Desktop vs. Laptop
Most students appreciate the portability of laptop computers. However, desktop computers can be a bit cheaper and are perfectly acceptable. The choice is yours.
Computers running Windows are the best choice. Chromebooks and Apple computers may not run most of the programs required for some courses.
General Studies Students
Screen Size
Laptop Computers
- 14” - 15.6” screen size
- Screens smaller than 14” may feel “cramped”
- Larger screens (17” or larger) can be great, may mean a heavier laptop
- Touch screen monitors are a great optional feature
- They can raise the price of the laptop, however
Desktop Monitors
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 or greater
- Contrast Ratio: 3000:1 or greater
- Size: user preference
CPU/Processor
- Intel i7 or greater
- Intel i5 will work if budget is an issue
- AMD Ryzen 5, 7, or 9 are also reasonable choices
Memory (RAM)
- 8GB (8 Gigabytes) or more
Hard Drive
May be listed as “SSD”, “NVMe”, or “M.2” drive
- 512GB or more
- We prefer Solid Stated Drives (SSD) over Hard Disc Drives (HDD)
- HDDs are slower
- For desktop computers, it is fine to have an HDD as a second hard drive
Software
- New computers generally have the Windows 11
operating system installed
- Windows 11 is compatible with software in use at the college
- Currently the college computers use the Windows 10 operating system
- Microsoft Office is available to you for free! You can find out more on the Information for New Students page.
- Refer to your course syllabuses for other software you may need to purchase and install
Brand
- We do not offer a computer brand preference
- Dell, Lenovo, HP have good offerings
- Asus, Acer, and others do as well
- Again, we do not recommend Apple computer or Chromebooks
Price
- Viable options for laptops, and desktops without monitors, start around $650
CAD Students
Screen Size
Laptop Computers
- 15.6” or greater
- 17” may work better, but may mean a heavier laptop
- A second, external monitor may be helpful
Desktop Monitors
- Same as for General Studies Students (above)
- Higher resolution screens (2560 x 1440 or greater) may be more useful
CPU/Processor
- Intel i7 or greater
- Or AMD Ryzen 7 or greater
Memory (RAM)
- 16GB (minimum) or more
- Some CAD programs will not run on 8GB or less
Hard Drive
May be listed as “SSD”, “NVMe”, or “M.2” drive
- 512GB or more
- For performance reasons, we strongly recommend Solid Stated Drives (SSD) over Hard Disc Drives (HDD)
- For desktop computers, it is fine to have an HDD as a second hard drive
Graphics Card (GPU)
- Discrete graphics card is necessary
- Memory size (VRAM) of 4GB or greater is recommended
Brands
- See “General Studies Students > Brands” above
- Compatible laptops are often listed as “gaming” laptops
Price
- Options for CAD-capable laptops start around $850