Choosing the Right Laptop for College

Welcome to Clarkson University! As you prepare for an exciting journey of discovery and learning, one of the most important tools you’ll acquire is your laptop. We know this can be a big decision—not just for students but for parents, too.

To help you navigate the options and ensure you’re equipped for success from day one, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 must-haves for your college laptop. These recommendations will ensure your laptop meets the demands of coursework and remains reliable throughout your college experience. 

The Top 5 Laptop Must-Haves for Clarkson Students

1. Choose Your Operating System: Windows vs Apple

Each operating system (OS) offers different benefits depending on your academic needs.

For STEM majors:
We recommend a Windows PC, as some specialized software used in these majors only runs on Windows.

For other majors:
The choice largely depends on personal preference. However, Windows devices are still commonly recommended since most university systems and services are optimized for Windows environments.

2. Processor Power: The Brain of Your Laptop

Your processor determines how quickly and efficiently your laptop handles tasks.

Recommended processors:

  • Windows: Intel Core i7 (14th Generation or newer)
  • Minimum: Intel Core i5
  • Mac: Apple M4 chip or newer

Choosing a stronger processor ensures your laptop can handle demanding coursework and specialized software.

3. Memory Matters: Don’t Skimp on RAM

RAM allows your laptop to run multiple programs smoothly.

As your coursework becomes more complex, you’ll likely run several applications at once.

Recommended RAM:

  • Minimum: 16 GB
  • Recommended: 32 GB

More memory ensures smoother multitasking and better long-term performance.

4. Fast Storage: Why SSDs Are Essential

Traditional hard drives are slower and less efficient than modern storage options.

Solid State Drives (SSDs) dramatically improve performance by allowing your computer to:

  • Boot up faster
  • Load programs quickly
  • Save and open files efficiently

Recommended storage:

  • Minimum: 500 GB SSD
  • Recommended: 1 TB SSD

More storage helps accommodate large files, projects, and software.

5. Protect Your Investment: Warranty and Insurance

Accidents happen, especially during a busy college schedule.

To protect your laptop investment, consider:

  • 3-year parts and labor warranty
  • Insurance covering breakage, theft, and hazards

This coverage can save you from unexpected repair or replacement costs.

Be Ready for Anything: Software and Tools

In addition to hardware, your laptop should be equipped with the right operating system and productivity tools.

Operating system recommendations:

  • Windows devices should run Windows 11
  • Apple devices should run MacOS 26 (Tahoe) or later

Good news for Clarkson students:
Microsoft Office 365 for Education is available at no cost to all current students. 

Need Help Choosing a Laptop?

Students and families can reference the Laptop Computer Recommendations for Students resource in Clarkson’s Knowledge Base.

For additional support, contact the Clarkson OIT Help Desk:

Phone: 315-268-HELP (x4357))

Online: Get Help

Email: helpdesk@clarkson.edu