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Computer purchases

Student Guidelines for Computer Purchases

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 Engineering and the College of Visual & Performing Arts provide specific computer requirements for their students.

Apple Desktop or Laptop

  • Processor: M3 or newer
  • Memory/RAM: 16GB
  • Hard Drive: 512GB SSD
  • Operating system: macOS 15.4 or newer

Shop the Apple Education Store for special pricing on Apple products. Apple also gives you 90 days of complimentary telephone support and a year of repair coverage. You can extend your coverage with the AppleCare Protection Plan.

Windows Desktop or Laptop

  • Processor: Intel Core i5 or newer
  • Memory/RAM: 16GB
  • Hard Drive: 512GB SSD
  • Operating system: Windows 11 or newer
Visit the Dell Education Store for discounted pricing on Windows-based products. We strongly recommend adding an extended warranty to your purchase.

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. Visit the Student Service Center's website to view more information about financial aid and computer purchases.

For more information about the program and computer specifications, contact the procurement team at ITProcurement@umassd.edu or at 508-999-8900.