Student System Recommendations
We recommend students purchase systems following the general purpose system requirements below.
You should also check with your college/department to see if there are any software requirements that may affect system purchases.
Recommended Vendors
Staff and faculty may purchase systems with the assistance of ITS Technical Support Services Group (TSS). To find out if your department qualifies, contact TSS through the ITS Help Desk by phone at 208-885-HELP (4357) or by e-mail to helpdesk@uidaho.edu.
Special Requirements
Please contact us if you have any questions about system expansion, upgrades or consultation on what you need to get out of your new computer.
Desktop Recommendations for General Purpose Computing
| Recommended Minimum Configuration for New Desktop Systems | |||
| Windows | Mac OS | ||
| Hardware | Processor | Intel Core i5 | Intel Core i5 |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 GB | 4 GB | |
| Hard Disk | 160 GB | 160 GB | |
| Monitor & VRAM | LCD WSXGA+ (1680×1200) 128 MB video card |
LCD WSXGA+ (1680×1200) 128 MB video card |
|
| Sound | Built-in audio | Built-in audio | |
| Miscellaneous | DVD-RW Drive | DVD-RW drive | |
| Network Connection |
High-bandwidth | 1000BaseT Ethernet | 1000BaseT Ethernet |
| Operating System* | Windows | Mac OS X | |
| Warranty | 3 year | 3 year | |
* While 64bit Vista/Windows 7 are recommended, certain applications may require a 32bit operating system. Please contact your technical support personnel for assistance.
Laptop Recommendations for General Purpose Computing
| Recommended Minimum Configuration for New Laptop Systems | |||
| Windows | Mac OS | ||
| Hardware | Processor | Intel Core i5 | Intel Core i5 |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 GB | 4 GB | |
| Hard Disk | 160 GB | 160 GB | |
| Monitor & VRAM | 14-inch SXGA+ LCD 128 MB video card |
13.3 – 15.4-inch XGA LCD 128 MB video card |
|
| Sound | Built-in audio & speaker | Built-in audio & speaker | |
| System Battery | 1 year warranty | 1 year warranty | |
| Miscellaneous | DVD Drive | DVD Drive | |
| Network Connection |
High-bandwidth | 1000BaseT Ethernet | 1000BaseT Ethernet |
| Wireless | 802.11a/b/g | 802.11a/b/g | |
| Operating System* | Windows | Mac OS X | |
| Warranty | 3 year | 3 year | |
