Laptop Computer Recommendations for Students

Purchase of a new laptop computer is a personal choice. The following resource is designed to help you make an informed decision.

Students should check with your department for program specific technology requirements.  

Choose a Windows PC with the following specifications:

Operating System	Windows 11
Processor Type	Intel Core i7 (14th Gen or newer) (Preferred); or Intel Core i5 (14th Generation or newer) (Minimum)
Memory	32 GB Ram (Preferred); or 16 GB Ram (Minimum)
Storage	1 TB SSD (Preferred); or 500 GB SSD (Minimum)
Warranty	3-year parts and labor
Insurance	Comprehensive breakage, theft, hazard
Productivity Tools	Microsoft Office 365 for Education is available to current students at no charge.

Intel is the preferred processor based on computers used in Clarkson computer labs. These are tested for software compatibility and performance. Similar testing has not been performed on processors by other vendors, such as AMD.

Regarding MacOS: 

Apple devices, such as MacBook, iPad or other iOS devices, for student academic or research work at Clarkson is not recommended because difficulties occur when utilizing Windows-only programs that are used widely in the curriculum. If purchasing an Apple device (not recommended), use the following minimums specifications: 

Operating System: MacOS 26 (Tahoe) or later
Processor Type: Apple M4 chip (or later)
Memory: 32 GB RAM
Storage: 1 TB SSD
Warranty: 3 yrs parts and labor
Insurance: Comprehensive breakage, theft, hazard

Windows 11 Student Edition operating system is available for students through Microsoft Azure for Teaching (link). 

Seek Further Assistance

For additional assistance please contact, Clarkson OIT Help Desk;

Online: Get Help
Email: helpdesk@clarkson.edu
Call: 315-268-HELP (x4357)