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Specifications & Buyers' Guide

Computer technology is accepted as a standard requirement on college campuses for coursework, research, and communication. A computer is an important tool that you will use during your time at Drexel. If you are planning to purchase a computer, you may be overwhelmed by all the information in the consumer computer marketplace. In general, students and staff purchasing for their personal and academic use are advised to purchase a name-brand computer such as Lenovo, Dell, Apple or HP, and will want to consider the following factors to gain the most longevity from their computers.

NOTE ABOUT MACINTOSH: Many departments require a Windows OS for applications which are not available for Mac; i.e. Engineering, Nursing and Health Professions, Business. If you purchase a Mac, you will need to partition your harddrive with Bootcamp, Parallels or VMWare, and you will need to purchase and install Windows OS. See the JourneyEd link in DrexelOne for availability of partitioning software and Microsoft Windows.  Check with your department for specific information.

Faculty and staff who are users of Drexel Core Enterprise systems should contact their system administrators or the IRT Help Desk (x2020) to review compatibility requirements.

Computer Specifications

Desktop or Laptop Guidelines
Processor Intel Core i5 or i7
Operating Systems Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional, or Apple OS
Memory (RAM) Minimum 4 GB; higher-end choice, 8 GB
Network and Wireless Integrated Gigabit Ethernet, 5 GHz wireless for laptops, Ethernet cable for desktop computers

Weight   

 In laptops, weight and size can be mutually inclusive. A larger screen can mean a heavier computer. If you plan to carry your computer everywhere, you'll want to consider weight before size.

Display Size

 If your work involves graphics or engineering design, or web rendering, you may wish to consider a large screen laptop or an additional large monitor.