Guide: Purchase a Laptop or Computer
Explore computer and technology options for faculty and staff. This guide also includes computer recommendations for students, information about educational discounts, and laptop rentals.
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Ask for advice on how to select the best technology options for your needs.
Explore options for faculty and staff
Apple (Mac) Computers
Standard configurations and pricing for Apple laptops and desktops
Windows (Dell) Computers
Standard configurations and pricing for Dell laptops and desktops
Displays / Monitors
Standard, UltraSharp, widescreen, and mobile displays
Printers
Black and white, color, and all-in-one options
Accessories
Docking stations, webcams, adapters, and power banks
How to purchase for faculty and staff
Before purchasing, please explore all of the available options, costs, and configurations.
Have ITS make the purchase for me
ITS can help you purchase your computer, configure the new device, and deliver it. You just need to provide a valid FOAPAL. Purchase a new computer and get it set up
Order via CruzBuy
Discounted pricing options are available for both Apple and Dell products in CruzBuy. It’s recommended to contact your department/unit/team CruzBuy requisitioner to make purchases through CruzBuy.
Buy via Bay Tree Bookstore
The Bay Tree Bookstore is the official Apple & Dell Campus Retailer approved for all institutional department purchases. All departmental purchases must be completed through the Bay Tree Bookstore website by using a university Pro Card, or use the UCSC Bay Tree Campus Store Technology Order Form, with your FOAPAL.
The Bay Tree Bookstore is located in the Quarry Plaza.
Email: compsale@ucsc.edu Phone: 831-459-2082
Information for students
Laptop and computer recommendations
While ITS doesn’t handle computer or accessory purchases for students, we provide both optimal and minimum specifications for computers. Please check for major-specific recommendations via the your intended major’s website or talk with advising staff.
Apple / Mac Optimal and Minimum Specifications
Optimal specifications for students who intend to keep a computer for four years without a major upgrade:
- Operating system: MacOS Sonoma (14)
- Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5 Dual-Core or Apple M1/M2
- Graphics (GPU): Integrated graphics
- Memory (RAM): 16GB
- Storage: 512GB flash storage (SSD) with at least 15% free
- Networking hardware: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) wireless capabilities
- Software: Active and updated Endpoint Detection and Response (antivirus) software, and updated web browsers.
Minimum specifications for any macOS computer to be used on UCSC networks:
- Operating system: MacOS Ventura (13) or newer
- Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5 Dual-Core or Apple M1/M2
- Graphics (GPU): Integrated graphics
- Memory (RAM): 8GB
- Storage: 128GB flash storage (SSD) with at least 15% free
- Networking hardware: Wi-Fi (802.11ax) wireless capabilities
- Software: Active and updated Endpoint Detection and Response (antivirus) software, and updated web browsers.
Resources
Windows Optimal and Minimum Specifications
Optimal specifications for students who intend to keep a computer for four years without a major upgrade.
- Operating system: Windows 11 with the latest security updates
- Processor (CPU): Intel Core i7 / AMD Ryzen 5
- Graphics (GPU): Integrated graphics
- Memory (RAM): 16GB
- Storage: 512GB flash storage (SSD) with at least 15% free
- Networking hardware: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) wireless capabilities
- Software: Active and updated Endpoint Detection and Response (antivirus) software, and updated web browsers.
Minimum specifications for any Windows computer to be used on UCSC networks.
- Operating system: Windows 10 with the latest security updates
- Processor (CPU): Intel Core i7 / AMD Ryzen 5
- Graphics (GPU): Integrated graphics
- Memory (RAM): 8GB
- Storage: 128GB flash storage (SSD) with at least 15% free
- Networking hardware: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) wireless capabilities
- Software: Active and updated Endpoint Detection and Response (antivirus) software, and updated web browsers.
Known incompatibilities: The following components/peripherals are known to be incompatible with UCSC networks and are strongly advised against:
- Realtek 8811/8812/8814/8822/8852 Wireless LAN Adapter
- ASUS USB-AC53 AC1200 NANO USB Dual-Band Wireless Adapter
- Netgear AC1900/A7000 WiFi USB Adapter
- TP-Link Archer T2U Plus/T4U Plus
The Realtek 8811/8812/8814/8822/8852 is a WiFi adapter, which provides the networking interface for your computer. It is most commonly found in Lenovo (ThinkPad) laptops, HP laptops, and USB WiFi adapters. Some campus networks have been upgraded to WPA3-Enterprise, the latest and most secure wireless encryption protocol. Unfortunately, the Realtek 8811/8812/8814/8822/8852 is unmaintained by the vendor and lacks proper WPA3-Enterprise support. Consequently, it causes the computer to blue screen immediately upon connecting. As of September 2023, no patches have been provided by Microsoft, Realtek, or any hardware manufacturer.
It should also be known that, like the nano ASUS USB adapter above, most nano adapters struggle with the same incompatibilities found in the Realtek adapters. We recommend avoiding the purchase of the nano wireless network adapters.
Known workarounds: The only known, permanent workaround is replacing the adapter. Another workaround is connecting to ResWiFi-Devices or using a WiFi 6 USB adapter. ResNet has had success with the TP-Link Archer TX20U Plus USB adapter. For the permanent workaround ResNet technicians have had success with using the Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (M.2 E Key) as a replacement. ResNet can not guarantee the aforementioned adapters are compatible with your device, we strongly recommend researching what works for your specific device. If you obtain a replacement adapter and live on-campus, ResNet can help you install it. Please back up your hard drive and bring your computer, charger, and replacement adapter to our office.
Resources
Linux Optimal and Minimum Computers
Optimal specifications for students who intend to keep a computer for four years without a major upgrade.
- Operating system: Supported distribution with the latest security package upgrades. Kernel version 5.18.
- Processor (CPU): Intel Core i7 / AMD Ryzen 5
- Graphics (GPU): Integrated graphics
- Memory (RAM): 16GB
- Storage: 512GB flash storage (SSD) with at least 15% free
- Networking hardware: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) wireless capabilities
- Software: Active and updated Endpoint Detection and Response (antivirus) software, and updated web browsers.
Minimum specifications for any Linux computer to be used on UCSC networks.
- Operating system: Supported distribution with the latest security package upgrades. Kernel version 5.4
- Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5
- Graphics (GPU): Integrated graphics
- Memory (RAM): 8GB
- Storage: 128GB flash storage (SSD) with at least 15% free
- Networking hardware: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11aa) wireless capabilities
- Software: Active and updated Endpoint Detection and Response (antivirus) software, and updated web browsers.
Laptop rental, printers, and backups
- Laptop Rental: Students can check out no-cost Dell Windows laptop computers and power banks from the Library Laptop Kiosks located at McHenry Library and the Science & Engineering Library.
- Printing: There are a variety of options for Wireless Printing in Computer Labs and Libraries (Wepa).
- Backups: Regular backups on an external hard drive are recommended via Windows Backup or macOS Time Machine.
Purchasing options
The Bay Tree Bookstore sells discounted computers to students.
Students are also eligible for educational discounts from Apple Education Store, Dell Education Purchase Program, Best Buy Student Hub.