re: College Laptop

Minimum Computer Configurations:
Operating system: Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro, 64-bit (Home versions are incompatible)
Processor: Intel Core i5 8th generation or equivalent (Intel Core i7 recommended)
Memory: 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended)
Storage: 256 GB hard drive or more (solid-state drive recommended)
Video/Display: 1920 x 1080 (full HD) minimum, 12 inch or larger display
Other: Wireless networking capability, USB flash drive connection

More:
quote:
Your laptop will often go wherever you go, so think twice before purchasing a heavy laptop.
If you will be purchasing a new laptop, models starting around $550 are acceptable; purchasing a $1,500 laptop with more capabilities, such as stylus input, will not necessarily help you
SOLIDWORKS will likely be your most resource-demanding program, and it will require a Pro edition of Windows.

Mac computers are NOT recommended for engineering courses. If you come with an Apple, please note that your machine MUST either boot into Microsoft Windows OR be able to run a copy of Windows Pro (an additional expense) with a desktop virtualization program such as Parallels Desktop. Note that for Apple computers using an Apple Silicon processor (M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, etc.), not all Windows software is compatible even when using Parallels Desktop. Much of the required software is Windows-based. If you do have an Apple, please be aware that technical support will be limited from your instructor and the COES First-Year Engineering HelpDesk.