Purchasing Laptops, Desktops, and Other Hardware

Recommended Hardware

For all platforms, we recommend laptops or desktops with the following specifications. Depending on the application, lesser specifications may work OK, but as a general recommendation, these should be able to handle anything done at Thayer.

  • Core i5 minimum, i7 or better CPU recommended (or equivalent AMD or Apple Silicon processor)
  • 512GB or greater SSD (not HDD/spinning drive)
  • Minimum 16 GB RAM, recommended 32GB
  • Discrete graphics card optional
    • Certain applications do require more graphics processing, so if you know you'll be using graphically intense applications, a discrete graphics card may be a good idea.

Windows

Laptop - Dell Latitude 54xx (14" model, smaller/lighter, no number pad) or 55xx (15" model slightly heavier, has number pad) series laptops.

If you need discrete graphics, the Dell Precision 54xx series laptop is recommended.

Desktop - HP Z2 series desktops or Dell Precision (or Optiplex) are good for general computing. If you need something with more graphics or computational power, please let us know your requirements.

Mac

Laptop - Any MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon. The Macbook Air is not actively cooled, so it isn't preferred, but may be adequate for use at Thayer.

Desktop - Any desktop Mac should be sufficient for use at Thayer.

Linux, Chromebooks, and Mobile Devices

If you have a device that doesn't run Windows or macOS, we provide services that will allow you to run Thayer software. You can use many of the applications we provide at Thayer without having to install and run it on your own device. These services are:

Virtual Computer Lab - For running Windows applications
Linux Services - For running Linux applications

We can't guarantee compatibility, but if you're interested whether something will work on your device or not, please contact us.