Laptop Specifications

Be sure your laptop has either Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate, or Mac OSX 10.7 or higher operating systems. "Home Editions" of Windows are not fully compatible with the Ross School network and may prevent access to some networking features such as printing. Please be advised that since we are a PC-based environment, we strongly recommend a PC.

If you need to upgrade your operating system or purchase a new system, Computer Showcase (in the Michigan Union) offers software and hardware at deeply discounted prices for enrolled students.

Refer to the following table for minimum recommended specifications:

Features	Windows 7	Apple*
Operating System	Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate	Mac OS X 10.7 or later
Processor (computer speed)	Dual-core or higher, 2 GHz	Dual-core or higher, 2 GHz
Memory (RAM)	4 GB	4 GB
Hard Drive (storage space)	Minimum of 160 GB
Removable Storage	USB Flash drive and/or USB external hard drive
Wireless (internal)	IEEE 802.11 b/g/n that supports WPA security
Optical Drive	CD/DVD-RW Combo (or external add-on equivalent)
Virus Protection	Microsoft Security Essentials download free from U-M	Sophos download free from U-M
Warranty	3-yr labor & parts (complete care)
Printer	Laserjet or Inkjet Have a personal printer to supplement the Ross School printers.

NOTE: We are a Windows PC environment. If you wish to purchase a Mac, we recommend installing a program like Boot Camp, Parallels, or VMWare Fusion so that you may run Windows if needed (separate purchase of Windows may be required).

Buy for 3 years of use

You may be tempted to buy the cheapest laptop you can find; however, be aware that over the life of the laptop, this seeming price advantage could easily be offset and exceeded by wasted time, money, and inconvenience spent on repairs.

The specifications listed above do not necessarily reflect the current configurations available to be purchased from a retailer; use it as a guide to help you purchase a good laptop that will adequately serve your needs with as few problems as possible.

Purchase adequate coverage 

Laptop repairs tend to be very expensive. We urge you to purchase a 3-year service contract to last you through your time at Ross, preferably complete care with screen replacement. Think about how long you can afford to be without your laptop during the semester or during exams. Also find out where you can get the laptop fixed and what the turn-around time is for warranty repairs.

Where to buy

Computer Showcase

Ross students, like any UM student, staff, or faculty member, can take advantage of great deals on laptops through the Computer Showcase. Members of the University can also purchase software packages at deeply discounted academic prices.  For example, Windows 7 can be purchased for around $20, and Microsoft Office for around $50... the cost of purchasing both through retail channels would be into the hundreds of dollars.

Retail

Retailers and on-line vendors may provide computer packages at prices competitive to the Computer Showcase. If you choose to buy elsewhere, make sure your vendor provides the following services:

• Configures all the standard and optional hardware components (including wireless and network cards)
• Offers a 30-day money back guarantee
• Provides a warranty period of at least 90 days (3 years is preferred)
• Offers local support in Ann Arbor

Give preference to vendors who offer on-site or next-day support with the longest warranty. Stay with recognized brand names when selecting computer systems and components; sometimes components advertised as "compatible" may have conflicts with other components once installed, so staying with a reputable brand is recommended.

Other questions

"Do I need a laptop? What if I prefer, or already have, a desktop computer?"

A laptop will allow you to work on projects within our facilities; for instance, during your MAP team project, summer internship, and at home.  A laptop will be very beneficial with the many team-oriented projects you will be involved with.

"What if I really prefer Macs?"

The Ross School of Business is Windows PC-oriented.  Our network infrastructure, student, and classroom computers are all PC based. That said, the decision is yours. Our wireless network and printers will work on a Mac. Although, there are a number of PC-specific software applications that you may be required to use for a particular class. For that reason, if you decide on a Mac, we recommend also purchasing a copy of Windows so that you can install it as Boot Camp on your Mac, or run it virtually using software like Parallels or VMWare Fusion, both available at the Computer Showcase.

"Why can't I just use the public computing resources that the school provides?"

While we do have lab computers stationed throughout the Ross campus, their numbers and uses are limited. Having your own laptop will enable you to use our wireless network and printers without waiting for an available computer, and with your own laptop you aren't chained to and dependent upon a public terminal.

"What other software should I buy?"

Other than the operating system (minimums are listed in the chart above), you may want to purchase a copy of Microsoft Office Professional (you can buy a copy from the UM Computer Showcase at a significantly reduced price).  Please also install and regularly run an anti-virus program like the free Microsoft Security Essentials.  Professors may also require you to install different pieces of software, but they will notify you of such requirements on their own.