Technology

Recommended Computer Specifications

When you purchase a new computer, Technology suggests that you only consider one meeting the following specifications. Our recommendations are the same for personal and College purchases. Computers with these specifications should serve you well for the next 3-4 years. Computers with lower specifications might cost less money up front, but will not last you as long.

For Simmons pricing on computers with these specifications, see our online Dell and Apple stores.

Here are the specifications:

  • Windows Desktop: 2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 1066MHz front side bus, 2GB RAM, Ethernet/modem*, 160 GB hard drive, no floppy drive, CD-RW/DVD-RW, 17" CRT or flat panel monitor, Windows Vista Home Premium.
  • Windows Laptop: 1.66GHz Intel Duo 2 Duo processor, 14.1 WXGA+ display, 2GB RAM, Ethernet/modem*, 100GB hard drive, no floppy, CD-RW/DVD-readable drive.  If you would like to use the Simmons wireless network, include a 802.11b wireless card, Windows Vista Home Premium.
  • Windows Lightweight Laptop: 1.2GHz Intel Core Duo ULV processor, 12.1 WXGA display, 2GB RAM, Ethernet/modem*, 100GB hard drive, no floppy, CD-RW/DVD-readable drive.  If you would like to use the Simmons wireless network, include a 802.11b wireless card. Windows Vista Home Premium.
  • Macintosh Desktop:  Apple iMac, 20-inch, 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB RAM, Ethernet/modem*, 160GB hard drive, no floppy, CD-RW/DVD-RW drive, AppleCare Protection Plan. 
  • Macintosh Laptop: MacBook 13", 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, Ethernet/modem*/wireless, 2GB RAM, 120GB hard drive, no floppy, CD-RW/DVD-RW drive, AppleCare Protection Plan.
  • Macintosh Super Laptop:  MacBook Pro 15", 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, Ethernet/modem*/wireless, 2GB RAM, 120GB hard drive, no floppy, CD-RW/DVD-RW drive, AppleCare Protection Plan.

See also: Minimum specifications

Note: The day of the floppy is well and truly over, we recommend that rather than include a floppy drive in your computer, you purchase a separate USB flash drive. These devices are small enough to put on a key ring and hold up to many gigabytes of data (compared to 1.44 MB on a floppy).  All Simmons public access computers are equipped with USB ports that will accept these drives; almost all office computers are also so equipped.

*If this will be a home computer using a regular telephone line for an Internet connection, be sure to purchase a computer with a 56K modem.  If you might connect your computer to the Internet from a Simmons dorm room or office, or through a broadband (cable or DSL) connection at home, you should buy a computer with an Ethernet 10/100 or 10/100/1000 Ethernet interface.