2023 Computer Recommendations for Incoming Students
We’ve worked with JMU IT and the JMU Academic Departments to offer you computers that meet the recommendations and requirements for your major. We’ve listed the computers which have been approved by most of the academic programs below under General Recommendations.
The academic programs with more specific recommendations and requirements are listed separately under Specific Recommendations. Please contact the Madison CyberZone directly if you have additional questions.
College of Science and Mathematics*
*Some software titles for the Physics concentration are taught using the Windows version. While a Mac version may be available, interface and features differ from the Windows version. Windows based labs are available with needed software for students to complete assignments.
Latitude 3400 series w/ 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
Precision 5500 series | Precision 7600 series
College of Integrated Science and Engineering*
*School of Integrated Sciences students may be required to use virtualization software such as VirtualBox, VMware or Parallels. Students should consider higher end systems that can adequately support this software.
Recommended: 16GB Memory, 512GB SSD
Latitude 3400 series w/ 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
Precision 5500 series | Precision 7600 series
Minimum: 8GB Memory, 256GB SSD
Geographic Science Program*
*GS Majors who purchase Apple computers will need to run Windows using Boot Camp or virtualization software. The college will provide a free version of Windows and CISE-IT staff can assist with the installation. We encourage GS majors to consider Windows based computers. Some of the software taught is graphics intensive and Windows based.
Precision 5500 series | Precision 7600 series
Department of Engineering*
*We do not recommend Apple computers unless you have already installed Windows on them. All of the Engineering software packages require an Intel or AMD processor and will NOT run on ARM, M1 or M2 processors. SolidWorks only certifies Nvidia Quadro and RTX A-Series graphics cards, though other options will usually perform acceptably. Intel integrated graphics will have very poor performance.
Recommended: 32GB Memory, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA RTX A-Series Graphics Card
Minimum: 16GB Memory, 512GB SSD, NVIDIA RTX A-Series Graphics Card
College of Business*
*College of Business requires a laptop that meets their minimum recommendations. We recommend getting a Windows laptop.
For more information on COB laptop requirements and recommendations please visit:
Recommended: 16GB Memory, 512GB SSD, 4-Year Accidental Damage Warranty
Latitude 3400 series w/ 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
Precision 5500 series | Precision 7600 series
Minimum: 8GB Memory, 256GB SSD
School of Art, Design, and Art History*
*School of Art, Design, and Art History first-year students are encouraged to purchase a laptop according to the program they plan to join. Generally speaking, both PCs and Macs can be used in all programs but be aware that the specific recommendations below are in accordance with industry standards.
Architectural Design
Precision 5500 series | Precision 7600 series
Industrial Design
Precision 5500 series | Precision 7600 series
Graphic Design Majors
School of Media Arts and Design
*SMAD recommends students postpone purchasing a computer until they are accepted into the program. SMAD provides a full featured iMac lab for prospective SMAD students.
If you must purchase a computer for your first year, SMAD’s custom recommendations are available here:
