Purchase or Bring a Computer?

Laptop vs. desktop

Last year, 95 percent of students chose to purchase or bring a computer and 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.

Buy through 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.  All TAP machines come with Microsoft Office.

Apple systems come with a three-year enhanced warranty that covers service and support through Duke’s OIT Service Desk, with loaner laptops available. Coverage includes accidental damage.

Dell and Lenovo systems come with a four-year enhanced warranty that covers service and support through Duke’s OIT Service Desk, with loaner laptops available. Coverage includes accidental damage.

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

Bring a computer from home

You do not have to buy a new computer to bring to Duke, but with technology changing so fast, a computer that is several years old probably won't last throughout a student’s time here. Some students and parents want to defer a new computer purchase until the student spends some time at Duke. A computer brought to Duke should provide at least basic email, 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. Also, be aware 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.

Software

Check out the links below for great information on free and educational-discount software that's available through Duke University. Make a special note of the free anti-virus software. Security is important to Duke and having an anti-virus software on your computer is a must.

Anti-virus - Free

MS Office - Educational Discount through the Duke Computer Store

Microsoft Office for Mac and PC can be purchased for an educational discount through the Duke Computer Store.
NOTE: TAP machines come with Microsoft Office.

Windows/Mac Updates  

Other Software

  • Duke's Site-License Website
  • The Duke Computer Store sells discounted versions of popular applications (including but not limited to Dreamweaver, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat).