Recommended Student Computers

The University of Nevada, Reno, has negotiated special volume discounts with Dell and Apple. To take advantage of these savings, purchase a Dell or Apple laptop or desktop computer that meets the specifications listed below, depending on what is needed for your college or department.

  • For Windows computers, choose either the MS Windows XP operating system (more stable) or MS Windows Vista (newer, but not yet recommended for the University's institutional computers).
  • The Computer Den in the ASUN Bookstore is the University's licensed reseller for hardware and software. They have special agreements with Dell, Apple, Microsoft and other companies.

 

Dell

Apple
Hardware Laptop: Dell Latitude, Inspiron, or XPS.
Desktop: Dell Optiplex, Dimension or XPS		 Laptop: MacBook or MacBook Pro
Desktop: Mac mini, iMac or MacPro
Processor
Laptop: Pentium M, 1.2 GHz +
Desktop: Pentium Core Duo or AMD Athalon, 3600 + 		Laptop or Desktop: Any Intel processor, PowerPC G5 processor, or PowerPC G4 processor (800MHz or faster)
Wireless
Networking		 Laptop: 802.11g wireless card Laptop: Airport Extreme wireless card
Memory (RAM) 1 GB minimum / 1.5 GB recommended for Windows Vista
Hard Drive 80 GB minimum
Video Card Video card with onboard 128 Mb Ram minimum - Recomended onboard 256 Mb for Windows Vista.
Operating System Windows XP (Home or Pro) or Windows Vista (Home Basic or Home Premium)

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard

Antivirus
Software		 Symantec® AntiVirus is University-provided software available at no cost to faculty, staff, and students.
Productivity
Software		 Microsoft® Student Select Agreement: Discounted purchase of Microsoft Office Professional 2007 for Windows or Office for Mac at the Computer Den (ASUN Bookstore).
Printers If black-and-white printing is acceptable, a personal laser jet printer may be more cost effective over a two-year period. View a sample cost comparison of Inkjet vs. Laser Printers. (Note: Dell printers require consumables to be ordered direct from Dell only.)

Important Notes:

  • The Campus Wireless Network is available, but is not a substitute for a wired network connection.
  • These are only general guidelines; individual colleges and departments may have specific requirements. Always confirm any computer requirements or recommendations with your department of study before purchasing equipment.
  • The Information Technology Division and the Help Desk DO NOT provide hardware repair services on personal computers.