Recommended Computer Specifications

When you purchase a new computer, Technology suggests that you only consider one meeting the following specifications. Our recommendations are the same for personal and College purchases. Computers with these specifications should serve you well for the next 3-4 years. Computers with lower specifications might cost less money up front, but will not last you as long.

Here are the specifications:

PC Laptop

• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 (2.26GHz, 3M L2 Cache, 1066MHz front side bus)
• Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium
• Memory: 2GB, DDR2-800 SDRAM, 2 DIMMS
• Primary Storage: 160GB Hard Drive, 5400RPM
• Graphics: Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD (or comparable)
• Primary Optical Device: DVD+/-RW
• Wireless: LAN (802.11) 802.11n
• Primary Battery: 9-cell Lithium Ion Battery
• 17" CRT or flat panel monitor
• Ethernet/modem*
• Hardware Support Services: 3-Year Basic Limited Warranty and 3-Year Next Business Day Onsite Service (or comparable service)

PC Desktop

• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E8400 (3GHz, 6M, 1333MHz front side bus)
• Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium
• Memory: 2GB, DDR2 Non-ECC SDRAM, 800MHz (2 DIMMS)
• Boot Hard Drive: 160GB SATA 3GB/s and 8MB DataBurst Cache
• Video Card: 256MB ATI RADEON HD 3450 (Dual DVI/VGA/1 TV-out) or comparable card that has 256MB, dual monitor support, with dual DVI out and DMS-59
• Optical Storage Device: DVD+/-RW
• Ethernet/modem*
• Hardware Support Services: 3-Year Basic Limited Warranty and 3-Year Next Business Day Onsite Service (or comparable service)

Mac Laptop

• Processor: 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
• Memory: 2GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
• Primary Storage: 160GB Serial ATA Drive, 5400RPM
• Optical Storage Device: CD-RW/DVD-RW drive
• Ethernet/wireless
• Hardware Support Services: AppleCare Protection Plan

Mac Desktop

• Processor: 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
• Memory: 2GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
• Primary Storage: 160GB Serial ATA Drive
• Optical Storage Device: CD-RW/DVD-RW drive
• 20" glossy widescreen
• Ethernet
• Hardware Support Services: AppleCare Protection Plan