Photo of student sitting on the table using laptop

Personal Hardware Purchases

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CaTS offers faculty, staff, and students discounts on hardware for home use. If you have questions about hardware purchasing, please contact the Help Desk.

Minimum Computing Standards for Students

Any computer or tablet that meets the specifications below is a viable option for students. Individual programs may require different or additional specifications, so students are encouraged to contact their primary college with questions about program-specific technology needs.

Recommended Computer Specifications

Description Specifications
Processor Intel Core i5 or better
Memory 16 GB RAM or more
Hard Drive 512 GB or more (SSD drives are preferred)
Wireless Card (Laptops) Wireless cards 802.11 ac or ax (Intel cards are preferred)
Wireless Adapter (Desktops Without Wireless Cards) USB or equivalent 802.11 ac or ax
Additional Recommended Hardware

Webcam and microphone

Access to a printer

Operating System Windows 11 or Mac OS Sequoia 15.7.7 or higher
Software Packages

Microsoft Office 365 is available free to all students.

Web Browsers
Other Programs
Warranty 3 years or more
Recommended Accessories Flash drive/jump drive 8 GB or higher, cable lock, laptop carrying case, and network cable

Not Recommended as a Primary Device

Chromebooks, Linux OS, mobile devices, and iPads are not recommended as a student's primary device. Certain programs used for classes, including testing software and plug-ins, may not work on these platforms.

Students are strongly encouraged to use a Windows PC with Windows 11 or an Apple Mac device with Mac OS Sequoia 15.7.7 or higher.

Certain departmental requirements may necessitate different specifications. Students are encouraged to contact their primary college with any questions regarding program-specific technology requirements.

Residence Hall Wireless Connectivity

Wired connectivity in the residence halls has been phased out. Students with desktop computers or other devices that normally use a wired ethernet connection should plan to use a wireless adapter.

Examples include:

  • NETGEAR A6100 WiFi USB Mini Adapter
  • TP-Link AC1300 USB WiFi Adapter (Archer T3U)

Apple Macintosh, iPod, iPad, and More

Students and employees with a @wright.edu email address can receive educational pricing through the Apple Education Store. Discounts are available on Mac notebooks, desktops, and other Apple products. Free shipping may be available on eligible purchases.

Dell

Students and employees can save through the Dell Online Store for Wright State. The store may also honor promotions advertised through other Dell sales channels.

Phone: 877-289-9437
Wright State Dell Member Number: US29410533

Best Buy Student Deals

Students can sign up with their @wright.edu email address through Best Buy Student Deals to receive discounts and promotional offers on eligible products.