(Updated 07/24/2023)
Laptop Hardware Recommendations
- Processor: Minimum of Intel Core i5 / AMD equivalent or Mac processor
- Memory: At least 16 GB RAM
- Hard Drive: 500+ GB SSD or NVMe
- Video Card: Screen resolution of 1920x1080 (Full HD) or greater (Nvidia or AMD graphics recommended)
- Network: Wireless card capable of supporting high-speed Internet access
- Peripherals: 2+ USB Ports
- Operating System: Windows 11, Apple Mac OS, or Linux (Ubuntu or SUSE)
- Display: 13 inch or greater
Software Recommendations
The College of Engineering allows students to remotely connect to a virtual Windows machine to use the majority of the software that is required for their courses. Some of the software you encounter during your undergraduate career here that is installable on personal machines will be windows only. However you can use the College supplied virtual desktop environment or a local virtual machine to handle this situation if you choose to purchase a Mac.
Once you have the minimums, optimize first for storage space, then for memory, and worry about the processor last. You might also want to consider an external monitor for your dorm room or apartment to give yourself more working area. One thing all engineering applications use a lot of is screen space.