Laptop Requirements

2022 - 2023 Laptop Minimum & Recommended Specifications for Undergraduate Students

Below you will find the MINIMUM and RECOMMENDED laptop specifications for laptop computing at the University of Denver. These specifications should be used as guidance when making decisions on bringing a laptop to DU.

MINIMUM specifications are for those who are choosing not to buy a new laptop and want to bring an existing one to DU.

RECOMMENDED specifications are for those who are choosing to purchase a new laptop and need guidance on which specifications to go with. Also please visit our Preferred Vendors list to the left. As a rule of thumb, if you are buying a new laptop, most, if not all, specifications will be fine. However, these guidelines will provide you with a good starting point.

A note on Netbooks: A note on Netbooks/Chromebooks: Netbooks are truly only suitable for basic internet browsing and word processing and are not recommended for students. Please consult the special requirements for majors by the links provided above to see if Netbooks are allowed. Netbooks are NOT a viable solution for audio/video/web production & design, database work, and math/engineering applications.

Note: If deciding on purchasing a Mac, please contact your program advisor first. Business, Engineering, Mathematics & Science classes may require use of Windows only software. For example, some Accounting classes in the Business school may require you to use MS Access, which is only available in the Office suite for Windows. If you need Windows only software it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to purchase a Windows laptop. Please contact the IT Help Center before purchasing a Mac if Windows is a requirement. 

 

WINDOWS PC
(strongly recommended)

APPLE MACINTOSH

Operating
System

MINIMUM
Windows 10 Home

RECOMMENDED
Windows 10 Pro

MINIMUM
Mac OS 10.14

RECOMMENDED
Mac OS 10.15 or higher

 

Productivity Tools

Microsoft Office can be downloaded for FREE, please visit go.du.edu/office365

Microsoft Office can be downloaded for FREE, please visit go.du.edu/office365

Windows Emulation Software (check with academic advisor)

N/A

Parallels Desktop for Mac
or
VMware Fusion
or
Bootcamp

Processor Type

MINIMUM
Intel Core i5 Processor

RECOMMENDED
Intel Core i7 Processor

MINIMUM
Intel Core i5 Processor

RECOMMENDED
Intel Core i7 Processor or
Apple M1

Memory

MINIMUM
8 GB RAM
Recommended
16 GB RAM

MINIMUM
8 GB RAM
Recommended
16 GB RAM

Hard Drive

MINIMUM
250 GB or higher
Do not purchase a 128 GB HD

RECOMMENDED
500 GB or higher

MINIMUM
250 GB
Do not purchase a 128 GB HD

RECOMMENDED
500 GB or higher

Graphics Card

MINIMUM
512 MB Video Memory or higher

MINIMUM
Integrated card

Warranty

4 year parts and labor 
(on-site strongly recommended)

3 year parts and labor AppleCare

Insurance

Comprehensive breakage, theft, liquid spill, hazard (strongly recommended)

Virus Protection Software

Anitvirus is provided by the University. For software and instructions please visit the Student Resources page.

Please visit our New Student page for more information.

Recommended Accessories

  • USB Memory Storage Devices: Strongly recommended for their ease of use and ability to encrypt contents in case of lost or stolen property.
  • Ethernet cable: These are required for wired connections on campus. They can be purchased at the DU bookstore.
  • External Webcam: Strongly recommended if your computer does not have an integrated or functioning webcam for online learning.
  • Headset/Headphones with Microphone: Strongly recommended for optimal videoconferencing performance as clarity of speech is improved and background noise is minimized.

Optional Accessories

  • Multiport Adapter: specific to your device to both HDMI and USB 3.0 - This will aid in the connection to technology resources in Huddle Rooms, Group Study Rooms, and Classrooms.

For questions concerning hardware and software minimum specifications, please contact the IT Computer Help Center | 303-871-4700.