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Laptop Computer Recommendations

This document will assist you in choosing a laptop computer to bring with you to the School of Public Health, or if you already have one, it will help you determine if its specifications are sufficient. Please feel free to contact us if you would like more information. You can reach the SPH Informatics and Computing Services' help desk at (734) 936-1247 or sph.help@umich.edu.

I'm buying a new laptop. What should I get?

The short answer is "get the best you can afford."

PC or Mac?

We encourage students to use a PC laptop because some of the software used in the School of Public Health only runs on a Windows PC-based computer at this time. In addition, the School is a PC-based environment, which will make it easier for you to obtain help and advice if you're using the same platform.

However, if you prefer to use a Macintosh, we recommend you use a Macintosh with a 32 or 64 bit Intel-powered processor (current Macintosh laptops all meet this requirement). This will allow you to run "Parallels Desktop for Mac" or Apple's "Boot Camp" software in conjunction with the Windows Operating System. Running Windows on the Macintosh in one of these fashions may allow you to use PC-specific educational programs available at SPH. For purchasing information about Parallels or Boot Camp, see the Software Requirements section at the end of this document.

If you have an older non-Intel based Mac, and prefer to continue to use it, be aware that some programs and services will not be available to you. Use of emulation software, such as Virtual PC, poorly provides Mac users with the ability to use certain software. Our experiences with Virtual PC suggest that it will be extremely slow.

What about a Tablet PC?

A Tablet PC is a type of laptop that allows the user to write and draw on the computer screen with a special stylus (plastic pencil).

Tablet PCs are being adopted into many areas including healthcare, sales, manufacturing, and education. There are new programs coming out regularly that are increasing the usability of tablets in the education arena. With Microsoft's OneNote 2007 (part of the Office 2007 software package), you can take notes in class and drag and drop PowerPoint and other Office documents into your notes to write upon them.

Tablets tend to be more expensive than a standard laptop, and they come in many different configurations. Size, processing power, storage space, as well as optical drives are often sacrificed to reduce the size of the device. Tablets come in many sizes to accommodate different needs.

In the end, a Tablet PC is a laptop with a little extra. Some students choose to use Tablet PCs for their laptop requirement.

Hardware Requirements and Recommendations

The hardware requirements and recommendations listed below have been selected to ensure that your laptop will be able to use the software and other computing systems necessary for your curricular computing activities. Processor and operating system recommendations are specific to a PC; others apply equally to a Mac or PC.

Features	Recommended
Processor	Pentium 2.0 GHz or faster recommended
Memory (RAM)	At least 1 Gigabyte (2 GB or more recommended)
Screen Size	14" is recommended - it will provide a good balance between screen size and portability
Hard Drive (storage space)	40 Gigabytes or larger
Operating System	Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Mac OSX
Wireless	802.11b/g cards (our wireless network is currently 802.11b)
Wired (Ethernet)	10/100 built-in Ethernet adapter (should be a standard component)
Removable Storage	• DVD Reader & CD Burner Combo drive, or DVD Burner • USB Key Drive (512MB minimum) - will simplify document management and file sharing • External Hard Drive for making backups
Weight/Size	Because you will be transporting your laptop to and from school, a lighter and less bulky model would be preferable over a heavier and more bulky laptop
Battery	An extended capacity battery (if available) will help you use your laptop at school without the need to plug into a power outlet as often
Warranty	3-4 years of coverage. Highly recommended to get Complete Care (accidental damage warranty), or equivalent
Headset	Some of the software used for coursework requires headphones and a microphone (headset)
Case	A laptop carrying case (i.e. saddlebag, backpack) to transport your laptop and accessories is recommended

What About Software? Where Can I Get Good Deals?

The University's Computer Showcase offers excellent deals on software to students. For example, Microsoft Office, which normally sells for over $400, costs $42.45 at the Computer Showcase.

Software requirements and recommendations

The School of Public Health requires the use of a variety of software programs. The good news is that students get a discount on Microsoft Office, and the better news is that most of the other software is free. Here is the list of necessary software:

Microsoft Office 2007 (PC) - available from the Showcase for $47.17
Microsoft Office 2003 (Mac) - available from the Showcase for $42.45
To Run Windows on a Mac:
- Parallels Desktop (Mac) - available from the Showcase for $75
  Note: requires Microsoft Windows XP Pro or Vista - OR -
- Boot Camp (Mac) - available at no cost from the Apple site
  Note: requires Microsoft Windows XP Pro or Vista
Microsoft Windows XP Pro or Vista Ultimate - both are available from the Showcase (XP Pro for $14.15 and Vista for $18.87)
Apple Quicktime (Mac or PC) - free from the Apple site
Apple iTunes (Mac or PC) - free from the Apple site
McAfee VirusScan 8.5 (PC) or Sophos Anti-Virus (Mac) - free from the U-M VirusBusters site
RealPlayer (Mac or PC) - free from the Real site

Further Questions?

Contact the SPHICS Help Desk at (734) 936-1247 or sph.help@umich.edu.