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A Desktop or Laptop computer is not required for classes at SPU. 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 requirements for hardware.

Minimum Specs

Note: This should be an actual laptop, as a tablet or Chromebook will not be sufficient for your studies.

  1. A 64 bit version of Windows, Linux, or Mac OS.
  2. A 64 bit dual core processor from AMD or Intel
  3. 8 Gigabytes of RAM with capacity to upgrade
  4. 12 inch or larger screen with resolution of 1366x768 or higher
  5. NVidia, AMD, or Intel integrated graphics processor
  6. USB 2.0 ports
  7. Wi-Fi equipped
  8. Hard disk with 256 Gigabyte capacity

Recommended Specs

  1. The latest version of the Windows or Mac operating system
  2. Core i7 processor, or AMD
  3. 16 Gigabytes of RAM or more
  4. 12 inch or larger screen with resolution of 1366x768 or higher
  5. Discrete NVidia graphics processor, or NVidia or AMD integrated graphics processor
  6. USB 3.0 ports
  7. Wi-Fi equipped
  8. Solid State Disk (SSD) with 512 Gigabyte capacity or higher

A touch screen and stylus for taking notes or making drawings is a nice-to-have, but not necessary.

Some examples of laptops you may consider

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

Review Sites

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