Laptop Specifications

Laptop Requirements

Component	Minimum Requirement	Recommended
Processor	Intel Core i5 (13th Gen+) / AMD Ryzen 5 (7000 Series+)	Intel Core Ultra 5/7 / AMD Ryzen 7 (7000/8000/Ryzen Al Series)
RAM	8 GB (must be upgradeable)	16 GB or more
Storage	512 GB NVMe SSD	1 TB NVMe SSD or more
Graphics	Integrated Graphics	Any dedicated GPU (NVIDIA / AMD Radeon / Intel Arc)
Operating System	Windows 10/11, Linux, macOS

Important Guidelines & Operating Systems

• Most coursework and assignments will require you to use Linux. If you purchase a Windows laptop, we will help you install Linux on it during the first week. Mac users do not need Linux.
• ECE/D students should avoid MacBooks due to software compatibility issues.
• Avoid Snapdragon X (or any ARM architecture chips) as Linux support is currently in very early stages.
• Avoid MediaTek WiFi chips since they are not well supported on Linux.
• Please carry a pendrive (Min 8GB) to install Linux (for Windows laptops only).
• There is no strict requirement for graphics cards; GPU server access is provided by the college for research/project work when needed. Avoid purchasing a laptop solely for an RTX GPU. CPU, RAM, battery life, and build quality matter more.
• Prefer business laptops (ThinkPad, ThinkBook, EliteBook, Latitude, ProBook) over gaming laptops in the same price range. A good laptop should comfortably last 4-5 years.
• Check whether RAM and SSD are user-upgradeable before purchasing. An extended warranty (3 years) is highly recommended.
• No additional software needs to be installed before coming to college; tools will be introduced as part of coursework.
• If you already own a laptop that falls slightly below the specifications, there is no need to replace it immediately. First-semester coursework is light.

Recommended Models by Budget

Buy according to your budget. Before purchasing, verify Linux support by searching online for "<Laptop Name> Ubuntu review" to ensure WiFi, Sleep/hibernate, and Graphics card functions work properly.