Dell Computer Purchasing Information

Dell has been chosen as Harvard's preferred vendor for Windows-based desktop and laptop computers. The benefits to using Dell as the University's principal vendor include:

  • Competitive pricing
  • Easy online purchasing
  • Excellent service and support

In addition, Dell is committed to offering the same aggressive pricing to all members of our community, which includes faculty, staff, alumni, personal and student purchases as well as Harvard's affiliated hospitals.

How To Purchase a Computer through Dell

You can purchase a Dell computer two ways.

  1. Follow the instructions on this page to register as a buyer on the Dell Premier web site
  2. Contact our Dell Representative, Andy Meyer by calling 1-800-274-7799 ext. 5139346 or sending email to: andy_meyer@dell.com

How to Register for Dell Premier Access

  1. Connect to Harvard University Information Systems Technology Services
  2. In the Dell section of the web page, click Department
  3. Enter your Harvard ID and PIN
  4. Click Login
  5. Click Register Now
  6. Click the Harvard Medical School link located under the Graduate Schools heading.
  7. Set up your Dell Profile by entering your:
    1. First Name
    2. Last Name
    3. Email
    4. Password
  8. Click Submit.

How to Log Into Dell Premier for Personal Purchases

  1. Connect to Harvard University Information Systems Technology Services
  2. In the Dell section of the web page, click Personal
  3. Enter your Harvard ID and PIN
  4. Click Login
  5. Click Shop Now

How to Log Into Dell Premier for Departmental Purchases

  1. Connect to Harvard University Information Systems Technology Services
  2. In the Dell section of the web page, click Department
  3. Enter your Harvard ID and PIN
  4. Click Login
  5. Click Shop Now
  6. Click Sign In
  7. Enter your email address and Dell Premier password
  8. Click Sign In

You will presented with the list of HMS standard computers. There are three types of computers to choose from: laptops, desktops and research workstations. Press the Page Down key or scroll down to see the entire list of computers.

Selecting a Computer

HMS computer standards provide a full range of standard computers to fit most business needs. You'll see most computers categorized as either base models or workhorses, and in the case of research workstations, high-end and mid-range. To purchase a standard configuration, click the Add to Cart link that displays under the picture of your computer selection.

Customizing Your System *

After selecting a computer you can add system options such as additional memory, a faster processor, speakers or a specific sized monitor. Read the options carefully and click to select the items you'd like to include with your computer.

  1. Review all of the HMS standard computers to locate a system that best suits your needs.
  2. Click the Customize link under the computer of your choice.
  3. Review the available system options. If you are unsure of a specific computer term or how the computer would benefit from a specific option, click Help Me Choose in a specific section to learn more about that particular upgrade. You'll need to close or minimize the Help window to continue with the purchasing process.
  4. To quickly see all of your selections click Review Summary.
  5. To return to the options page, click Components across the top of the screen or edit next to any one of the options.
  6. When you've selected all desired components click Add to Cart.
  7. You can add other items to your cart by clicking Continue Shopping and repeating steps one through six.

* Note: When you enter the Dell Premier page, you will be presented with systems that have been standardized across all Harvard schools. Purchasing one of the "standard" computers offers a sizable discount compared to purchasing these models directly through Dell.com. If the standard configurations do not fit your needs you can always click on the "Systems" link at the top of the site to view other Dell models.

E-Quotes

E-Quotes provide a way for you to save your selected computer configuration for review or purchase at a later date.

  1. Follow the steps above to add items to your cart.
  2. From the My Cart web page, click the Save as E-quote link, located at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Enter the required contact and E-quote information. You do not need to fill out the Authorized Buyer section.
  4. Click -> Continue.
  5. Your E-quote is now saved. You will receive an email confirmation with the E-quote details.

To Review or Update an E-Quote:

  1. Click the E-Quotes link located on right of the screen.
  2. Locate your E-Quote by:
    • Searching for your name OR
    • Selecting a specific filter (such as Saved By and then choosing your name and clicking Apply Filters(s) OR
    • Browse the E-Quote list. You can change the list sort order by clicking on column headings.
  3. To edit the E-quote, click on a E-quote number and choose View Details from the drop down menu.
    • To add another computer or component to the E-Quote, click Add Item. Select the item(s) to be included in the purchase and click Add to Equote.
    • To change a component for a particular item in the E-quote, click Adjust System, make your changes and then click Return to E-quote.
  4. To save your changes click Save as new E-quote.
  5. Update the contact and E-quote descriptions if desired and click Continue.
  6. A new E-quote will be created and an updated email confirmation will be sent to you.

Finalizing the Purchase

  1. Click the E-Quotes link located on right of the screen.
  2. Locate your E-Quote by:
    • Searching for your name OR
    • Selecting a specific filter (such as Saved By and then choosing your name and clicking Apply Filters(s) OR
    • Browse the E-Quote list. You can change the list sort order by clicking on column headings.
  3. Click Checkout located at the bottom of the screen.
  4. Fill in Contact information, including email addresses for anyone else you want to notify of the purchase. Select your Ship To address from the drop down list provided.
  5. Select your shipping method and tax exempt status.
  6. Indicate whether the order is to be shipped outside of the United States.
  7. Click Continue.
  8. Enter your payment information. All required fields are indicated by a red asterisk - *.
  9. Click Continue.
  10. Review your order. Click Edit to make any last minute adjustments if necessary.
  11. Click Submit Order to complete the order.

Order Status

After you submit your order you will receive three separate e-mails from Dell per online order:

  1. An order acknowledgement e-mail notifying you that your order has been received by Dell
  2. A subsequent order confirmation e-mail includes your order information, such as Dell order number, DPID number, and projected ship date
  3. A ship notification e-mail with detailed shipping information lets you know when your order has shipped

Use the "Order Status" link to quickly check the status of one or more open orders.

Computer Purchasing Assistance

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments regarding purchasing Dell computers, please contact our Dell Representative, Andy Meyer by calling 800-274-7799 ext. 5139346 or sending email to: andy_meyer@dell.com


Copyright 2013 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College.
Site Updated: 6/19/2013
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