General Computer Recommendations
Thu, 03/05/2009
Our recommendations are based on the purchase of a new computer. Also, check out recommendations from colleges and departments.
Laptop Recommendations
| Entry Level | Mid Range | High End | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | 2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo | 2.4 - 2.53 GHz Core 2 Duo | 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo or higher |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 160 GB | 250 GB | 320 GB or higher |
| Media Drive | CD-RW/DVD | CD-RW/DVD+-RW | CD-RW/DVD+-RW |
| Video RAM | 128 MB Integrated | 256 MB Integrated or Discrete | 512 MB Discrete or higher |
| Connectivity/Extras | Ethernet, Wireless | Ethernet, Wireless, Bluetooth, Integrated Webcam | Ethernet, Wireless, Bluetooth, Express Card Slot, Firewire, HDMI, Integrated Webcam |
Desktop Recommendations
| Entry Level | Mid Range | High End | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Pentium Dual Core or AMD Equivalent | Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Equivalent | Intel Core 2 Duo, Quad-Core, or AMD Equivalent |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 250 GB | 500 GB | 500 GB or higher |
| Media Drive | CD-RW/DVD | CD-RW/DVD+-RW | Dual Layer DVD+-RW |
| Video RAM | 128 MB Integrated or Discrete | 256 MB Integrated or Discrete | 512 MB Discrete |
| Connectivity/Extras | Multiple USB, Ethernet | Multiple USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wireless | Multiple USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Firewire, Wireless, HDMI, Multimedia Card Reader |
