Recommended Laptop Specifications

This article explains which laptops students should purchase depending on the classes they are taking.

​​​​General Use Laptops

These laptops will be useful for general studies like Math and English. Word processing, spreadsheets and browsing the web would be the primary functions. The recommended specifications would be as follows:

• Operating System: Windows 10 or 11

• Processor: Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 5 Processor

• RAM/Memory: 8GB or more

• Storage Space: SSD 250GB or more

• Approximate price range: $300-$500+

 

ART/AutoCAD Use Laptops

If taking classes for the AutoCAD, AVMP, and certain ART courses that have specialized software for photo/video editing or engineering /3D modeling, a more powerful laptop will be required. The recommended specifications would be as follows:

• Operating System: Windows 10 or 11

• Processor: Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 Processor

• RAM/Memory: 16GB or more

• Storage Space: SSD 500GB or more

• Dedicated graphics: minimum Nvidia RTX3050, equivalent or higher

• Approximate price range: $600-$900+

 

Not Recommended

The following computers are not recommended:

• Chromebooks: Respondus Lockdown Browser, a commonly used exam software on campus, is not compatible and will not run with the Google operating system.

• Mac/Macbooks: If you are taking a CMSY-110 course, you will need a Windows computer. You can get a loaner computer from the DH110 lab.