Laptop Requirements for Business Students
All business majors are required to have a laptop computer. This includes all accounting, business analytics, economics*, finance, healthcare management, international business, management, management information systems, marketing, sport management, talent and human resources management, and undeclared business majors.
The Meehan School of Business requires that students have a Windows PC laptop, and not an Apple. There are several software applications in various courses that will only run on a computer running Windows. Therefore, to set our students up to be successful in their classes, the School requires that all business students have a Windows PC laptop.
*Economics majors with questions about laptop requirements should contact the economics department chair.
Purchasing Guidelines
Most laptops purchased within the last couple of years should be sufficient for our program, and students are not required to buy a new device if they already own a fairly recent Windows laptop. The specifications listed below are recommended guidelines to help ensure your laptop can meet your academic needs throughout your four years at the College.
While the brand of the laptop is not critical, we’ve found that models from HP, Lenovo and Dell typically offer the best value and come with the necessary features. Whatever laptop you choose, we strongly recommend purchasing an extended warranty that includes accidental damage protection.
If you plan to buy a new laptop in a retail store, we suggest printing this page and bringing it with you. A sales associate should be able to help you compare your options based on the recommendations listed here.
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 or Intel Core Ultra 7
- Memory (RAM): 16 GB
- Storage (Hard Disk): 256 GB SSD minimum
- Screen Size: 14” or 15”
- Operating System: Windows 11
- HP Spectre x360, HP Envy x360, HP Elite Dragonfly
- Lenovo ThinkPad, Lenovo Yoga
- Dell XPS, Dell XPS 2-in-1, Dell Latitude
- Do not buy an Apple or Chromebook laptop. Several courses in the business program utilize software that only runs in Microsoft Windows, not to mention, most businesses use Windows PCs. Students must learn how to use the Windows operating system.
- Avoid heavy laptops. We recommended purchasing a laptop that weighs under 5 lbs. Remember that you will most likely carry this laptop around campus all day.
- Avoid laptops that use mechanical hard disks (spinning disks). When you look at the specification for the laptop’s storage, be sure you see the letters “SSD” next to the size (e.g., 256 GB SSD). If you are unsure, ask the vendor before purchasing.
- Avoid laptops with battery lives under 5 hours. Not all classrooms on campus have easy access to plugs. Your laptop should be able to last you through the day.
- Avoid purchasing refurbished, renewed, or clearance laptops. Purchasing a new laptop ensures that you are purchasing the latest generation of technology. Older laptops may contain older processors, slower memory, and mechanical hard disks.
- Do not purchase additional software. All students are provided with all the software they need. This includes Microsoft Office.
Contact us with any questions about laptops.
