Personal Hardware Purchases
CaTS offers faculty, staff, and students discounts on hardware for home use. If you have questions about hardware purchasing, please contact the Help Desk.
On this page:
- Minimum Computing Standards for Students
- Apple Macintosh, iPod, iPad, and More
- Dell
- Best Buy "Student Deals"
Minimum Computing Standards for Students
Minimum Computing Standards for Students (PDF)
Recommended
Any computer or tablet that meets the below specifications is a viable option for a student with the single caveat that individual programs requirements may require additional modifications.
Important Note: Wired connectivity in the residence halls is currently being phased out and will no longer be available in any residence building after Spring 2023. If you have a desktop computer or another device that normally uses a wired ethernet connection, we recommend the following USB wireless devices:
- NETGEAR A6100 WiFi USB Mini Adapter
- TP-Link AC1300 USB WiFi Adapter(Archer T3U) - 2.4G/5G Dual Band Wireless Network Adapter
| Description | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5 or better |
| Memory | 8GB RAM or more |
|
Hard Drive |
256 GB or more (SSDs are preferred) |
| Wireless Card (laptops) | Wireless cards 802.11 ac or ax (Intel cards are preferred) |
| Wireless Adapter (desktops without wireless cards) |
USB or equivalent 802.11 ac or ax |
| Additional Recommended Hardware |
Webcam and microphone Access to a printer |
| Operating System | Windows 10, Mac OS 10.14 or higher |
| Software Packages |
Microsoft Office 365 is available for free to all students (wright.edu/office365) |
| Web Browsers | |
| Other Programs | |
| Warranty | 3 years or more |
| Recommended Accessories | Flash drive/Jump drive 8GB or higher, cable lock, laptop carrying case, network cable |
NOT Recommended
Chromebooks, Linux OS, mobile devices, and iPads are NOT recommended for students to use as their primary device. Certain programs for classes (testing software, plug-ins, etc) will not work on these platforms. We strongly recommend that you buy or bring a Windows PC (Windows 10) or Apple Mac device (Mac OS 10.14 or higher) to be used for school.
Certain departmental requirements may necessitate different specifications. You are encouraged to contact your primary college to address any concerns you may have about departmental needs.
Apple Macintosh, iPod, iPad, and More
Get deals for students and employees with an @wright.edu email address at the Apple Online Store. Order Mac notebooks for less. Free shipping. Full line of Apple products, including iMacs, MacBooks, iPods, and more.
Dell
Students and employees can save up to 30% through the Dell Online Store for Wright State. The store also honors promotions seen on television and in ads.
Phone: 877-289-9437
Wright State’s Dell Member number is US29410533
Best Buy "Student Deals"
Just sign up with your @wright.edu email here and Best Buy will send you coupons for their products!
