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 three-year warranty with your laptop. Learn More.
School-Specific Notes
Please see the MD Program Educational Technology page for specific MD Program Student Laptop Guidelines as well as recommended laptop models.
Your degree program may have additional requirements for laptop configuration. Please check with your program administrator.
Windows
| Feature | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel i5 or better/ AMD equivalent | i7 or better |
| RAM | 16 GB minimum | 32 GB |
| Graphics | n/a | n/a |
| OS | Windows 10 or 11 | Windows 10 or 11 |
| Hard Drive | +256 GB | 256 GB SSD |
| Display | n/a | 1920 x 1080 or higher; +14″ screen preferred |
| Connectivity | Wireless | Intel Dual-Band Wireless-AC |
| Other | Webcam + Mic | HDMI, built-in camera/mic; TPM |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years premium warranty + 3 years of accidental damage protection |
Mac
| Feature | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel i5 or better / Applie Silicon (M1, M2) | 8th gen i5 |
| RAM | 8 GB minimum | 32 GB |
| Graphics | n/a | n/a |
| OS | Currently supported macOS version | MacOS Catalina or newer |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB SSD | 256 GB SSD |
| Display | n/a | 1920 x 1080 or higher; +14″ screen preferred |
| Connectivity | Wireless | Intel Dual-Band Wireless-AC |
| Other | Webcam + Mic | HDMI, built-in camera/mic |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years premium warranty + 3 years of accidental damage protection |
| Notes | Students need to check their school-specific IT page to see if there are any program-specific limitations on Apple Silicon |