Overview
If you’re considering a new computer for the upcoming academic year, Pitt Information Technology offers device and configuration recommendations just for you. Specific machines are not required—if you already have a Windows, Mac, or Linux laptop that meets your needs and the configuration recommendations, including a current operating system, it is not necessary to buy a new one.
Detail
Pitt IT has negotiated with Dell's Member Purchase Program (MPP) to offer student discounts on select models. Shop exclusive Pitt Student Discounts through Dell directly at Dell MPP options >> or shop with Tech on Fifth at the University Book Store (pittuniversitystore.com>> for exclusive Dell rebates, custom configurations, and on-campus pickup.
- All recommended devices are capable of running standard productivity applications, either through remote access or saved locally on the machine, including Office 365, OneDrive storage, video conferencing, and remote support.
- A Wi-Fi network card, integrated camera and microphone, and a 3-year warranty (excluding Chromebooks) that includes coverage for accidental damage are all standard.
Apple offers education pricing, available to current and newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff, and homeschool teachers of all grade levels. Please see the Apple Education Store >> for details.
If your school or program has provided recommended specifications, please use those as your guide.
Recommended Devices and Configurations
MPP recommendations range from lower-cost devices with the minimum recommended configuration suitable for working in the cloud, to mid-range devices for mainstream users, and more powerful devices for resource-intensive activities like graphic design and for students pursuing a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) major.
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User Profile:
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Minimum Recommended†
Low-Cost w/Cloud
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Mainstream
|
Mainstream |
Mainstream |
Power User 2-in-1
|
Power User 2-in-1 |
High End
|
Ultra Portable |
Gaming |
| |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
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Device
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Dell Chromebook 11
3110 2-in-1
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Dell Inspiron 14
2-in-1 (AMD)
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Dell Inspiron
14 Laptop |
Dell Inspiron
16 Laptop |
Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 |
Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 |
Dell Inspiron 16 Plus
|
XPS 13 9315 |
Dell G16 7630 |
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Operating System
|
Chrome OS
|
Windows 11 Home
|
Windows 11 Home |
Windows 11 Home |
Windows 11 Home |
Windows 11 Home |
Windows 11 Home
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Windows 11 Home |
Windows 11 Pro |
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Processor
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Celeron
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AMD Ryzen 7
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Intel i7 |
Intel i7 |
Intel i7 |
Intel i7 |
Intel i7
|
Intel i7 |
Intel i7 |
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Memory (RAM)
|
4 GB
|
16 GB
|
16 GB |
16 GB |
16 GB |
16 GB |
16 GB
|
16 GB |
16 GB |
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Hard Drive
|
32 GB SSD
|
512 GB SSD
|
1 TB SSD |
1 TB SSD |
1 TB SSD |
1 TB SSD |
1 TB SSD
|
512 GB SSD |
512 GB SSD |
| Graphics Card |
N/A |
AMD Radeon™ Graphics |
Intel® Iris® Xe
Graphics |
Intel® Iris® Xe
Graphics |
Intel® Iris® Xe
Graphics |
Intel® Iris® Xe
Graphics |
NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060, 8 GB GDDR6 |
Intel® Iris® XE
Graphics |
NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050, 6 GB GDDR6 |
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Screen Size
|
11"
|
14"
|
14" |
16" |
14" |
16" |
16"
|
13" |
16" |
| Camera / Microphone |
Included
|
Included
|
Included |
Included |
Included |
Included |
Included
|
Included |
Included |
|
Wi-Fi Card
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
Wired Port
|
No
|
No
|
No |
No |
No |
No |
No
|
No |
No |
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Approximate Price*
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~$280
|
~$970
|
~$1080 |
~$1200 |
~$1,180 |
~$1,260 |
~$1,660
|
~$1,360 |
~$1,600 |
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* Pending availability. Contact Pitt IT regarding equivalent options. Prices are approximate; actual prices may vary.
† The low-cost laptop represents the minimum recommended configuration for use at the University of Pittsburgh. It is intended to be used along with the Virtual Computing Lab and cloud-based applications. It may not meet the needs of students in some schools or majors, such as those completing a STEM major.
The University of Pittsburgh does not require the purchase of recommended devices or configurations and is not responsible for hardware support or performance of purchased equipment. All purchases are made directly with the respective vendors. The above configurations are general guidelines and individuals should consider their unique needs and circumstances before making a purchasing decision. Questions about products should be directed to the vendors themselves. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.