School & College Requirements and Recommendations
Information Technology Services suggests that you first check with your particular school or college to see if a specific configuration is recommended. For example, the following schools have posted information on their websites:
- College of Engineering - Laptop Requirement
- College of Education and Human Development - Computer Recommendations
- Fox School of Business - Laptop Policy with Recommended Device Specifications
- Tyler School of Art
- General Guideline: Laptop and Computer Policy
- Graphic & Interactive Design program Laptop Requirement
- Architecture Laptop Policy
- Landscape Architecture - Computer and Software Recommendations - College of Public Health - Laptop Requirement
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine: See System Requirements
If no particular configuration is needed, you can use the recommendations below as a guide. You can also purchase an extended warranty with your system. When considering whether to buy an extended warranty, it’s a good idea to check with your credit card company to see if additional coverage is automatically provided.
Recommendations
Below are suggested minimum recommendations for Macs and PCs. The purchasing decision is yours, but we suggest that you check with your particular school or college to see if a specific platform is recommended before you make your purchase.
Temple does not endorse a particular brand or type, but it’s best to select a name-brand manufacturer, such as Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo or Microsoft. These manufacturers generally use name-brand components and offer reliable customer support.
Please note that technical assistance is not available for custom-built computers.
University Laptop Recommendations (Windows, Mac)
Minimum | Recommended | |
---|---|---|
Processor | Intel* or AMD Windows 11-compatible processor, or M1 or higher** (Mac) | Intel* or AMD Windows 11-compatible processor, or M1 or higher** (Mac) |
Memory | 8GB | 16GB |
Storage | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD |
Graphics | Windows: Integrated Intel HD | Windows: Integrated Intel HD |
Wireless | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
Operating System | macOS Big Sur / Windows 10 Education or Home | macOS Monterey / Windows 11 Education or Home |
Miscellaneous | Webcam, Microphone and Speaker (headset recommended) | Webcam, Microphone and Speaker (headset recommended) |
Price Range*** | $549.99 - $999 | $900 + |
Warranty | 1 year hardware warranty | 3 or 4 year hardware warranty with additional damage/theft protection |
* Intel i3 4th generation or lower processor will not support the Zoom virtual background.
** You will not be able to run Windows software on the Apple M1 or higher Macs, as Boot Camp does not run on this processor.
*** Ranges are meant as a guideline for what you can expect to pay.
Chromebooks and Tablets
While Chromebooks, iPads and Android tablets are innovative and have many uses, including convenient web browsing, they are still not a replacement for a PC or Mac. Before purchasing, you should consult with your specific college IT department to determine if the device is compatible with the course requirements.
Chromebooks are a viable option, however, for the College of Education and Human Development and they do work with Proctorio. For more details, see the College of Education and Human Development Computer Purchase Recommendations page.
Recommended Minimum Specifications for Chromebooks
Minimum | |
---|---|
Memory | 4 GB |
Storage | 32 GB |
Wireless | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
Operating System | Chrome OS 102 (or higher)* |
* It is recommended that the Chromebook supports Auto Update for at least two years.