CaTS | Information Technology

Personal Hardware Purchases

photo of a student using a laptop

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

On this page:

Minimum Computing Standards for Students

Minimum Computing Standards for Students (PDF)

Recommended

Any computer or tablet that meets the below specifications is a viable option for a student with the single caveat that individual programs requirements may require additional modifications. 

Important Note: Wired connectivity in the residence halls is currently being phased out and will no longer be available in any residence building after Spring 2023. If you have a desktop computer or another device that normally uses a wired ethernet connection, we recommend the following USB wireless devices: 

  • NETGEAR A6100 WiFi USB Mini Adapter
  • TP-Link AC1300 USB WiFi Adapter(Archer T3U) - 2.4G/5G Dual Band Wireless Network Adapter
Description Specifications
Processor Intel Core i5 or better
Memory 8GB RAM or more

Hard Drive

256 GB or more (SSDs 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 10, Mac OS 10.14 or higher
Software Packages

Microsoft Office 365 is available for free to all students (wright.edu/office365)

Additional free software

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

NOT Recommended

Chromebooks, Linux OS, mobile devices, and iPads are NOT recommended for students to use as their primary device. Certain programs for classes (testing software, plug-ins, etc) will not work on these platforms. We strongly recommend that you buy or bring a Windows PC (Windows 10) or Apple Mac device (Mac OS 10.14 or higher) to be used for school.

Certain departmental requirements may necessitate different specifications. You are encouraged to contact your primary college to address any concerns you may have about departmental needs.
 

Apple Macintosh, iPod, iPad, and More

Get deals for students and employees with an @wright.edu email address at the Apple Online Store. Order Mac notebooks for less. Free shipping. Full line of Apple products, including iMacs, MacBooks, iPods, and more.
 

Dell

Students and employees can save up to 30% through the Dell Online Store for Wright State. The store also honors promotions seen on television and in ads.

Phone: 877-289-9437
Wright State’s Dell Member number is US29410533
 

Best Buy "Student Deals"

Just sign up with your @wright.edu email here and Best Buy will send you coupons for their products!