Computer Recommendations

PC

• Processor: 7th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 or better
• Operating System: Genuine Windows® 10 Professional or Home (64-bit)
• Memory: 8GB RAM or better
• Hard Drive: 256GB or better Solid State Drive
• Battery: 6-cell (60WH) Primary Lithium Ion Battery
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth Module
• Camera/Microphone: Webcam and Microphone
• WiFi Wireless: 802.11 b/g/n/ac
• Ethernet Port or USB/USB-C Port
• Accessories: USB-C adapter hub (If applicable)
• Warranty: 3/4 year manufacturer supported warranty

Arcadia DELL Discount

MacBook

• Processor: 7th Gen Intel Core i5 or better or M1 Mac
• Operating System: Mac OS X 10.14 Mojave or better
• Memory: 8GB RAM or better
• Hard Drive: 256GB Solid State Drive or higher
• WiFi Wireless: 802.11b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
• Camera/Microphone: FaceTime HD Camera, Mic
• Ethernet Port or USB/USB-C Port
• Accessories: USB-C adapter hub (If applicable)
• Warranty: AppleCare+ (4-Year) 

Arcadia Apple Education Discount

Chromebook or Tablet Use

Chromebooks, iPads and Android tablets are great and affordable solutions to basic computer needs, such as web browsing and video chat. They may not meet all the needs of your average use as a student. We advise the purchase of a Mac or Windows computer over these when possible!

Major Specific Recommendations

If you are unsure please reach out to IT or your department for specs on software recommendations and requirements

Computer Science

• Windows Laptop
• Processor: 7th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 or better
• Operating System: Genuine Windows® 10 Professional or Home (64-bit)
• Memory: 16GB RAM or better
• Hard Drive: 256GB or better Solid State Hard Drive
• Battery: 6-cell (60WH) Primary Lithium Ion Battery
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth Module
• Camera/Microphone: Webcam and Microphone
• WiFi Wireless: 802.11 b/g/n/ac
• Ethernet Port or USB/USB-C Port
• Accessories:
  • USB-C adapter hub (If applicable)
  • 1TB External Hard Drive or better
• Warranty: 3/4 year manufacturer supported warranty

You can learn more about purchasing a computer using an academic discount and recommended Dell Computer systems on our Purchase Programs page.

Operating Systems

In the rapidly changing world of computer technology, the Office of Information Technology requires that computers connecting to the ResNet must meet a minimum operating system level. Permitted operating systems are:

• Window 10
• MAC OS 10.13 or greater
• Linux

Computers which do not meet this standard will not be granted access to the ResNet.

Software Programs

Arcadia University has 8 computer labs around campus with the software necessary for classes. Should you want to purchase software for your computer you can go to the Select Student website for reduced priced software.

• Window 10 or Mac OSX
• Microsoft Office Adobe Reader
• Windows Defender