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Laptops

Why is having a laptop important for academic success?

In order for undergraduate students at Southern Nazarene University to succeed academically, it is critical that they have ongoing access to a laptop computer. For the majority of classes, professors will ask students to use their computers during class on a daily basis. Additionally, students will be assigned homework, projects, or papers which require the use of a computer.

Laptop Options

SNU currently offers two options for purchasing a laptop:

1) Purchase a laptop through the Dell Member Purchase Program site to get an education discount, but make sure it meets at least the minimum specifications outlined below.  To view their pricing and select a computer, visit https://www.snu.edu/snu.
-OR-
2) Purchase a laptop at a site or location of your choosing, but make sure it meets at least the minimum specifications as outlined below.

Computer Hardware Specifications

Before purchasing a laptop, be sure the system meets these specifications:

Minimum Specifications:

  • Processor: Intel Core i5 or similar processor
  • Memory: 8 GB
  • Operating System: Windows 11 or MacOS Sonoma
  • Hard Drive: 128 GB Solid State Drive (SSD)

Recommended Specifications:

  • Processor: Intel Core i7 or similar processor
  • Memory: 16 GB
  • Operating System: Windows 11 or MacOS Sequoia
  • Hard Drive: M.2 256 GB NVMe Solid State Drive (SSD)
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Other: Built-in webcam

Major-Specific Computer Specifications: 

  • Graphic Design & Mass Communication students must have a Mac with capacity to run Adobe Creative Suite software (latest version which updates regularly.) If you are looking at buying a new mac, visit Apple’s educational website and save some money: https://www.apple.com/us-hed/shop.
  • The School of Education strongly recommends, but does not require, a Mac computer.
  • Biology and Chemistry strongly recommends all students have a laptop with a standard usb drive, the ability to run Microsoft Excel, and the ability to use Webprint.
  • Math and math education majors strongly recommend all students to have a laptop (Chromebooks and iPads cannot run the software currently being used in Calculus I).

Additional Notes:

1) Graphic Design & Mass Communication majors will need to purchase from an outside provider as the Dell website does not currently sell Mac computers.

2) Every SNU student will receive a license to install Microsoft Office on their personal computer (at no additional cost). Because of this, when obtaining a laptop, it is important to know that you will not need to purchase a licensed copy of Microsoft Office.