Overview
A new computer is a common purchase for students entering college and effective Fall 2024 all Penn College majors offered in person will require incoming students to have a laptop. Students enrolled in online majors must have access to a computer with consistent Internet access.
Each department has established minimum specifications for laptops/computers to ensure that students can use the applications specific to their academic programs. Details about these specifications can be found in the Special Equipment Needs section of the College Catalog for each major. This article provides guidance for students looking to purchase a new laptop/computer.
If you need assistance understanding software or hardware requirements, please contact the IT Service Desk.
Description
What brand should I buy?
While we do not recommend a specific brand, Information Technology Services buys Dell and Apple computers for classroom use. Penn College students may receive special promotional benefits from Dell at the Dell Store, from Microsoft through the Microsoft Education Store, and from Apple through the Apple Education Store. Visit each vendor’s site for details. Specific promotions are subject to change by the retailer.
Please note that Chromebooks and other devices running ChromeOS do not run the full Microsoft Office suite, so these devices are prohibited. Additionally, most majors call for non-Apple products
What software is provided?
Penn College students can receive several software packages for free or at reduced prices. We provide Microsoft Office 365 and 1TB of OneDrive space to all active students. Visit our knowledge base for more information on how to get software available to you. You can also view Penn State's software offerings available to Penn College students by visiting pct.onthehub.com
What if I need assistive technology?
Students who have assistive technology and/or accessibility needs are encouraged to contact Disability and Access Resources at dar@pct.edu or 570-320-5225