What computer should I buy?

We will support any machine that bring; however, we do have a few recommendations for you to consider while you shop:

• Check with your advisor! Each major has different computing needs, especially in the upper level classes.
• Check out the 12th Man Technology Shop-by-Major page to find out what devices are recommended for your major.
• In general, each computer manufacturer has two or three lines of laptop: consumer, business, and enthusiast/professional. The middle (business) tier is often a good balance between cost, features and durability.
• Safe bet for non-technical majors (STEM majors, ask your advisor): i5 or equivalent processor, 8GB of RAM or more, USB and Ethernet connectivity (built-in or with dongle), HD display.
• Features that cost more but are often worth it:
  • Full size keyboard with keypad
  • Larger display or 2nd external monitor
  • USB DVD/optical drive if your laptop doesn’t have one
  • Solid State Drive (SSD)

• Chromebooks are great for accessing TAMU’s Google apps, drive and mail or just surfing the web but they are not full computers with true operation systems. They will not be able to run programs designed for Windows or Mac OS X.