Technical Specifications
Incoming first-year IST students enrolling in the College of IST at University Park must have a laptop that meets or exceeds the following specifications:
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The College of IST requires that all new first-year students enrolled in the college at University Park have their own laptop that meets or exceeds minimum technical specifications. Minimum requirements and recommended specifications are listed below under the "Technical Specifications" heading.
This requirement is intended to ensure students have a device that should last for four years, ensures students have access to a level of technology needed to complete coursework, and allows instructors to effectively incorporate a standard of technology into their courses. Students may be required to bring their laptops to class.
Over time, having a personal laptop that meets certain standards better positions students to complete assignments, collaborate effectively with classmates, receive hands-on instruction, and make use of flexible educational environments. Ultimately, it supports an equitable Penn State experience and prepares students with the digital fluency needed to create new knowledge and thrive in emerging careers.
Incoming first-year IST students enrolling in the College of IST at University Park must have a laptop that meets or exceeds the following specifications:
Students can purchase a laptop that meets the college’s requirement at any time before arriving on campus. However, we recommend students wait until close to their enrollment date to purchase a laptop to maximize the machine’s warranty for their time on campus.
Students who are purchasing a new laptop are encouraged to purchase one that meets the recommended specifications. Students who already have a laptop that meets the minimum specifications will not need to purchase a new one.
The Penn State Bookstore has several laptops available for purchase at a discounted rate, which can be shipped to the student or picked up on campus. While students can purchase any laptop that meets these requirements from any vendor, we strongly encourage that they are purchased through the Bookstore as some of these solutions come with multiyear support plans or promotional rebates.
You can view the Bookstore’s full selection of laptops at psu.bncollege.com.
Faculty have built courses based on each student having a minimum level of technology to participate in class assignments, complete coursework, and progress through the degree program. Not meeting the requirement may result in a suboptimal experience and negatively impact your academic performance.
No, the minimum and recommended technical specifications are the same for each of the College of IST’s undergraduate programs.
Yes, you can use any laptop that meets or exceeds the technical specifications.
No, there are currently no tablets or mobile devices that meet the minimum required specifications.
While the laptop requirement does not apply to LEAP courses during summer, all first-year students must have a laptop that meets the college’s requirement by the beginning of the fall semester.
The IST Helpdesk will be available to consult on software problems related to coursework and can loan you a laptop if you have a temporary problem.Visit the IST Helpdesk website for more information.
No, though some courses may require the installation of various software to complete assignments. Your instructor will guide you in any course-specific software needs.