Before purchasing a new laptop to use during your journey at Western Michigan University, please review these WMU recommended laptop specifications. You may also use these specifications to determine if your existing equipment is sufficient.

The general recommended specifications will provide greater computing capabilities than the minimum specifications as well as a longer lifespan. Minimum specifications are designed for typical academic tasks such as email, word processing, creating presentations, taking notes, accessing and participating in Elearning, and web conferencing.

Note: Please refer to the college-specific recommendations if you will be attending one of those programs.

General

PC LaptopMinimumRecommended
CPU: i5 8th generation or newer i7 8th generation or newer
Memory: 8 GB 16 GB
Storage: 256 GB SSD 512 GB SSD
GPU (Video): Integrated 4 GB
Camera: 720p/Integrated 720p/Integrated
Min screen resolution: 1920x1080  1920x1080
Battery life: 8 hours  8+ hours
Operating system: Windows 10 Professional Windows 10 Professional
Warranty: none 3 years
Apple LaptopMinimumRecommended
CPU: i5 8th generation i5 9th generation or i7
Memory: 8 GB 16 GB
Storage: 256 GB SSD 512 GB SSD
GPU (Video): Intel Iris Plus Graphics Intel Iris Plus Graphics
Camera: 720p/Integrated 720p/Integrated
Min screen resolution: 1920x1080 1920x1080
Battery life: 8 hours 8+ hours
Operating system: macOS Catalina macOS Catalina
Warranty: none 3 years

College Specific

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Follow the general minimum unless listed here.

    Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics students should follow the general recommended requirements.

    School of Communication film, video, and media studies program students should get a dedicated GPU (video) with 4 GB or more.

    Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences and Department of Geography, Environment, and Tourism students should get a dedicated GPU (video) with 4 GB or more.

  • College of Aviation

    An iPad, 128gb minimum, with cellular-capable is required for GPS MEMS.

    Recommended

     PC Laptop
    CPU: i5 U-series 8th generation
    Memory: 8GB minimum
    16 GB recommended
    Storage: 256 GB SSD
    GPU (Video): Integrated
    Camera: 720p/Integrated
  • College of Education and Human Development

    Follow the general minimum unless listed here.

    Design students:

     PC Laptop
    CPU: i7
    Memory: 16 GB
    Storage: 512 GB-1TB SSD
    GPU (Video): Accelerated, Gaming Support 1920 x 1080 resolution
    Camera: 720p/Integrated
    Min screen resolution: 1920x1080
    Operating system: Windows 10 Professional

    HDMI output or an HDMI adapter to connect to classroom A/V equipment.

    1TB external drive recommended for backup and additional storage.

  • College of Engineering and Applied Sciences

    See the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences website for program-specific laptop requirements.
    Computer Recommendations

  • College of Fine Arts

    Follow the general recommended for a PC or Apple laptop unless listed here.

    Theatre Design students:

    An Apple or PC laptop with an i5 CPU and at least 16 GB of memory.

    Multimedia Arts Technology students:

    An Apple or PC laptop with an i7 CPU and at least 16 GB of memory. An external display is highly recommended.

    Product Design students:

    An Apple or PC laptop with an i7 CPU and at least 32 GB of memory.

    Photography and Intermedia students:

    An Apple or PC laptop with an i7 CPU and at least 32 GB of memory.

    Graphic Design students:

    An Apple MacBook Pro with an i5 CPU and at least 32 GB of memory. An external display is highly recommended.

  • College of Health and Human Services

    Recommended

     PC Laptop
    CPU: i5 U-series 8th generation
    Memory: 8GB minimum
    16 GB recommended
    Storage: 256 GB SSD
    Camera: 720p/Integrated
    Min screen resolution: 1280x800 minimum
    Operating system: Windows Pro or greater

    An internal or external microphone is also recommended.

  • Haworth College of Business

    Follow the general recommended for a PC or Apple laptop unless listed here.

    See the Cybersecurity program website for specific laptop requirements.
    Cybersecurity Recommendations

The Technology Help Desk is available to answer any additional questions you may have.

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