Duke

• Faculty and Staff
• Undergraduate Students
• Graduate Students
  • Choosing a Computer
  • Software
  • NetIDs & Network Access
  • E-mail
  • Printing
  • Phone Services
  • Tech Tips
  • Additional Resources

Each graduate school may have their own computer specifications, so check with your department before purchasing a computer.

Buy through the Duke Computer Store

If you are considering buying a new computer for college, Duke encourages you buy through its Technology Advantage Program (TAP). The Apple, Dell and Lenovo laptops available through TAP are carefully selected to provide reliable computing for years to come. Three laptop models are available from each vendor.

All TAP machines come with Microsoft Office. Apple computers come with a three-year enhanced warranty that covers service and support through Duke’s OIT Service Desk. Dell and Lenovo systems come with a four-year enhanced warranty that covers service and support through Duke’s OIT Service Desk. Coverage includes accidental damage, and OIT provides a loaner laptop when available should your computer repairs take an extended amount of time.

To view or purchase TAP laptops, go to the Duke Computer Store Web site.

Bring a computer from home

You do not have to buy a new computer to bring to Duke, but you should make sure that any computer you bring provides at least basic e-mail, Web and word processing capabilities. Most computers purchased new in the last two years should meet this standard.

Buy from a vendor other than Duke

If you choose to purchase a computer other than from the TAP program, please be sure to read our recommended computer specifications and check whether your department has specialized specifications for your program. Remember that the OIT Service Desk will provide the most comprehensive service to TAP machines (drop-off service, for example, is only provided for TAP machines).

Computer labs

If you don't bring a computer to Duke, or you don't want to take your laptop everywhere, rest assured that Duke has hundreds of computers for your use in libraries and labs around campus. These computer labs include specialized labs called Multimedia Project Studios, which are available for students to use for all of their creative needs.

Laptop vs. desktop

Last year, 95 percent of students brought computers to campus. Of those, 95 percent were laptops. Laptops provide the mobility a student’s life demands, allowing you to work in classrooms, libraries, dining halls and many common areas, and improving collaboration in study groups.