Laptop Requirements

Ensuring Student Success

At Clarkson College, our goal is to offer the most advanced learning and testing
experience, which is why laptops are required for all students registered for on-campus
classes. Use the following guidelines when selecting your laptop to ensure the device
meets our campus-wide requirements.

Laptop Requirements

IMPORTANT: Chromebooks are NOT supported.

The following laptop models are recommended:

  • Dell Student Laptop Program (www.dell.com/clarksoncollege)
    • This Dell site lists laptops recommended by Clarkson College that come with an educational discount and three years of support including accident protection. (If browsing the full catalog, please ensure the device meets the minimum specfications listed on this page. REMINDER: Chromebooks are NOT supported).
  • Microsoft Surface Laptop, Surface Book, or Surface Pro with a keyboard (Windows 10 S not supported at this time—select Windows 10 Home or Pro).  (Microsoft Education Store) 
  • Apple Macbook, Macbook Pro or Macbook Air.   Apple/Mac computers are not compatible with the software needed for the Medical 3D Printing Specialist courses. Windows 10 will be required for the Medical 3D Printing Specialist courses.  (Apple Higher Education Store)

If you purchase or own a laptop different from the models listed above, be sure your device meets the following minimum specification requirements:

  • Operating system: Current/mainstream version of Windows 10/11 Home, Windows 10/11 Pro or Mac OS X (Windows 10S and Chrome OS are not supported.)
  • CPU: Quad-core CPU or better
  • RAM: 8 GB minimum, 8 to 16 GB preferred
  • Solid State Drive (SSD): 128 GB or higher (hard drives are acceptable but are not recommended)
  • Peripherals: Webcam and microphone
  • Wireless: Dual Band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with WiFi 4, 5, or 6 capability

Necessary Computer Programs & Applications

To provide an additional layer of security for online testing, students must download
the LockDown Browser application available through Canvas, the online learning
management system at Clarkson College. The download link is located under the Help
tab within the Canvas global navigation menu. The LockDown Browser is compatible
with Windows 10 or MacOS. (Chromebooks are NOT supported).