Contents
- Computer Recommendations for Students
- Minimum System Requirements
- Recommended But Not Required
- Warranty
- Discounts
- Operating System and Microsoft Office Suite
- English Version
- Tablets
- Choosing a Device (Mac vs PC)
- Special Considerations
- AntiVirus
- Printing
A reliable laptop is essential for success at Pacific University. Students in Health Professions and Optometry programs are required to have a laptop. For all other students, a laptop is strongly recommended to access coursework, online systems, and university resources.
Your device should meet at least the following:
- Processor: Modern multi-core CPU (Intel i5 / Ryzen 5 or Apple silicon M-series).
- Snapdragon arm processor and apple A series processor may not be supported.
- Memory (RAM): 16 GB
- Storage: 256 GB SSD
- Operating System:
- Windows (current supported version) OR macOS (current supported version)
- Battery Life: 6–10 hours
- Warranty: 3 years (recommended) -
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi capable
- Camera & Audio: Webcam and microphone
- Note: Before making a purchase, consult your department if you require further clarification.
- External Hard Drive for backup purposes (2 times the size of your hard drive recommended)
- i5, i7 or i9 processor, or AMD equivalent.
- 32 GB or higher USB (Flash) drive, or cloud storage service
- Printer for home use
- Carrying case or hard-shell case
- Flexible keyboard cover for spill protection
- For students engaging in remote online learning, a USB or Bluetooth headset or earbuds with microphone are strongly recommended
To avoid disruption during the academic year:
- Recommended: Minimum 3-year warranty
- Consider accidental damage protection
- On-site repair coverage is preferred
- Financial aid may be used for required technology. It may be possible to increase your cost of attendance for the documented cost of a computer, which may allow you to borrow additional funds. Contact the Financial Aid Office for information.
- You’re free to order your computers, software and services from whichever vendor gives you the best value. Discounts for students are available on the Personal Technology Purchases link on the Pacific University UIS webpage.
- Educational discounts may be available from vendors such as Apple, Dell, and others.
Your new computer should have the latest version of Mac OS X (Apple computers) or Windows (PC computers). See our article, Supported Operating Systems and Known Issues for detailed information.
The standard productivity software supported for use at Pacific University is Microsoft Office. Pacific University does not provide access to Microsoft Office to students, though your program may ask you to purchase it for their specific program. There are several versions of Microsoft Office available, but we recommend the latest version which includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint: Microsoft Office Home & Student or Office 365 Education subscription). Microsoft offers an online-only Office 365 subscription to students for free on the Microsoft web site.
- Avoid unsupported or limited operating systems (e.g., Windows in S Mode or ARM-based systems if required software is not supported)
- Always confirm requirements with your academic program
Please note that our ability to support non-English versions of Windows or Mac OS is extremely limited. We strongly suggest that you buy your computer with an English language version of the operating system.
Mobile devices running iOS, Windows RT, Android, or other mobile operating systems can be valuable tools for students at Pacific University, but are not supported as a replacement for a laptop computer running Mac OS X or (non-RT) Microsoft Windows
Both Windows and macOS are supported.
- Choose the platform you are most comfortable with
- Verify compatibility with required program software
- Some programs may recommend or require WindowsMicrosoft Office suite or online subscription that includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
If your program uses Examplify, please read this article to verify that your computer meets the Examplify's Minimum system requirements.
Some notable considerations are:
- Note: Not all ARM processors are supported. Reach out to Pacific UIS help desk for a clarity.
- Older versions of Microsoft Windows are no longer supported.
- The only window tablet that is supported is the Microsoft Surface Pro with Windows 11 version 23H2
- Install and maintain anti virus/endpoint protection software
- Keep your OS and applications updated
- Follow university security policies
- Campus printing services are available
- Personal printers are optional but not required
- Pacific University provides both black & white and color printing at multiple locations on our Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and other campuses. Current printer rates are $ .05 per page for black & white and $ .25 per page for color. For many students, the pay-for-printing system obviates the need for a home printer.
Questions?
Contact Support