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MVNU Computer Recommendations

MVNU Computer Recommendations

Computer Recommendations

  1. Avoid being trapped by these pitfalls.

    1. Be aware of add ons to your computer purchase.

      1. As a student, you receive Microsoft Office throughout your scholastic career. You do NOT need to buy office when purchasing a new computer.

      2. Store warranties are not generally as good as manufacturers warranties. Manufacturer’s warranty extensions can be purchased directly through software on the computer.

    2. Students in the Engineering and Computer Sciences majors MUST have a Windows computer. These majors require use of software that does NOT have an Apple compatibility.

    3. Chromebooks are NOT compatible with the demands of the University software. They will NOT work as a reliable solution for a computer for the student.

  2. Depending on the degree you are wanting to pursue, some computers require more powerful equipment than others.  If the student is considering Graphic Design or Engineering, they will need a computer powerful enough to handle the complex software needed for the program.  Degrees without specialized software won’t require as powerful of a system.  And obviously the more power the more expensive.

  3. There are several form factors to consider: Tablet, Ultrabook, Convertible, Notebook, and each of these have their own strengths and weaknesses.

    1. Tablets tend to be less powerful, but more portable (with no physical keyboard)

    2. Ultrabooks tend to be powerful and portable but often times are pricier and sometimes bulkier (due to the physical keyboard).

    3. Convertibles are able to convert from laptop to tablet and some can even separate the physical keyboard from the screen. 

    4. Notebooks are the cheapest options as they don’t have the extra bells and whistles of the former laptop types, but they tend to be bulkier/heavier.

  4. Apple Computers tend to be more expensive, but are required for certain majors or courses with specific software (Art & Design, Music, etc).

  5. When shopping for a computer consider these basic specifications:

    1. Apple Laptops

      1. > 8 GB of RAM (Memory)

      2. >500 GB storage drive

      3. M1 or better processor

    2. Windows laptops

      1. Recommended Windows 11

      2. >8GB of RAM (Memory)

      3. > 500 GB storage drive

        1. SSD over HDD – SSD technology is flash storage (like a flashdrive) which is much faster than the older spinning hard disk of HDD.

      4. Intel i5/Ryzen 5, or better.