Students are strongly encouraged to purchase a Dell or Apple laptop from the University Computer Shop.
- These computers are available at discounted academic pricing.
- All Dell computers come with a warranty of up to four years and include accidental damage coverage.
- All Apple computers come with a one-year warranty that can be extended to three years with AppleCare+.
Our IT Technology Support Center, located in Anne Belk Hall, has certified Dell and Apple hardware technicians and can handle any repair that your computer might need during your time at App State. They can also provide a loaner while your laptop is being repaired.
*Note: Some departments have a computer requirement that is higher than what is listed below, so check your departmental website to see what they recommend.
Chromebooks are not recommended and will not meet the needs of most courses that have a computer or software component.
Minimum Laptop Specifications
If purchasing a computer elsewhere, we recommend the following specifications:
- Processor: Roughly equivalent to an Intel 12th-gen Core i5 (6–8 cores) or Apple M2/M4 (8-core) in performance
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11, macOS 14 Sonoma (or later)
- Storage: 256 GB SSD minimum (512 GB+ recommended)
- Display: 13.6 inches or larger
- 1080p Resolution or better
- Integrated graphics or discrete graphics for some depts
- Audio: Built-in audio capabilities
- Speaker
- Microphone
- Webcam
- Communication devices:
- 802.11ac Dual-band Wireless-AC or better