Deciding on what computer to buy for college is a personal and important decision. The School of Engineering has a recommendation for what works best their program. PCE students are considered Power Users, or students who are in frequent use of engineering software, photo or video editing software, or design software. 

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• Laptops are recommended over desktops.
• Memory: The more the better, maximize this option.
• Hard drive: You will need at least a 750GB HHD OR 256GB+ SS.
• Graphics: ATI or NVIDIA Discrete Graphics Card with 2GB+.
• Size: Some students prefer the larger screens and may need them for their CAD work. However, the downside is the weight of carrying such a heavy laptop around all the time. In this area, you should weigh your personal needs as you will be the one carrying the computer around.
• CPU: i7 Processor or similar. Consider multiple cores.
• Brand is up to you, but note that GVSU has agreements with Dell & Lenovo.
• If you chose to purchase a Mac, note that it will need to be able to run Windows for many of the programs used in our departments.
• Netbooks/tablets will not work.