Laptop Recommendations
Choose a laptop to help you succeed in your classes at NIU. Whether you prefer a PC or Mac, the following hardware recommendations will ensure your computer handles the day-to-day tasks you’ll face.
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PC Laptop Minimum Configurations
From checking email to browsing the web, these recommendations will let you run multiple applications. Your access to Microsoft Office 365 allows you to install Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Publisher, on your laptop.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i5 Processor |
| Memory | 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB Solid State hard disk (SSD) |
| Optical drive | Optional |
| Network | Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Graphics | Integrated graphics |
| Ports | USB 3.0, HDMI, Mini DiplayPort |
| Battery | 4-cell Li-ion battery |
| Operating system | Windows 10 |
| Warranty | 3 Year Premium Support |
PC Laptop Power User Configurations
Some applications perform better on computers with more memory and higher processor speed. For example, Adobe Creative Cloud and MATLAB. The following power user recommendations will ensure your laptop handles audio/video editing, graphic design (CAD), scientific simulation and data analytics.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i7 Processor |
| Memory | 32GB |
| Storage | 512GB Solid State hard disk (SSD) |
| Optical drive | Optional |
| Network | Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Graphics | 1GB Dedicated Video Card |
| Ports | 3 USB 3.0 ports, 1 HDMI port |
| Battery | 6-cell Li-ion battery |
| Operating system | Windows 10 |
| Warranty | 3 Year Premium Support |
Mac Laptop Minimum Configurations
From checking email to browsing the web, these recommendations will let you run multiple applications. Your access to Microsoft Office 365 allows you to install Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Publisher, on your laptop.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | 13" MacBook Air |
| Processor | 1.6GHz dual-core Intel i5 |
| Memory | 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB PCI-e based flash storage |
| Graphics | Supports 1920x1080 or higher resolution |
| Network | 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 4.0, USB Ethernet (sold separately) |
| Operating system | Mac OS X 10.15 Catalina or higher |
| Warranty | AppleCare Protection Plan |
Mac Laptop Power User Configurations
Some applications perform better on computers with more memory and higher processor speed. For example, Adobe Creative Cloud and MATLAB. The following power user recommendations will ensure your laptop handles audio/video editing, graphic design (CAD), scientific simulation and data analytics.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | 16" MacBook Pro |
| Processor | 2.2GHz quad-core or faster Intel i7 |
| Memory | 32GB |
| Storage | 512GB PCI-e based flash storage |
| Graphics | Supports 1920x1080 or higher resolution |
| Network | 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 4.0, USB Ethernet (sold separately) |
| Operating system | Mac OS X 10.15 Cataline or higher |
| Warranty | AppleCare Protection Plan |
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