Computer Recommendations 2009-10 | Student PC Laptop


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CU-Boulder Computer Recommendations 2009-2010—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 2.0GHz (or AMD equivalent) Intel Celeron 2.13GHz (or AMD equivalent)	Intel Core 2 Duo 2.6GHz
RAM	2 GB	4 GB
Hard Drive	160 GB, 5400 RPM	320 GB, 7200 RPM
Video Card	Graphics Card w/ 256 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) eSATA (optional)	USB 2.0 Firewire (optional) eSATA (optional)
Audio	Internal sound card Internal speakers	Internal sound card Internal speakers
External Storage Devices	4.0 GB flash drive (minimum) External hard drive (minimum size double to your internal hard drive)	4.0 GB flash drive (minimum) External hard drive (minimum size double to your internal hard drive)
Operating System	Windows Vista, Home Premium (or better), w/SP1, 64-bit NOTE: Mainstream support for Windows XP ends in 2009. It is highly recommended that you use Windows Vista.	Windows Vista, Home Premium (or better), w/SP1, 64-bit NOTE: Mainstream support for Windows XP ends in 2009. It is highly recommended that you use Windows Vista.
Printing	N/A	N/A
Productivity Tools	Microsoft Office 2007 (Leeds School of Business requires Office 2007 Professional edition) Microsoft Office 2007 Save as PDF tool	Microsoft Office 2007 (Leeds School of Business requires Office 2007 Professional edition) Microsoft Office 2007 Save as PDF tool
Web Browser	Internet Explorer 7 Firefox 3.X	Internet Explorer 7 Firefox 3.X
E-mail Programs	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.
Laptop Physical Security	ITS recommends that laptops are registered with the CU-Boulder police department. Click here to learn more. Laptop locks, which can be purchased at the CU Bookstore. ITS does NOT recommend LoJack or other third-party theft deterrent services. Programs like LoJack can cause serious compatibility issues and problems getting service and help from ITS.

Considerations

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

Check with Your College or School
- Check with your school or college to see if they have any special requirements or recommendations before purchasing.
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
- Purchasing used computers
  - Although ITS recommends you purchase a new computer, if you decide to purchase a used computer, please make sure that it meets the requirements on the IT Service Center supported hardware and software list, www.colorado.edu/its/docs/standards.html. Also, you must make sure that you acquire the licenses for the operating system and software that is loaded on the system.
- Bringing a computer from home
  - Please make sure that a computer brought from home meets the requirements on the IT Service Center supported hardware and software list, www.colorado.edu/its/docs/standards.html.
64-bit Operating Systems
- Please note that some older applications and drivers might be incompatible with 64-bit operating systems.
Tablets and High Portability Laptops
- The list above is not intended for tablets or high portability laptops. This list was developed for computers that will last three to four years, so that students can maximize their purchase.
Extras
- It is a good idea to get "accidental damage protection" when purchasing a laptop.
- If you're purchasing a laptop, you may want to purchase a monitor as well for high performance use.
- It is strongly encouraged that you backup your files to an external hard drive.

Get Help

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

Last reviewed: May 22, 2009