System Recommendations
(For Fall 2008)
Both PCs and Macs may be used.
The following recommendations represent the minimum configurations for newly purchased Windows and Macintosh computers. While lesser configurations may work in the existing UW-W computing environment, they may not in the future.
UW-W recommends purchasing a laptop computer for reasons of portability, wireless access, and collaborative learning.
NOTE: Computers not meeting these minimum standards are not certain to be compatible with the UW-W computing environment.
Mac System Recommendations
PC Systems
UW-W has developed a list of recommended desktop and laptop configurations that work best in the UW-W computing environment. Dell Optiplex is the recommended standard desktop computer and Dell Latitude is the recommended laptop. For specific models, please visit UW-W's Dell Premier page. Recommended Apple computer configurations are also listed.
These models are specifically configured for the UW-W campus to ensure a long life cycle and maximum compatibility with the software and other hardware available on the UW-W campus.
We recommend the following hardware specifications:
| Laptop Configuration | Desktop Configuration |
|---|---|
| 15-inch Wide Screen display | 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor |
| 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2Duo processor | 2.0GB RAM |
| 2.0GB RAM | 17” Flat Panel Monitor |
| 160 GB hard drive | Standard on-board video card |
| DVD-RW/CD-RW combo drive | 160 GB hard drive |
| 802.11 a/g/n WLAN wireless card | DVD-RW/CD-RW combo drive |
| Integrated 10/100/1000 Network Card | 10/100/1000 integrated Network Card |
| Windows Vista | Windows Vista |
| 1GB USB Flash Drive | Keyboard & Optical mouse |
| 3 year Warranty | Speakers |
| 1GB USB Flash Drive | |
| 3 year Warranty |
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Apple Mac Systems
UW-W has developed a list of recommended Apple desktop and laptop configurations that work best in the UW-W computing environment. To view the standard configurations, please see below. These recommendations were selected to ensure a long life cycle and maximum compatibility with the software and other hardware available on the UW-W network.
Apple Mac Hardware System Recommendations:
| Laptop Configuration | Desktop Configuration |
|---|---|
| MacBook with: | iMac with: |
| 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor | 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor |
| 2GB RAM | 2GB RAM |
| 160GB Hard Drive | Keyboard & Mighty Mouse |
| SuperDrive (DVD-RW, CD-RW) | 250GB Serial ATA hard drive |
| AirPort Extreme Card & Bluetooth | 128MB Graphic Card |
| 13 inch widescreen display | SuperDrive (DVD-RW, CD-RW) |
| Mac OS X 10.5– current version | 20-inch widescreen display |
| AppleCare Protection Plan | AirPort Extreme / Bluetooth |
| Mac OS X 10.5 – current version | |
| AppleCare Protection Plan |
