Be sure to review the minimum and recommended requirements below so that the laptop you choose is the right one for your schoolwork.
Purchasing Options
Both Apple and Windows laptops can be purchased from the WashU Campus Store’s e-commerce site, which can ship your order.
WashU requires that you purchase a 3 year warranty with your laptop. Learn More.
School-Specific Notes
Specific programs in A&S may require higher performance. For these, you can benefit from the ‘Plus’ descriptions below.
Windows
Feature | University Minimum Requirements | Arts and Sciences ‘Plus’ Experience |
---|---|---|
CPU | +i5 or AMD equivalent | Intel i7 |
RAM | 8 GB minimum | 16GB |
Graphics | Integrated graphics | Discrete GFX card |
OS | Windows 10 | Windows 10 |
Hard Drive | 256 GB SSD | 512 GB SSD |
Display | n/a | 13″ FHD (1920×1080) |
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless (802.11AC) BlueTooth |
Other | Webcam+mic | Webcam+mic (built-in or external) Multiport dongle for Ethernet, video, USB. (The Dell DA300 dongle is recommended.) 3-year warranty |
This Model Meets the University Minimum Requirements

Windows
The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 meets all of the WashU minimum requirements. It can be purchased from the WashU Campus Store.
Mac
Feature | University Minimum Requirements | Arts and Sciences ‘Plus’ Experience |
---|---|---|
CPU | +i5 or i7 | i7 |
RAM | 8 GB | 16GB |
Graphics | n/a | Discrete GFX card |
OS | Currently supported macOS version | Currently supported macOS version |
Hard Drive | 256 GB | 512 GB SSD |
Display | n/a | 13″ FHD (1920×1080) |
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless (802.11AC) BlueTooth |
Other | Two USB-C Webcam+mic | Webcam+mic (built-in or external) Multiport dongle for Ethernet, video, USB. (The Dell DA300 dongle is recommended.) 3-year warranty |
This Model Meets the University Minimum Requirements

Mac
The 13″ MacBook Pro meets all of the WashU minimum requirements. It can be purchased from the WashU Campus Store.