Computing Device Requirement

All students are required to have a portable computing device. This will help maximize your success in a range of class scenarios during your college career.

Students living off campus are strongly encouraged to have regular and reliable Internet access.

Device Specifications

We understand you may already have a laptop. There's no need to buy a new one if yours meets the minimum specifications below. However, we strongly encourage you to bring a device that meets the recommended specifications—the memory and storage capacity will allow you to effectively run necessary software and process data provided to you for class assignments.

A device meeting only the minimum specifications listed below may not last for your entire Michigan Tech career. The more capacity and power your device has, the more likely it will serve your needs throughout your time at Michigan Tech.

If you are planning to buy a new laptop, expect to pay between $900 and $1,700 for a model with the recommended specifications. 

Students majoring in engineering, mechanical engineering technology, and engineering management should plan to have a laptop for in-class instructional purposes in required Engineering Fundamentals courses. For engineering students:

  • You will need a Windows-based laptop. A Mac will not allow you to fully participate in course activities, as there is software you need to use that will not run natively on a Mac or on a Windows VM (virtual machine). 
  • Chromebooks are insufficient for supplied and necessary engineering software.

Specification Details - All majors except those offered through the Departments of Humanities and Visual and Performing Arts

  Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications

Processor

Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5

Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 or 9

Memory

8GB RAM

16GB RAM

Storage

250GB (Solid State Drive (SSD) strongly recommended)

500GB (Solid State Drive (SSD) strongly recommended)

Graphics

Integrated graphics

Dedicated graphics card with at least 4 GB of VRAM

Other

  • 1 TB external drive recommend for backup and additional space. Google drive also available for storage and backup of important documents
  • HDMI output or HDMI adapter to connect to classroom facilities
  • Wireless adapter capable of 802.11ac
  • Built-in or external webcam, and headphones with connected microphone.
  • Must be portable enough to bring to class on a daily basis.
  • 1TB external drive recommended for backup and additional storage
  • HDMI output or HDMI adapter to connect to classroom facilities
  • Wireless adapter capable of 802.11ac
  • Built-in or external webcam, and headphones with connected microphone.

 

Specification Details - Majors in the Department of Humanities

Communication, Culture, and Media; English; Humanities; Scientific and Technical Communication

  Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications

Processor

Intel i7

Intel i9, Apple M1

Memory

8GB RAM

16GB RAM (more if you plan to work with video)

Storage

512GB (Solid State Drive strongly recommended)

Additional 1TB external hard drive (SSD)

Graphics

2GB GPU VRAM*

4GB GPU VRAM*

Other

  • Built-in or external webcam, and headphones with connected microphone.
  • Must be portable enough to bring to class on a daily basis.

Built-in or external webcam, and headphones with connected microphone.

* The standard Mac graphics card is acceptable. Learn more about graphics cards for video editing.

Note: The above specifications apply to both Windows and MacOS machines. If students want to work seamlessly between the Humanities Digital Media Zone and their own computer, they should consider purchasing a Mac laptop.

Specification Details - Majors in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts

Audio Production and Technology, Sound Design, Theatre and Electronic Media Performance, Theatre and Entertainment Technology

  Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications

Processor

Intel i7

Intel i9, Apple M1

Memory

8GB RAM

16GB RAM (more if you plan to work with video)

Storage

512GB (Solid State Drive strongly recommended)

Additional 1TB external hard drive (SSD)

Graphics

2GB GPU VRAM*

4GB GPU VRAM*

Other

  • Built-in or external webcam, and headphones with connected microphone.
  • Must be portable enough to bring to class on a daily basis.

Built-in or external webcam, and headphones with connected microphone.

Learn more about device recommendations for VPA majors.

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