Recommended Computers

ITS recommends having an Apple or Dell computer that meets the minimum specifications listed below.  Follow the "Visit" links below each heading for education discounts.  For departmental purchases with Swarthmore funds, order through ITS.

Swarthmore College recommends that all students bring a laptop computer that can be used in class, rather than a desktop computer. However if bringing more than one computer, a desktop system can offer some benefits, such as a larger screen.

Minimum Hardware Requirements

Apple

• Recommended operating system: Mac OS 14 or Higher
• For education, discounts visit Apple Computer Education Store

iMac Desktop	MacBook Laptop
Version of macOS no older than two years	Version of macOS no older than two years
M Series Processor	M Series Processor
16GB RAM	16GB RAM
256GB SSD	256GB SSD
24" Widescreen display	13" Widescreen display

Dell

• Recommended operating system:  Windows 11
• For education, discounts visit Swarthmore's Dell Computer page

Desktop	Laptop
Windows 11	Windows 11
Intel i7 Processor or higher	Intel i7 Processor or higher
16GB RAM	16GB RAM
256 GB SSD	256 GB SSD
24" Widescreen display	13" Widescreen display