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Overview

A Desktop or Laptop computer is not required for all classes at SPU, but may be for some. Computers for research and classwork are available across campus, but these computers are subject to availability. We strongly recommend a personally owned laptop. The University is generally a Microsoft campus, but resources are equally accessible from an Apple (Mac) or Windows PC. The following are minimum and recommended specifications for hardware.


Specifications


Note

Minimum Specifications

  • Processor - Intel i3-8130U or AMD equivalent
  • RAM (memory) - 6GB or 8GB
  • Storage - 128GB or 256GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
  • Operating System - Microsoft Windows 10 or the latest Mac OS X version

Recommended Accessories

  • External Hard Drive for backup (500GB min)
  • Cat-5 Ethernet Cable
    • USB Flash Drive



    Tip

    Recommended Specifications

    • Processor - Intel i5-8250U or AMD equivalent
    • RAM (memory) - 8GB
    • Storage - 256GB or 512GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
    • Operating System - Microsoft Windows 10 or the latest Mac OS X version

    Recommended Accessories

    • External Hard Drive for backup (500GB min)
    Cat-5 Ethernet Cable
    • USB Flash Drive


    Some examples of laptops you may consider:

    Any model of recent vintage: Lenovo ThinkPad, Lenovo Yoga, Dell Latitude, Dell Precision, HP EliteBook, Microsoft Surface, etc.


    Software

    Current SPU students can access various software titles through the SPU Download Center. 



    Where to Buy

    Many online retailers have special discounts and upgrades.  Depending on how quickly you need a computer, you could choose to visit a store, such as Best Buy, Staples, etc. or purchase directly through the manufacturer's website (e.g. dell.com, lenovo.com, apple.com, etc...).  Read reviews and visit a store in person to get a better idea of what a machine will look like when it arrives.  

    The following sites are commonly used references for reviews.  Reviews units at these sites are generally provided by the vendor and should not be considered completely objective.

    Info
    title Review Sites