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
Students should have their laptop with them when they arrive for the fall semester. If you own a laptop that was purchased in the last two years, it should be sufficient for your time at the Brown School. If your system is older than two years old, we strongly suggest you purchase a new system.
The Brown School has a separate web page listing computer requirements that goes into more detail than this site. Click the button below to view.
Windows
Brown School requirements are the same as University Requirements.
| Feature | University Minimum Requirements |
|---|---|
| CPU | +i5 or AMD equivalent |
| RAM | 8 GB minimum |
| Graphics | Integrated graphics |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB SSD |
| Display | n/a |
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| Other | Webcam+mic 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
Some course software may be not be compatible with MacOS, so you may need to purchase a Windows license and virtualization software as well.
| Feature | University Minimum Requirements |
|---|---|
| CPU | + i5 |
| RAM | + 8 GB |
| Graphics | n/a |
| OS | Currently supported macOS version |
| Hard Drive | 256GB SSD |
| Display | n/a |
| Connectivity | wireless |
| Other | webcam+mic 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.