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Affordable Laptops & Tablets for Students: Home

Basic Computing Needs

Note for Computer Science, Information Technology, and Design Courses! For certain computer-oriented courses, you may need a computer that exceeds these specifications. If you plan on enrolling in such a course, check with a counselor or your instructor on the type of hardware you need.

For many course tasks, you may only need to use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or similar programs. This doesn't require a very powerful or expensive machine. At a minimum, you should look for a Chromebook or laptop with:

  • 1 GHz or faster CPU
  • 1024 MB (1 GB) of RAM
  • 16+ GB of internal memory storage (Hard Disk)
  • DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver for video

For a Mac:

  • macOS 12.0 or later

 

Programs for Free Laptops and Tablets

These programs offer free devices for students who qualify. The library also offers laptops and Chromebooks for semester checkout, but supplies are limited. Laptops are usually all checked out within the first day or two of the semester.

Discounted Devices

These sites provide refurbished or discounted devices. Some of these websites provide internet service offers as well.

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