Laptop Recommendations

The Rutgers IT Computer Standards team provides Computer Standards for faculty and staff.  The Bloustein School uses this team’s recommendations as a starting point for Bloustein student laptop recommendations.  Students may purchase their laptops through kite+key (the Rutgers Tech Store) or through other retail tech stores.  The Bloustein School recommends Windows computers for students and does not provide recommendations for other operating systems (such as macOS, ChromeOS, or Linux).

Standard Use
Includes MHA, MPP, most undergrads, and non-GIS PhDs

We recommend the following or better for the majority of students that do not require higher-end equipment for intensive mapping, modeling, graphic design, data science, or statistics. Rutgers IT provides students with software such as Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Adobe Creative Cloud (including Adobe Acrobat Pro).

• • • Processor: Intel i5, 13th generation
    • Operating system: Windows 11 Home
    • Memory (RAM): 16 GB
    • Graphics: Integrated
    • Storage: 500 GB
    • Screen resolution: Full HD (1920×1080 or 1920×1200)
    • Touchscreen: No
    • Integrated webcam: Full HD (1920×1080 or 1920×1200)
    • Warranty: 3 year parts and labor (on-site if available)
    • Accident protection: 3 year parts and labor on-site (on-site if available)

Advanced Graphics, Data Science, and Statistics
Includes MCRP, MPI, UPD undergrads, and GIS PhDs

We recommend the following or better for students requiring higher-end equipment for intensive mapping, modeling, graphic design, data science, or statistics. Rutgers IT provides students with software such as Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Adobe Creative Cloud (including Acrobat Pro, Photoshop, and InDesign), and Esri ArcGIS Pro. Statistical packages such as Anaconda and RStudio are available for free. In-person computer labs and the Rutgers Virtual Computer Labs are available for students who would prefer to carry a lighter, easier-to-transport Standard Use laptop.

• • • Processor: Intel i7, 13th generation
    • Operating system: Windows 11 Home
    • Memory (RAM): 32 GB
    • Graphics: Nvidia Ampere (GeForce RTX 30*, Workstation RTX A*)
    • Graphics Memory (VRAM): 4 GB
    • Storage: 1 TB
    • Screen resolution: Full HD (1920×1080 or 1920×1200)
    • Touchscreen: Yes
    • Integrated webcam: Full HD (1920×1080 or 1920×1200)
    • Warranty: 3 year parts and labor (on-site if available)
    • Accident protection: 3 year parts and labor on-site (on-site if available)

Last updated: 15 Aug 2024