Computer Specs and Discounts for Students & Personal Use | Information Technology | University of Pittsburgh
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Computer Specs and Discounts for Students & Personal Use

If you’re considering a new computer for the upcoming academic year, Pitt Information Technology offers device and configuration recommendations just for you. Specific machines are not required—if you already have a Windows, Mac, or Linux laptop that meets your needs and the configuration recommendations, including a current operating system, it is not necessary to buy a new one. 

Rather, Pitt IT has negotiated with Dell's Member Purchase Program (MPP) to offer student discounts on select models that meet the criteria listed below for use in the University of Pittsburgh computing environment. View discounted Dell MPP options >>.

  • All recommended devices are capable of running standard productivity applications, either through remote access or saved locally on the machine, including Office 365, OneDrive storage, video conferencing, and remote support.
  • A Wi-Fi network card, integrated camera and microphone, and a 3-year warranty (excluding Chromebooks) that includes coverage for accidental damage are all standard.

Apple offers education pricing, available to current and newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff, and homeschool teachers of all grade levels. Please see the Apple Education Store >> for details.

If your school or program has provided recommended specifications, please use those as your guide.

Recommended Devices and Configurations

MPP recommendations range from lower-cost devices with the minimum recommended configuration suitable for working in the cloud, to mid-range devices for mainstream users, and more powerful devices for resource-intensive activities like graphic design and for students pursuing a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) major. 

User Profile:

Minimum Recommended
Low-Cost w/Cloud

Mainstream

Power User 2-in-1

High End

Ultra Portable
 

Device

Dell Chromebook 11 3100 2-in-1

Dell Inspiron 16 Laptop

Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1

Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1

XPS 13 Plus

Operating System

Chrome OS

Windows Education 64-bit

Windows Education 64-bit

Windows Education 64-bit

Windows Education 64-bit

Processor

Celeron 

Intel i5 

Intel i7

Intel i7 

Intel i7

Memory (RAM)

4 GB 

16 GB 

16 GB

16 GB 

16 GB

Hard Drive

32 GB SSD 

512 GB SSD 

512 GB SSD

512 GB SSD 

512 GB SSD

Screen Size

11"

16"

14"

16"

13"
Camera / Microphone

Included

Included

Included

Included

Included

Wi-Fi Card

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Wired Port

No

No

No

No

No

Approximate Price*

~$350

~$899

~$1,099

~$1,399

~$1,609
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* Pending availability. Contact Pitt IT regarding equivalent options. Prices are approximate; actual prices may vary.
The low-cost laptop represents the minimum recommended configuration for use at the University of Pittsburgh. It is intended to be used along with the Virtual Computing Lab and cloud-based applications. It may not meet the needs of students in some schools or majors, such as those completing a STEM major.

The University of Pittsburgh does not require the purchase of recommended devices or configurations and is not responsible for hardware support or performance of purchased equipment. All purchases are made directly with the respective vendors. The above configurations are general guidelines and individuals should consider their unique needs and circumstances before making a purchasing decision. Questions about products should be directed to the vendors themselves. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.