Purchase or Bring a Computer? 

Each graduate school may have their own computer specifications, so check with your department before purchasing a computer.

Laptop vs. desktop

Last year, 95 percent of students brought computers to campus and of those, 95 percent were laptops. Laptops provide the mobility a student’s life demands, allowing you to work in classrooms, libraries, dining halls and many common areas, and improving collaboration in study groups.

Bring a computer from home

You do not have to buy a new computer to bring to Duke. Some students want to defer a new computer purchase until the student spends some time at Duke. A computer brought to Duke should provide at least basic email, Web and word processing capabilities. Most computers purchased new in the last two years should meet this standard.

Buy through Duke Computer Store

If you are considering buying a new computer for college, Duke encourages you buy through its Technology Advantage Program (TAP). The Apple, Dell, and Lenovo laptops available through TAP are carefully selected to provide reliable computing for years to come. Three laptop models are available from each vendor.

Apple systems come with a three-year enhanced warranty that covers service and support through Duke’s OIT Service Desk, with loaner laptops available. Coverage includes accidental damage.

Dell and Lenovo systems come with a four-year enhanced warranty that covers service and support through Duke’s OIT Service Desk, with loaner laptops available. Coverage includes accidental damage.

To view or purchase TAP laptops, go to the Duke Computer Store website.

Buy from a vendor other than Duke

If you choose to purchase a computer other than from the TAP program, please be sure to read our recommended computer specifications and also check to make sure your department doesn't have specialized specifications for your program. Be aware that the OIT Service Desk will provide the most comprehensive service to TAP machines (drop-off service, for example, is only provided for TAP machines).

Computer labs

If you don't bring a computer to Duke, or you don't want to take your laptop everywhere, rest assured that Duke has hundreds of computers for your use in libraries and labs around campus. These computer labs include specialized labs called Multimedia Project Studios, which are available for students to use for all of their creative needs.

Vista

For more information about Windows Vista please see our Vista page.