The following are specifications to be used when purchasing a computer for the laptop section of ME 170. Due to the nature of the class, each student is required to have a laptop that can adequately run the software used in the class. These specifications will also serve you well for a computer to handle the classes you will see in engineering in general.
ME 170 uses several CAD packages and most only run on Windows. However, many students have used Apple laptops quite successfully in the class. Apple laptops can run all versions of Windows, even simultaneously while running Mac OS. We provide detailed information sources and tutorials for those wishing to use Apple laptops for this class. Below are specifications for both Windows and Apple laptops as well as example configurations from major vendors.
Windows Laptops
|
Description |
Minimum |
Recommended |
| Windows Operating System | Windows 7 or Windows 8 (32 or 64 bit) | Windows 7 or Windows 8 (64 bit) |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB or higher |
| Processor | Dual core (Intel i5, AMD Turion II, etc.) | Three core or higher (Intel i7, AMD Phenom II, etc.) |
| Hard disk | 256 GB | 512 GB or higher |
| Video Card | Integrated (Intel HD 4400 or higher) | Dedicated graphics card (1 GB of video memory or higher) |
Sample Windows Laptops (these are not endorsements of these products. These are provided strictly as examples of computers that meet the above specifications)
- Samsung ATIV Book 8
- Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Series Touch
Apple Laptops
|
Description |
Minimum |
Recommended |
| Mac Operating System | 10.7 or higher (Lion, Mountain Lion , or Mavericks) | 10.9 (Mavericks) |
| RAM | 4 GB* | 8 GB or higher |
| Processor | Dual core (Intel i5) | Three core or higher (Intel i7) |
| Hard disk | 256 GB | 512 GB or higher |
| Video Card | Integrated (Intel HD graphics) | Intel Iris graphics or a dedicated graphics card (1 GB of video memory or higher) |
* – Due to the nature of how Macs run Windows, 4 GB of RAM, although usable, is not recommended. If purchasing with the minimum specifications, it is recommended to get 8 GB of RAM in the computer.
Sample Apple Laptops (these are not endorsements of these products. These are provided strictly as examples of computers that meet the above specifications)
- Macbook Pro 13-inch with Retina Display
- Macbook Pro 15-inch with Retina Display