Last edited by DWuerfel (9/14/2011)

Listed on this page are recommendations for students who want to purchase a new computer.
Computer Recommendations for College of Engineering Students.

Note that Engineering College Computing has more than 500 well-maintained computers which are available for student use 24/7. Their specifications as well as a list of software installed on ECC lab computers are available here and here respectively. Software that is required for Engineering classes is already installed on the lab computers. (Due to licensing restrictions, it is not possible to load this software on a student's personal computer.)

Engineering College Computing highly recommends that students wait to purchase a new computer until after classes have started.

Here's some advice from a fifth year student: Students will have a better idea of what kind of computer they need after seeing what they use them for both inside and outside of class. Many students purchase laptops thinking they will take notes with them, but in reality, it almost never happens (especially in engineering).


If you still would like our recomendations:

Discounts on hardware and software for students.

UT has some recommended bundles on the Dell website.


PC Recommendations:

  Desktops Laptops
Processor Intel Core i5 or i7 Intel Core i3, i5 or i7
Memory 4GB RAM or more
Hard Drive 320 GB or more
CD Drives DVD/CD-RW Drive
Extra                                            Wireless card (802.11b/g/n)
Operating System Windows 7
Software Packages Microsoft Office 2010, or Open Office

Apple Recommendations:

Any of the laptop models Macbook, Macbook Pro, or Macbook Air.

  Laptops
Processor Intel Core i5 or i7
Memory 4GB RAM or more
Hard Drive 320 GB or more
CD Drives DVD/CD-RW drive
Software Packages Microsoft Office 2010 , or Open Office


Recommended Accessories:
  • Ethernet cable
  • Surge protector
  • USB flash drive (1GB minimum)

Optional Accessories:
  • Printer (printer cable)
  • Some items not commonly included with laptops, such as mice,
    and carrying cases.

Recommended Software: