Hardware considerations when purchasing a computer for the College of Engineering
The College of Engineering recommends that all incoming students own a desktop, laptop, or similarly powerful tablet.
Many students want to install University-supplied software on their laptops for convenience. Due to many software titles being demanding of computer resources like processing power and memory, the following table was created to aid in making decisions on purchases.
Students who instead prefer to use the Eos Virtual Lab environment or visit on campus Eos Labs may choose a machine with the minimum specifications.
Apple devices
Many applications used by College of Engineering students are only compatible with Windows. Some students choose to use Apple devices with additional software that allows them to run Windows such as Boot Camp. (More details here)
However, many students using Apple laptops find using such solutions complicated and time consuming.
Instead, for Mac users, we highly recommend using the Eos Virtual Lab environment to access Windows applications. We also offer on campus Eos Labs. Depending on your curriculum, this could be a viable alternative to attempting to run Windows applications locally on an Apple device.
Consumer vs. Business Grade
Consumer grade ("home") products can be more cost effective for purchase. Their intended usage is typically for low to midrange tasks that an average computer user will need.
However, Business grade products tend to be more durable over time with higher specification availability and robust warranty options. These capabilities can be advantageous for the continual use of demanding software.
Discrete Graphics Cards
Discrete graphics is a GPU that is a separate from the processor. Discrete graphics has its own dedicated memory that is not shared with the CPU.
Having a computer equipped with a discrete graphics card either from AMD or Nvidia is needed for some software to run optimally.
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.