Purchasing Macintosh Computers
Macintosh Desktop computers, Macbook Pro and Mac Air laptops with Core i5 processors (or newer) are supported; Core i7 processors are recommended. A minimum of 8 GB of RAM is recommended (with exception of the MacBook air) and 16GB for Virtual Machine or power users. For details, see the table below. Contact DSP (dsp@andrew.cmu.edu or 412-268-6959) if you are not sure which computer meets these standards.
New Purchase Recommendations
|
User
|
Type
|
Model
|
Recommendation
|
Minimum RAM
|
Recommended RAM
|
|
Normal
|
Desktop
|
Mac Mini
|
Neutral
|
8 GB
|
16 GB (for virtual machines or power users)
|
|
Normal
|
Laptop
|
MacBook Air
|
Encouraged for non-VM users
|
8 GB
|
8 GB (16 GB not available)
|
|
Normal
Power
|
Desktop
|
iMac
|
Encouraged
|
8 GB
|
16 GB (for virtual machines or power users)
|
|
Power
|
Desktop
|
Mac pro
|
Encouraged
|
16 GB
|
16+ GB
|
|
Power
|
Laptop
|
MacBook Pro
|
Encouraged
|
16 GB
|
16+ GB
|
Table Key
- Normal – Typical computing power to handle general business tasks (i.e., access to email, Internet, basic office functions, calendar).
- Power – Extra computing power for resource intensive programs (i.e. Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, other design software).
- Encouraged – Recommended.
- Discouraged – Not recommended for performance or compatibility issues.
- Neutral – May be desired, but is not typical in our environment. Talk with DSP for alternatives or recommendations.
Visit the Official Apple Store online for detailed desktop and laptop configurations.
For a computer quote, complete the Computer Quote Request Form.
