Hardware Guidelines for Student Computers

If you are bringing a computer to campus, the guidelines below will help you to know hardware specifications it needs to meet. Several vendors also offer discounts to IUP students when purchasing a new computer. Visit Tech Deals for more information.

If you are considering a Chromebook, Chromebooks function the same as PCs and Macs for many tasks, such as accessing MyIUP, IUP email, D2L, etc. However, some software suites will not operate to their fullest potential.

We generally recommend students purchase a Windows or Mac computer with the following recommendations.

Recommended New Purchase

• Processors: i5 Processors or Apple M1
• RAM: 8GB
• Hard Drive: 256GB SSD
• Operating Systems: Windows 11 or macOS Monterey
• Networking- one of two options:
  
  • Network Card for wired connection to IUP (Dorms)
  • Wireless: 802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless networking

Minimum Recommended System

• Processors: i3 Processors or Apple M1
• RAM: 4GB
• Hard Drive: 160GB
• Operating System: Windows 10 or macOS Big Sur
• Networking- one of two options:
  
  • Network Card for wired connection to IUP network (Dorms)
  • Wireless: 802.11n Wi-Fi wireless networking

Printers in the Residence Halls

• Wireless printers may not be used in the residence halls.
  *Please note, we do not support or service printers.

Options to Consider

• While there is 1TB of storage available on OneDrive, you may want to consider the following physical mediums for storage:
  • Flash drive
  • External or portable hard drive
• Locking mechanism for laptops