For Macs, the new M1 chip Mac devices are acceptable.Īsk a sales associate or check the technical specifications for that exact model. Intel's M processors use less power, at the sacrifice of some speed, but are also generally acceptable. Recommended Specifications for New Notebook or Laptop Computers You may also wish to review the annual reliability surveys of consumers published by PC Magazine. Warranties through consumer stores and websites may not cover your laptop throughout your career here, and in some cases getting repairs done can be time-consuming. The models carried in these showrooms are not optimized for use in an enterprise environment such as ours, and may not have TPM functionality.
We strongly recommend that you do not buy a Windows computer from a big-box store such as Best Buy.
(If the Windows version is a "non-pro" version, then you should allow time to update the operating system before the semester begins.) We recommend Dell laptops for Windows users. For the most part, Dell, Lenovo or Apple laptops made available in student packages meet our specifications. Computers available under this program may include extended warranties that cover screen replacement and parts damage, and may include a loaner computer while yours is being repaired. Students purchasing new computers are eligible for special package deals and finance plans through the Duke Technology Center. Do not come to the law school with a computer with Windows 7 or 8! These operating systems are no longer supported by Microsoft and a security risk. Upgrades are certainly possible - and we can help with the process - but they require more patience and time than you will have at the start of the school year. However, we do not generally recommend buying a computer with a home version with the expectation of upgrading when you arrive here. Note that it is possible, once you are here, to get Windows from Duke's Office of Information Technology. All software that we distribute is compatible with the 64-bit version of Windows, so both 32-bit or 64-bit versions of Windows will work, but most users will find a 64-bit operating system a better fit.
We recommend that students get Windows 10 Pro (or Enterprise or Education editions). Tablets running Windows may also not be fully compatible with our network and software. The home or standard versions of Windows 10 are not fully compatible with an enterprise network, and may lack important encryption software. We advise against a "home" or standard version of Windows.