We replace computers at Wabash on a three-year cycle, and this year the Library Computer Lab was due for an upgrade.  The 22 new lab computers are Dell Optiplex 745s, and feature an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2Gb RAM, DVD burner, and 19" flat panel monitor.

Even though we replace computers every three years, we usually leave laser printers in service for longer than 3 years, as printing technology does not change as quickly as computers.  However, our student technology survey from last December indicated that the speed and performance of the library printers was starting to become an issue, so we installed two new printers in the lab as well.

The new printers, HP LaserJet 4350s, print at up to 52 pages per minute, which is three times as fast as the old printers.  This should serve the lab users well for the next few years at least.

In photo: the new Dell Optiplex 745 computers in the library computer lab await the return of the Wabash students.