Laptop upgrades available for colleagues

Colleagues with desktop computers or laptops that are more than three years old can request a new laptop during August and September.

Any eligible colleague can email the Digital Technology Services (DTS) team on Device-lifecycle-DTS@reading.ac.uk to request an upgrade to a Microsoft Surface laptop.

The Device Lifecycle Project by DTS has already issued more than 800 devices to colleagues around the University.

This rollout has taken place one department at a time, but individual colleagues are now able to make requests for a limited time.

The new device rollout is part of ongoing strategic work by DTS taking place over the next decade, which aims to provide colleagues with modern equipment and services that meet their needs.

Laptop details

DTS will provide a Microsoft Surface 5 touchscreen laptop with Windows 11, a docking station, any cables required to set it up at your desk, and a protective sleeve. A technician will also help set the laptop up for you.

Some Macbook Air laptops are available for colleagues who already use an Apple Mac device and would prefer not to have a Surface.

The upgraded laptops are faster, more secure and more compatible with other modern technologies the University has adopted, such as One Drive cloud storage for files. They also assist with hotdesking as work spaces become fitted with Surface docking stations as standard.

Old laptops should be disposed of in line with the current University waste disposal process. A recycling option is being investigated to allow recycling of devices, in line with our sustainability commitments.

For more information on the Device Lifecycle Project, visit the DTS webpages.