Whether you are an incoming Freshman or seasoned Graduate student, you'll most likely want a computer to use while at Kent State University. Either a PC or Macintosh will be fine for regular computing activities, but please be aware that some courses and majors may have specialized system requirements.

Laptop or Desktop?

With prices dropping considerably within the past few years, laptops are by far the most popular type of computer these days. A laptop is equally at home with you in a group study session or checking your email wirelessly while enjoying a spring day in the Student Center Plaza. We recommend a laptop for portability and use on our wireless network (FlashZone).

Some students do prefer a desktop computer. Desktop computers have historically outperformed laptops, but newer laptops can truly be considered "desktop replacements".

Which Brand? Which Model?

Kent State University has developed the following guidelines to assist you with purchasing a computer for use at school. These prices are higher than what you'll see in advertisements - for good reason. While the $499 laptop or desktop deal of the week may seem appealing, the recommended models below provide much more robust hardware and a longer warranty than the budget laptops and desktops advertised so heavily.

PC Laptops

• Processor - Intel® Core 2 Duo Processor (1.86GHz or above)
• Graphics - Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator ( Integrated) or Add-In Graphics card for graphics and gaming
• Display - 12"-17"
• Memory - 1GB or more
• Hard Drive - 80GB or Larger
• CD/DVD - DVD Burner (DVD +/-RW)
• Battery - Choose a large capacity ( if available ) for longer battery life
• Wireless - 802.11 b/g
• Average Price - $1400

Macintosh Laptops

Good

• Model - MacBook
• Processor - 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
• Display - 13" (white)
• Memory - 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB
• Hard Drive - 160GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
• CD/DVD - SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
• Average Price - $1238

Better

• Model - MacBook
• Processor - 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
• Display - 13" (black)
• Memory - 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB
• Hard Drive - 250GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
• CD/DVD - SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
• Average Price - $1438

Best

• Model - MacBook Pro
• Processor - 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
• Display - 15" widescreen display
• Memory - 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB
• Hard Drive - 200GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
• CD/DVD - SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
• Average Price - $1838

PC Desktops

• Model - Intel® Core 2 Duo® Processor
• Graphics - Integrated for Basic Use or or Add-In Graphics card for graphics and gaming
• Display - 17" Flat Panel
• Memory - 1GB or more
• Hard Drive - 80GB or Larger
• CD/DVD - DVD Burner (DVD +/-RW)
• Average Price - $1000

Mac Desktops
Either an iMac or MacPro will be fine.

• Model - iMac or MacPro
• Graphics - Integrated for Basic Use or or Add-In Graphics card for graphics and gaming
• Display - 17" Flat Panel
• Memory - 1GB or more
• Hard Drive - 160GB or Larger
• CD/DVD - DVD Burner (DVD +/-RW)
• Average Price - iMac $1100 / MacPro $2300

Warranty

A good warranty is the most important thing! We recommend a three or four year in-home service warranty with accidental damage protection for laptops. Warranties on budget models tend to be one year or less, often with the requirement of mailing your computer back for repair, which can take weeks.

How to Buy

Kent State University has Faculty, Staff and Student personal purchase programs prearranged with Dell and Apple.