware supply conditions at the time the quotation is requested. As a result, pricing for larger orders may differ from buffer stock pricing.
While UNSW IT works closely with suppliers to obtain competitive pricing wherever possible, supplier quotations are outside the control of UNSW IT and may fluctuate over time.
To support planning and cost management, faculties and business units anticipating larger device requirements are encouraged to engage UNSW IT early. Advance notice may assist with procurement planning, stock forecasting, and improved device availability.
To ensure fairness and consistent application of the process across the university, multiple requests cannot be combined or split for the purpose of accessing buffer stock pricing.
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Please check our frequently asked questions below, or if you have questions regarding the form, devices, delivery and set up, please contact the Service Desk.
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What devices are available to me?
General Everyday Laptop: Dell Pro 14 Plus Ultra 5
Touchscreen-enabled Everyday Laptop: Dell Pro 14 Plus 2-in-1 Ultra 7
These laptops are suitable for:- MS Office applications
- research/teaching
- technical, AV/digital content
- entry/mid-level management roles.
High performance laptop: Dell Pro Max 14. All functions covered under the general everyday laptop, more suited for computational heavy workloads such as:
- data modelling
- analysis, architecture, engineering, ArcGIS
- simulations, high-end CPU RAM-intensive application
- executive management roles.
Lightweight executive laptop: Premium Lightweight: Dell Pro 14 Premium. All functions covered under the general everyday laptop, more suited for work that requires
- travelling & meetings/conferences.
These devices are available in stock on campus.
Why have the above devices been selected? What criteria were they chosen on?
UNSW has procured standard devices for staff. These devices have been specially selected to support various positions in the University and were chosen on capability, portability, functionality and cost.
What if the specified device for my position level is not suitable for me to perform my role?
Please select 'Requirements not met' within the form. You can detail what you need and why. The Digital Support team will contact you about your needs.
What if I need other equipment that isn't included on the form?
As above. Select 'Requirements not met' within the form and detail your requirements.
Why can't I order through online catalogues or contact suppliers directly?
This option is no longer financially sustainable and is no longer available.