The College of Engineering recommends that all incoming students own a desktop, laptop, or similarly powerful tablet. Please consider these recommended specifications for new computers and laptops:
| CPU |
Intel i5 or i7 processor 10th generation and newer Apple M1 processor |
| Minimum RAM | 8 GB |
| Recommended RAM | At least 16GB |
| Optical Drive | Optional |
| Minimum Storage | 256 GB Solid State Drive (SSD) |
| Recommended Storage | 512 GB or larger Solid State Drive (SSD) |
| Operating System |
*Windows 10 (64-bit) **macOS 11 Big Sur or newer |
| Wireless | 802.11ac |
| Warranty | 3 years or more |
*Solidworks is not currently compatible with Windows 11 as of 4/22/22
**Many applications used by COE students are only compatible with Windows. Older models of Mac devices offer Boot Camp that will allow you to partition your hard drive and install Windows on a Mac.
You may also use our virtual environment to access licensed software. This link provides more information on what is available and how to access it.
Warranty Information
We recommend warranties that are backed by the manufacturers themselves (as opposed to third-party warranties offered by retailers) so you can get service no matter where you are when a problem occurs.
There are repair technicians on-campus at the OIT Walk-In Center who can provide hardware repairs for computers and laptops from Dell, Apple, and Lenovo that are under manufacturer warranty or CPS warranty.
If you purchase a device well above the recommended specifications, you might consider a 4-year warranty, and/or accidental damage coverage and theft coverage.