Viterbo University IIT Dept has compiled information that would be useful before purchasing a computer for your student to bring to campus. If you have any questions after reading this information, please reach out to HelpDesk@viterbo.edu.
Typically most new computers are more than what we’d require for minimum specs here at Viterbo. The most important aspect is that you have Microsoft Office which students get for free here (explained below).
From an IT perspective, it's typically more cost effective to spend a little bit more "up front" on a system that will last 5-6 years, versus very cheap that will need replacement in 2-3 years…
So, keeping that in mind… Generally these specs are best practice for college:
Hard Drive: Minimum of 256GB. Solid State Drive (SSD) is standard now. If a lot of photos and videos are planned, you might want to go with 500GB to 1TB (just depends on how much you plan to save, like photos/videos). SSD drives do get pricy when you pass the 500GB mark… I’ve seen many students just purchase an external drive for the photos/video files if needed, later. Beware good deals where the hard drive is only 128GB! These are not good systems... often they will "fill up" and they cannot even be updated because of low-disk-space. So beware the "too good to be true deals", as they sometimes will have a very small hard drive.
Processor: i5 or an i7 (i5 usually will be in the realm of $500-$600, and i7 $600-$700). i3 are often slow and users are not happy.
RAM: 8GB to 16GB (8GB should be a bare minimum, you can always upgrade this later on most models if it slows down). If you get a system with only 4GB, you're not going to be happy.
Those are really the only (3) items to pay special attention to. Wireless is standard in all laptops.. Windows 11 is standard (and what is in all Viterbo computer labs). If the student is a “gamer”… We highly recommend ensuring the laptop has a LAN-port for an internet cable (Wired-Internet Access is available in all campus residence halls and apartments). Bring a CAT6 Cable of appropriate length to use, typically a 14ft is best.
Think about the important specs like this:
i3 = 2-3 years use and $200-$300 (not a fan of i3 – very slow disposable device typically.)
i5 = 4-5 years use and $400-$500
i7 = 6-7 years use and $600-$700
All Students enrolled at Viterbo University can take advantage of FREE Microsoft Office for personal computers! That includes the newest version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. and is called Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise. This feature is part of the school email account which is located on Office 365 (when you sign in to your email account, located under Apps is an install-option, or if a trial is already installed on a new computer, simply open Word, and sign in with your Viterbo Email, and you are fully licensed)! This works for Mac and PC. NOT Chrome Books. We advise against a Chrome Book for college work, as you cannot install Microsoft Office on them.
Viterbo does have a discount with Dell. We are not advocating that you must get a Dell, but use the Dell site as a “starting point” on price… and compare. The best advice is to first go to a technology-store that sells laptops… and physical interact with the devices… pick them up… test if you like the feel and the weight, etc…. Then note the price… and compare with the Dell Site to be sure you aren’t getting hijacked for what you are getting (note the three items above on this comparison between brands/price). Regardless of brand, they should be similar on those specs/prices.
We get asked about Mac Computers a lot. Most students that get a Mac do so because of two reasons… It’s a personal preference and price. Nothing wrong with Mac (we fully support them at Viterbo!)… Mac just tends to get a bit pricey (nearly double that of a similarly specked PC). If you go to www.apple.com (you really have to look), down at the very bottom you can find an Education link… there is sometimes a discount… around 10%. Sometimes….
Dell Discount varies also, by week and time of year:
Shop at: www.Dell.com/DellU/Viterbo
Or Call: or 1-800-695-8133
Member ID: US126614630
If shipping isn’t free, often you can talk to the live-agent or call and demand that, they will cave.
And lastly, don’t be afraid to ask BEFORE you purchase. Email HelpDesk@viterbo.edu and we will gladly double-check your choice!