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 minimum three-year warranty with your laptop. Learn More.
School-Specific Notes
Specific programs in A&S may require higher performance. For these, you may benefit from the ‘Recommened’ descriptions below.
Windows
| Feature | University Minimum Requirements | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel +i7 8th gen; Built 2018 or newer | Intel 12th gen or newer + AMD equivalent |
| RAM | 16 GB minimum | 16 GB |
| Graphics | n/a | dedicated graphics (NVIDIA) |
| OS | Windows 11 | Windows 11 |
| Hard Drive | 512 GB SSD | 512 GB SSD |
| Display | n/a | FHD (1080p) or higher |
| Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless AX |
| Other | Webcam+mic | Two 3.0 and USB-C |
| Warranty | 4 years | 4 years or more |
| Notes | WashU Service Techs are certified for Dell Latitudes | WashU Service Techs are certified for Dell Latitudes |
Mac
| Feature | University Minimum Requirements | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | From 2019 or newer | Apple Silicon (M3 or newer) |
| RAM | 16 GB minimum | 16 GB |
| Graphics | n/a | NA |
| OS | MacOS13-15 (Ventura or newer) | MacOS 14-15 |
| Hard Drive | 512 GB SSD | 512 GB SSD |
| Display | n/a | n/a |
| Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless |
| Other | Webcam+mic | Two or more USB-C (TBT 3) |
| Warranty | 3 years AppleCare+ | 3 years AppleCare+ or more |
| Notes | M1-M2 Apple chips only support one external display. | Program-specific limitation may still exist, if needed please utilize virtual Windows resources or VMWare. |