Beginning with students first enrolling in summer 2021 or after, the College of IST has required that all new first-year students enrolled in the college at University Park have their own laptop that meets or exceeds minimum technical specifications. This requirement is intended to ensure students have a device that should last for four years, ensures students have access to a level of technology needed to complete coursework, and allows instructors to effectively incorporate a standard of technology into their courses.
If you need additional technical support for the student laptop requirement, email helpdesk@ist.psu.edu.
You can review the information shared with students about this requirement at ist.psu.edu/laptop.
Technical Specifications
Windows Laptop
- Minimum Specifications: Windows 10, i7 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
Mac Laptop
- Minimum Specifications: Mac OS Big Sur, M1 processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB Hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, AppleCare
- Recommended Specifications: Mac OS Monterey, M1 or M1 Pro processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB Hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, AppleCare
Windows Laptop
- Minimum Specifications: Windows 10, i5 processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth
- Recommended Specifications: Windows 10, i7 processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, Hardware service warranty
Mac Laptop
- Minimum Specifications: Mac OS Big Sur, i5 processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB Hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth
- Recommended Specifications: Mac OS Big Sur, M1 processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB Hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, AppleCare
Teaching and Learning Resources
