Laptop Requirement

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Technical Requirements
Purchasing a Laptop
FAQ

All new first-year undergraduate students enrolled in the College of IST at University Park must have their own laptop that meets or exceeds minimum technical specifications. This requirement is intended to ensure that you have a device that should last for four years and have access to a level of technology needed to complete coursework, and allows instructors to effectively incorporate a standard of technology into their courses. You may be required to bring your laptop to class.

Over time, having a personal laptop that meets certain standards better positions you to complete assignments, collaborate effectively with classmates, receive hands-on instruction, and make use of flexible educational environments. Ultimately, it supports an equitable Penn State experience and prepares you with the digital fluency needed to create new knowledge and thrive in emerging careers.

Technical Requirements

*Note that the minimum and recommeded specifications for Windows laptops are currently the same.

Minimum Specifications

Windows 11
Intel i7 or equivalent AMD Ryzen processor
16GB RAM
256GB hard drive
WiFi
Bluetooth
hardware service warranty

Recommended Specifications

Windows 11
Intel i7 or equivalent AMD Ryzen processor
16GB RAM
256GB hard drive
WiFi
Bluetooth
hardware service warranty

Minimum Specifications:

Mac OS Ventura
M1 or M1 Pro processor
16GB RAM
256GB hard drive
WiFi
Bluetooth
AppleCare

Recommended Specifications:

Mac OS Sonoma
M3 or M3 Pro processor
16GB RAM
256GB hard drive
WiFi
Bluetooth
AppleCare

Purchasing a Laptop

You can buy a laptop that meets the college’s requirements anytime before arriving on campus, but we recommend waiting until closer to your enrollment date to maximize the warranty. If you're buying a new laptop, aim for one that meets the recommended specifications. If you already have a laptop that meets the minimum specs, there's no need to buy a new one. The Penn State Bookstore offers discounted laptops that can be shipped or picked up on campus. While you can buy from any vendor, we encourage purchasing through the Bookstore since some options include multiyear support plans or promotional rebates.

You can view the Bookstore’s full selection of laptops at psu.bncollege.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

: Faculty have built courses based on each student having a minimum level of technology to participate in class assignments, complete coursework, and progress through the degree program. Not meeting the requirement may result in a suboptimal experience and negatively impact your academic performance.
: No, the minimum and recommended technical specifications are the same for each of the College of IST’s undergraduate programs.
: Yes, you can use any laptop that meets or exceeds the technical specifications.
: No, there are currently no tablets or mobile devices that meet the minimum required specifications.
: While the laptop requirement does not apply to LEAP courses during summer, all first-year students must have a laptop that meets the college’s requirement by the beginning of the fall semester.
: The IST Helpdesk will be available to consult on software problems related to coursework and can loan you a laptop if you have a temporary problem.Visit the IST Helpdesk website for more information.
: No, though some courses may require the installation of various software to complete assignments. Your instructor will guide you in any course-specific software needs.

Questions? Contact us.

IST Laptop Requirement

laptop@ist.psu.edu