YES – Every engineering student needs a computer, preferably a laptop.

We recommend you buy the most RAM (Random-access memory) and fastest CPU (Central Processing Unit) you can afford — minimum RAM 4GB, minimum CPU Intel i3 or equivalent.

You can choose the operating system you are most comfortable with (Windows, macOS or Linux).

The engineering design software works only on Windows, but you will be given a Microsoft Windows license to install on your computer.

You will also have Microsoft Office and other development software for use on your computer.

Dalhousie University provides licenses for all the software you will need in your engineering program.

OUR RECOMMENDED SOLUTIONS

Apple

• Processor: Intel i5 2.3Ghz dual-core

• Memory: 8GB DDR3 / 4

• Storage: 256GB SSD

• Operating System: macOS High Sierra or newer

PC

• Processor: Intel i5 2.50Ghz dual-core

• Memory: 8GB DDR4

• Storage: 256GB SSD

• Operating System: Windows 10 Professional

IMPORTANT NOTE: Students who are taking graphics or computation intensive courses should invest in a laptop with an i7 CPU, dedicated GPU, and 16GB of Memory.

ACADEMIC PRICING OPTIONS

APPLE

Apple offers academic pricing with proof of student ID ($100 - $150 discount). 

There are promotional offers for academic purchases (July – Sept). 

Click here for Apple discounted pricing.

LENOVO

Academic pricing is available throughout the year. 

You can usually find Promo codes & special back to school pricing (July – Sept) online.

Click here for Lenovo discounted pricing.

DELL

Check the Dell site for latest academic pricing.

OTHER VENDORS

For laptop brands which are non Apple, Lenovo, or Dell, you can check with Staples, BestBuy, etc.

There are usually Back to School specials available (July – Sept).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Purchases may require student ID.