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Computer Buying Guide

Personal Use: Students and staff are advised to purchase computers listed under "Small Business" or "Business" categories rather than from "Consumer" product lines. Follow the specifications listed below to gain the most longevity from your computer.

Enterprise Systems Use and University-Owned Computers: Faculty and professional staff who use Drexel Core Enterprise Business Applications (Banner, Hyperion, etc.) should contact their system administrators or the Help Desk (215.895.2020) to review compatibility requirements. Purchase computers through Drexel Smart Source standard configurations. Purchased computers must be compatible with the University standard security and encryption software, and in line with the associated Drexel policies.

Apple Users

Caution: Many departments (i.e., College of Engineering, LeBow College of Business, Dornsife School of Public Health) require Microsoft Windows for applications that are not available for Apple computers. Check with your department for specific requirements before you purchase.

Chromebook Users

Warning: Drexel IT does not recommend the usage of Chromebooks for coursework at Drexel. Chromebooks are not compatible with some services at Drexel and some necessary applications for coursework.

Recommended Specifications for Personally-Owned Computers

Component Recommendation
Processor Intel Core i5 or i7 or AMD Ryzen
Operating Systems

Students and others buying personally-owned computers: For personal and academic use, Windows 10 or Apple OS X* -- see "Apple Users" note above.

Core Enterprise Business Application Users: Use Smart Source, available through DrexelOne, and call your departmental or IT tech support professional to arrange set up.
Memory (RAM) 16 GB
Network and Wireless

Integrated Gigabit Ethernet and Ethernet Cable

REQUIRED: Dual-Band 2.4 - 5 GHz Wireless 802.11 ac/a/n

NOT RECOMMENDED: Single-Band (2.4 GHz) Wireless Cards such as b/g/n

Wi-Fi (Wireless) Card Recommendations
Display & Graphics Card If your work is graphically intensive or involves engineering design or Web rendering, you should consider additional graphics memory and a large-screen laptop or an additional larger monitor.