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If you are a student at UL Lafayette considering a computer purchase, we encourage you to read this page carefully.
Department-Specific Specifications
Some departments and colleges require or recommend specific hardware and/or software that may vary from the university baseline specifications. Please reach out to your department to see what they require.
Minimum Student Laptop Computer Specifications
Following these requirements should ensure that your computer will last throughout the length of a typical, 4-year university term.
*Note about Intel i5 or equivalent processors: The i5 descriptor on computer processors has been in effect for many years now. OIT recommends that your computer have an 11th generation i5 processor or higher as a minimum. The generation is usually indicated by the first couple of digits in the processor code (for example: i5 11500H would be an 11th generation processor while i5 6500T would be a 6th generation processor). For processors from other manufacturers, such as AMD, ITS suggests your computer have one comparable in power to an 11th gen i5, such as the AMD Ryzen 5, or better.
Operating System Requirements
Please be aware that not all software used in courses is compatible with both Windows and macOS. Please either verify the OS requirements with your instructor or visit the software manufacturer's website to view the system requirements.
For new computer purchases, you may also want to take into account which degree/program you are entering, as some have OS recommendations based on the software you will need to run throughout the program. You'll need to contact your department if you're unsure of their requirements.
If you have purchased an Apple/macOS computer and need to run Windows-only software, you can run Windows in a virtual environment from within macOS using a product like Parallels or VirtualBox (supported by Intel and Apple M family processors). Please note that this method will require you to have a valid license for Windows in order to activate the operating system. Also, while OIT does not provide support with setting up operating systems on personal systems, there are many resources available online with instructions and information on doing so.
NOTE: OIT does NOT recommend using a Chromebook (Chrome OS) or a tablet running a mobile OS (iPadOS, Android, etc.) as your main computing device. These devices may not be able to properly access all UL Lafayette systems (including Moodle and Banner) and are not capable of running the software packages that may be required for certain classes. This includes the full installation of Microsoft Office, Respondus LockDown Browser, SAS, SPSS, Autodesk products, and most other desktop software programs.
Brand
As with most other major purchases, it's recommended to choose a reputable brand from a reputable source. OIT recommends choosing a quality system from an established manufacturer such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.
Tip: Look for special discounts available for students via the computer manufacturer's websites. While UL Lafayette does not offer any specific discount or computer purchase programs, many manufacturers have their own student/university discounts that can be activated with your ulid@louisiana.edu email address.
Known student discount programs:
Dell - Student Discount
Lenovo - Student and Teacher Discount
Hewlett-Packard (HP) - Education Store
Apple - Education Pricing
Extended Warranty
Many computer manufacturers provide extended warranties that cover problems beyond the normal warranty period. OIT strongly recommends that you purchase a three-year, on site warranty along with your new computer. Details of these warranties will vary depending on the manufacturer.