Macintosh recommendations
The following specifications are recommended for students and staff using Macintosh computers. Upgrades of most of these items appear regularly on the market, but until you can afford to purchase the latest and greatest, the items listed below (or any newer releases you buy) will get the job done.
Specifications for Both Desktop and Laptop Systems
The Macintosh laptop is essentially identical to the desktop model except for its smaller case and monitor. You would want the components listed regardless of which style you buy.
| COMPONENT | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| Operating System | OS X (10.3 or 10.4) |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core Duo 1.6 GHz or faster |
| RAM | 512MB minimum |
| Hard Drive | 60 GB minimum |
| Optical Drive | DVD/CD-R (DVD-R optional) |
| Expansion (Desktop) | Many Mac desktops lack any internal expansion (except RAM). The "professional" desktops provide internal PCI Express slots |
| Monitor (Desktop) | 17" color capable of 1024 x 768 pixel resolution |
| Monitor (Laptop) | 12" active matrix |
Examples of a total system described by the components listed above:
- All new Apple Mac systems meet, or exceed, the above requirements
Connecting to the Internet
If connecting to the Internet through the campus Ethernet (e.g. in most dorm rooms) an appropriate (10bT) Ethernet port should be provided. All current Macintosh systems will have this built-in.
If not connecting to the Internet through the campus Ethernet, a 56K bps modem should be provided. An internal modem (built in to the computer) is standard with all Mac models (but the system CAN be ordered without it). If you need (or may need) a modem getting it as part of the original equipment (rather than adding it later) may avoid trouble configuring and using the modem.
