Buying a Personal Computer
Recommended minimum specifications for computers that will meet the requirements of most academic work.
Faculty & Staff
If you decide to purchase a new computer, be sure to select one with six or greater. The product description should include a number 6, 6e or 7 with the Wi-Fi symbol or 802.11 followed by “ac,” "ax" or "be." If you are using a computer or device you already own and are having issues, contact the OTS Technology Support Desk.
Component | Windows Desktop/Laptop | MAC Desktop/Laptop | Tablet |
---|---|---|---|
Operating System (OS) | Latest 64-bit OS | Latest OS | Latest OS |
Processor | Intel Core i5 | Apple M1 | Latest OS for Brand |
RAM or Memory | 8GB | 8GB | 4GB to 8GB |
Hard Drive | 120GB/250GB Solid State or Flash Drive | 120GB/250GB Solid State or Flash Drive | Your Choice |
Warranty | Yes, get warranty | Yes, get AppleCare | Yes, get warranty/AppleCare |
Students
For purchasing advice, see the Student Laptop Services webpage. If you are using a computer or device you already own and are having issues, contact the Tech Support Desk.
Make a Purchase
Apple
Purchase products and accessories at an or through the .
Dell
Get potential deals and discounts on Dell consumer computers, electronics and accessories through
Note: the business line of Dell products used at the university are different due to the demands of enterprise computing.
Support
Faculty/staff personally-owned devices: If you have issues with personally-owned computing devices (laptops, tablets, routers, cable modems, smartphones, etc.), you must seek support and service outside of the university.
Towson University, as a public university, cannot provide technical services for devices that are not owned by the university. OTS can help you connect to university systems, websites, applications and other campus-hosted resources. See