Computer Recommendations 2008-09 | Student PC Laptop


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CU-Boulder Computer Recommendations 2008-2009—Student PC Laptop
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Both minimum requirements and high performance recommendations are listed below. Print out this list and take it with you when you go to buy your computer.

Student: PC Laptop

Type of Technology	Minimum Recommendation	High Performance
CPU	Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz Intel Celeron 2.0 GHz	Intel Core 2 Duo 2.5 GHz
RAM	2 GB	4 GB
Hard Drive	120 GB, 5400 RPM	200 GB, 7200 RPM
Video Card	Graphics Card w/ 128 MB	Graphics Card w/ 512 MB
Network Access	10/100/1000 Network Card	10/100/1000 Network Card
Wireless Network Access	Wireless 802.11g Wireless 802.11n (which is backward compatible)	Wireless 802.11g Wireless 802.11n (which is backward compatible)
Warranty	3 years parts and labor	3 years parts and labor
Battery	Primary battery okay	Extended life battery
Ports	USB 2.0 Firewire (optional)	USB 2.0 Firewire (optional)
Audio	Internal sound card Internal speakers	Internal sound card Internal speakers
Backup Medium	4.0 GB flash drive (minimum) External hard drive (minimum size equivalent to your internal hard drive)	4.0 GB flash drive (minimum) External hard drive (minimum size equivalent to your internal hard drive)
Operating System	Windows Vista, Home Premium (or better), w/SP1, 32-bit	Windows Vista, Home Premium (or better), w/SP1, 32-bit
Printing	N/A	N/A
Word Processing	Office 2007, Word 2007	Office 2007, Word 2007
Spreadsheet	Office 2007, Excel 2007	Office 2007, Excel 2007
Web Browser	Internet Explorer 7 Firefox 2.X	Internet Explorer 7 Firefox 2.X
Electronic Mail	Options: CULink in Internet Browser Outlook 2007 Vista Windows Live Mail Thunderbird	Options: CULink in Internet Browser Outlook 2007 Vista Windows Live Mail Thunderbird
Virus Protection	CUantivirus	CUantivirus
Anti-Spyware	ITS's recommended anti-spyware software.

Considerations

Besides the minimum recommendations above it is recommended that you consider the following:

Purchasing Computers and Software at Educational Prices
- Computers and software meeting these recommendations can be purchased at the Buffalo Chip, inside the CU Bookstore for an educational discount. Learn more at www.cubookstore.com/computers
Used Computers
- Make sure that no matter what you buy that it meets the IT Service Center supported hardware and software list. The recommendations above exceed those standards, but if you are buying something less than the minimum you should refer to www.colorado.edu/its/docs/standards.html.
Windows Vista 64-bit Operating System
- If you decide to purchase a computer and run Windows Vista 64-bit operating system, please know that there are currently compatibility issues with CU-Boulder's VPN and remote printing in ITS labs.
  - Click here to learn more about Vista compatiblity with ITS services.
  - Click here to view Microsoft's Windows Vista: 64-bit edition website.
Extras
- It is a good idea to get "accident insurance" when purchasing a laptop.

Get Help

IT Service Center
303-735-4357 (5-HELP from an on-campus phone)
help@colorado.edu

Last reviewed: April 08, 2008