Recommended Computer Specifications
Faculty and staff: Read Purchasing a Computer for Use at Duke to learn about the Duke Computer Purchasing Program, which offers standardized computer models to get better pricing and extended warranties through ours preferred vendors, Dell, Lenovo and Apple.
Students: Read Purchasing a Computer for Use at Duke to learn about the Technology Advantage Program (TAP), which offers computers selected and configured to mesh seamlessly with the Duke's on-line environment and take advantage of Duke's extensive IT resources. If you decide to bring a computer to Duke instead of purchasing a system through TAP, we strongly recommend that your system meet the following minimum specifications.
| Feature | Minimum Recommended | Preferred (if applicable) | Rationale for Recommendation |
| Processor | i3 (Windows/Mac) |
i5 (Windows/Mac) | The Windows 7 operating system and applications written for it will require advanced processors to be used effectively. |
| Memory | 2 GB | 4 GB |
Memory demands for Windows Vista will require at least 1 gigabyte (GB) of memory. |
| Hard disk | 160 GB | 500 GB | An increasing number of Duke courses use multimedia content, which greatly increases storage needs on personal computers. |
| Optical drive | CD-RW/DVD Recordable (burns/reads CDs and DVDs) | CD-RW/DVD Recordable (burns/reads CDs and DVDs) | Recordable DVDs are more capable for backing up and transporting today’s larger computer files. |
| Networking | Built-in LAN 10/100 (Ethernet) for all systems; wireless for laptops (Windows: 802.11b/g/n; Mac: Airport Extreme) | Built-in LAN Gigabit (Ethernet) for all systems; wireless for laptops (Windows: 802.11n; Mac: Airport Extreme) | Wireless (802.11 N) is available in all residence halls. Please do not bring any personal routers to campus as this will interfere with available wireless. |
| Video RAM | 256 MB | 512 MB | Windows 7 and associated software will require a minimum of 256 MB video ram for multitasking functionality. |
| Operating system | Windows 7 Ultimate (available for students @ comp store for $15), OS 10.6 (Snow Leopard) | Windows 7 Ultimate (available for students @ comp store for $15), OS 10.6 (Snow Leopard) | Windows 7 offers advanced operational and networking features. |
| Support & protection | Extended warranty plan, including accidental damage coverage, for expected life of machine and a laptop bag to protect your computer. | * See note below. |
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| Software | Microsoft Office |
Repair Costs of a Laptop Over Time
The TAP/Duke Computer Advantage program offers extended coverage for students, including software support. The TAP/Duke Computer Advantage warranty also covers the display, a feature not available with most laptop warranties. The cost to repair a laptop increases greatly over time because of the limited availability of parts from manufacturers. Units with limited warranties or warranties shorter than three years that also do not include the screen often can cost more in the long run because of the high cost of repair if the machine malfunctions.
Duke Computer Repair Average Costs for the Most Commonly Replaced Components
| Part | Average Cost | Labor |
| LCD screen | $525 - $750 | $100/hour |
| Laptop motherboard | $300 - $750 | $100/hour |
| Hard drive | $89 - $150 | $100/hour |
| Keyboard | $59 | $100/hour |
As shown by the cost of replacement parts and labor, purchasing a computer through the TAP/Duke Computer Advantage program can pay for itself many times over. In fact, if a computer requires a new LCD screen or a motherboard, the price for that part alone often can be higher than the price of an entire bargain laptop.