Device Recommendations
Computer Purchases
Many companies offer education discounts on computer purchases. You are able to visit the UD Bookstore to shop for computers, or use the links below. We recommend checking with your College for specific computing needs before purchasing a computer.
Apple
An Apple Authorized Campus Store is located on the second level of the Barnes & Noble UD Bookstore at 83 East Main Street, Newark DE 19717. Call them at (302) 831-2637 for more information.
The Apple Store at the Christiana Mall will also give discounts on many of their products by showing your UDel ID as proof of your academic status.
Apple products can be purchased online with academic discount from the Apple Store for Education.
Dell
Dell offers 5% off purchases with a coupon sent to your udel.edu email. They also offer laptops designed with majors in mind, as well as a variety of other laptops and desktops. Visit the Dell store for UD students.
Lenovo
Lenovo offers 5% off for students with ID.me verification. They have a variety of laptops and desktops built for educational needs in their education store. Visit the Lenovo store for UD students.
Hardware Recommendations
These hardware recommendations serve as a baseline for computer purchases. You may choose to purchase equipment with more RAM or storage, for example. These recommendations are here as guidelines.
Processor: 12th, 13th or 14th Gen Intel Core i5, i7 or i9 Processor, Apple Silicon M2 Processor or above (CPU)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 or Windows 11 Home, Pro, Enterprise or Education version or macOS 13.X “Ventura” or macOS 14.X “Sonoma”
Memory (RAM): 16 GB of RAM
Storage: 240 GB solid state drive, or larger.
Video/Graphics: Integrated or discrete graphics processor capable of 1440 X 900 resolution, or better (1920 X 1080 or 1200 ideal).
Monitor: 13″ – 17″ display for notebook; 24″ – 27″ widescreen flat-panel display for desktop
Mouse: Built-in or external trackpad; wireless and/or USB, 2-button, optical mouse
Sound: Built-in audio or soundcard, and speakers
Headphones: Headphones or earbuds, with built-in microphone
Webcam: Either external USB device or built-in
Network: WiFi 6 / 802.11ax
Warranty: 3-year on-site (better) or depot warranty, accidental damage service highly recommended
Backup Device/Scheme: External USB or Thunderbolt drive with Time Machine (Mac) or Windows backup software and/or cloud backup service/subscription.
Recommended Accessories: Printer (wireless or USB connected w/USB cable), USB flash memory drive (“USB key” or “thumb drive”), surge suppressor, carrying case for notebooks. Mac users wishing to connect their notebook computers to classroom projectors for presentation purposes should purchase VGA or HDMI adapters appropriate for their specific Macintosh computer model (MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, etc.) OR USB-C hub for multiple connections. Optional: Optical drive (recordable DVD or Blu-Ray drive).
