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
	Shop Now >>	Shop Now >>	Shop Now >>	Shop Now >>	Shop Now >>

* 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.