These guidelines are designed to assist students who plan to purchase computers by providing minimum specifications for the primary hardware components for both desktops and laptops. Monitor/screen size, video cards, sound cards, etc. should be selected based on personal preference and intended use of the computer.
Note: The College of Visual & Performing Arts provides specific computer recommendations for its students.
For more information or questions regarding purchasing technology, please contact the IT procurement team at ITProcurement@umassd.edu.
Financial aid considerations
The Financial Aid Office has funding options available for students wishing to use financial aid to cover the purchase of a laptop.
- An allowance of $2,000 has been established for the purchase or lease of a personal computer, printer, and associated hardware and software. Students wishing to purchase or lease a personal computer should indicate their request in writing to the Financial Aid Services Office, including any purchase documentation available (invoice, vendor cost estimate).
- Student eligibility is limited to loan funding only, including Federal Direct Loan or various alternative loan programs.
- Students must meet all Federal and institutional financial aid eligibility requirements, including matriculation into a degree program, enrollment at least-half time, and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Guidelines
Apple Desktop
- Processor: 3.06GHz Intel Core i3
- Memory/RAM: 4GB
- Hard Drive: 500GB
- Optical Drive: 8x double-layer SuperDrive
- Operating system: 10.6
Apple Laptop
- Processor: 2.4GHz Intel Core Duo
- Memory/RAM: 4GB
- Hard Drive: 320GB
- Optical Drive: 8x Slot-loading SuperDrive
- Operating system: 10.6
Windows Desktop
- Processor: Intel Core i5
- Memory/RAM: 4GB
- Hard Drive: 500GB
- Optical Drive: DVD Burner
- Operating system: Windows 7
- Internal Intel WiMAX card
Windows Laptop
- Processor: Intel Core i5
- Memory/RAM:4GB
- Hard Drive: 320GB
- Optical Drive: DVD Burner
- Operating system: Windows 7
- Internal Intel WiMAX card
