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Personal Purchasing Recommendations

Recommended Configurations
MSUM does not have any specific minimum requirements for student-owned computers at this time. It is generally recommend that you set a budget and then do some comparison shopping to get the best computer available for the price. Since promotions frequently change pricing, it is hard to give an accurate price/model at any given time. The following are some basic recommendations.

Windows Computers
Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad processor
Minimum of 2 GB of memory (RAM), but 4 GB is better
120 GB hard drive (250 GB or more for graphic or video work)
CD/DVD writer
The video card should have at least 128 MB dedicated memory - 256 is better

Wireless - campus currently has 802.11g or 802.11b access points
A USB removable flash memory drive for transferring files
Consider adding Accidental Damage Warranty on laptops

Note: These requirements have recently increased to meet the specifications of the new versions of Windows and Microsoft Office that are due out later this year.

Macintosh Computers
Any currently available Intel processor
Minimum of 2 GB of memory (RAM), but 4 GB is better
Wireless - campus currently has 802.11g or 802.11b access points
Video graphics with at least 128 MB video memory
120 GB hard drive (250 GB or more for graphic or video work)
Combo Drive will write CDs, SuperDrive will write CDs and DVDs
A USB removable flash memory drive for transferring files
Consider adding Accidental Damage Warranty on laptops

Software

MSUM has partnered with e-academy.com to offer discounted pricing for some software. Various Microsoft, Adobe, and other products are offered on the eSoftware Web Store. Go to the e-Software Web Store login with your Dragon ID and PIN for a complete listing of products.

Personal Purchase Options

Although we don't endorse any computer vendor for personal purchases, we do pass on offers that believe will be advantageous to the campus community.

MSUM Bookstore
MSUM employees who wish to purchase a Macintosh computer for personal use may receive an educational discount through the MSUM Bookstore.

ByteSpeed
ByteSpeed, a local vendor, has created several basic laptop and desktop configurations with upgrade options. They are a local company with local support. If you are planning to purchase a Windows laptop or desktop computer, you may want to check out the MSUM offers on their web site.