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Minimum System Requirements

Hardware recommendations when purchasing a laptop computer

Apple Recommendations and Requirements

Apple MacBookRecommendationsMinimum Requirement

Operating System

macOS Ventura

macOS Monterey

Processor

Intel i5 or better

Intel i5

Memory (RAM)

16GB or better

8GB

Hard Disk Drive

256GB or better

256GB

Wireless

802.11 ac

802.11 n

NIC / Ethernet*

10/100 wired ethernet (see notes)

10/100 wired ethernet (see notes)

Warranty

3 year AppleCare

Some type of warranty is highly recommended

Optical Drive**

SuperDrive (see notes)

None

Windows System Recommendations and Requirements

Windows PlatformRecommendationsMinimum Requirement

Operating System

Windows 11
64-bit

Windows 10
64-bit

Processor

Intel i7 or better

Intel i5

Memory (RAM)

16GB or better

8GB

Hard Disk Drive

250GB SSD or better

250GB SSD

Wireless

802.11 ac

802.11 n

NIC/Ethernet*

10/100 wired ethernet (see notes)

10/100 wired ethernet (see notes)

Warranty

3 year onsite with accidental damage coverage

Some type of warranty is highly recommended

Notes:
*Many vendors no longer include a wired network port on their laptops. However, this is not required at DePauw since wireless network access is available in most areas of campus. A wired network port allows an alternative way to connect to the campus network and the Internet and is still a desirable option if available.

Other Items to consider

When considering what type of system to bring to campus, you might also consider bringing some other items as well. For more information, see Other Suggestions.

Last updated: 10-Jan-2023