The following offer minimum, recommended, and premium-level specifications for buying a laptop to work best for CSI's courses and programs. Please use these computer specifications as a guideline for decision-making when bringing a laptop to campus. It is strongly encouraged that each student owns a recommended laptop computer to allow for mobility and collaboration outside of classroom and lab activities. Laptops in approved configurations are available for purchase through the CSI Bookstore.
MINIMUM specifications are provided for those who choose not to buy a new laptop and want to bring an existing device to CSI.
RECOMMENDED specifications are provided to assist students looking for guidance when planning to purchase a new laptop for general class use, including the use of productivity tools like Microsoft Office, web browsers, and web conferencing.
PREMIUM specifications are provided as a guide to students in media-intensive programs, such as digital arts and drafting, where increased computer performance will be necessary to run the required software. If you question whether this pertains to you, please ask your advisor or course instructor of your declared major. Additional details about specific programs are below.
ATTENTION!
Chromebooks or Netbooks are not recommended due to limited compatibility with online textbooks used by some instructors and are incompatible with some library digital resources from national publishers. While these are low-price devices, they are quite limited in functionality and intended for basic web browsing or rudimentary word processing functions, which will likely be inadequate to complete most assignments for college courses at CSI.
Please consult with your academic advisor, course instructor, or our IT Department before purchasing a Mac laptop device. Some courses include software that runs only on Microsoft Windows.
| Windows PC | Apple Macintosh | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Suggested | Premium | Suggested | |
| Intended Use | (Tablet) Text documents, light web surfing, streaming video | Moderate multi-tasking, all around general use | Full multi-tasking, audio video editing, AutoCAD, gaming | |
| Operating System | Windows 10 *Windows 10S is not recommended |
Windows 10 *Windows 10S is not recommended |
Windows 11 | Macintosh OS 12.7.4 or higher aka mac os Monterey |
| Processor Type | Dual Core i3 or AMD APU |
AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 MINIMUM Core i5 Processor RECOMMENDED Core i7 Processor |
AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 |
MINIMUM M1 Processor RECOMMENDED M2 Pro or M3 Pro Processor |
| Memory | 4GB |
8 to 12 GB MINIMUM 8GB Ram or higher |
16 to 64 GB |
MINIMUM 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive (Solid state drive recommended) |
64 to 128 GB |
250 to 512 GB MINIMUM 250 GB RECOMMENDED 500 GB or higher |
1 TB or higher |
MINIMUM 256 GB RECOMMENDED 500 GB or higher |
| Graphics Card | Integrated |
Integrated MINIMUM 512 MB Video Memory or higher |
AMD or Nvidia GPU |
MINIMUM Base M1, M2, or M3 RECOMMENDED M2 Pro or M3 Pro |
| Screen Resolution and Size | 720 @ 10 to 13 inches | 1080 @ 13 to 16 inches | 1080, 2k, or 4k @ 14 to 17 inches | STANDARD |
| Brand/Model Example |
HP Stream Dell Inspiron 11, Microsoft Surface Go Chromebooks are not recommended as they are incompatible with the content from some textbook publishers |
HP Pavilion, Dell 5000 & 7000 series, Microsoft Surface Go 2 | HP Envy, Dell XPS, Microsoft Surface Pro |
MINIMUM MacBook Air or iPad Pro with keyboard and pencil RECOMMENDED Mac Pro, 13-inch PREMIUM Mac Pro, 16-inch |
| Windows PC | Apple Macintosh | |
| Productivity Tools | Microsoft Office 365 can be downloaded FREE for students | Microsoft Office 365 can be downloaded FREE for students. However, Microsoft Access for MAC is NOT included. |
| Warranty | 4-year parts and labor Accidental Damage Coverage is highly recommended and on-site repair is strongly recommended. | 3-year parts and labor AppleCare (recommended) |
| Virus Protection Software | Windows Defender is built into Windows 10. |
Macintosh OS has built-in virus protection. |