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I am looking for an open database containing information about released computer models. This information has to contain the Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) number, which is a unique ID for computers, and information such that the processor model, amount of RAM etc.

Cnet has a solution called DataSource which looks to be what I am looking for, but it is not open data and I don't want to buy their solution without knowing the quality of the service.

Does anyone know if such a database exists?

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  • For apple products, they used to have the 'tech info library' with machine specs, but it now sends you to a more generic support page (not just hardware). I don't think it has SKUs ... although there are ways to decode an apple serial number
    – Joe
    Commented Mar 27, 2014 at 13:27
  • Thanks for your comment @Joe. I think it is possible to find specific information on many of the manufacturers websites, but not in a standarized way, which makes it difficult to get information from different providers.
    – Emil
    Commented Mar 27, 2014 at 13:32
  • Here's a dataset from 1987! archive.ics.uci.edu/ml/datasets/Computer+Hardware (Maybe it's time we make a new one.)
    – philshem
    Commented Apr 3, 2014 at 9:53

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I think in your search you should use either the term "specifications" or "specs", as in "computer specs". "Information" is too vague and in the jargon of technology specs/specifications is the way to go.

To get you started, I would suggest looking for non-commercial groups that are collecting data on hardware. For example, the groups doing the Energy Star rating, groups collecting data for import and selling purposes, groups conducting safety tests, etc.

One quick example: As part of the old EU Energy Star program, there is an Excel file with the type of specs you are looking for. Unfortunately, the manufactorers are masked. But it's a start.

If there is any newer data, you'll have to register: link.

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