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LITS's recommendations for incoming students looking for guidance on computer purchases.
Plus information about educational discounts for students, faculty and staff.
Overview and Recommendations
Chromebooks are not always compatible with or capable of running the software students may need for courses. LITS recommends either Apple or Windows computers, and both platforms are used across campus.
Printers are not a necessary purchase. At MHC, public printers are conveniently located throughout campus, so you’ll have easy access whenever you need to print. In support of our core value of sustainability, we encourage students to take advantage of this shared technology rather than purchasing a personal printer. LITS provides every student with $20 of free printing per semester. When printing double-sided and in black and white, this allocation covers over 1,000 pages—more than enough for most students' needs.
MHC is a Google campus and uses Google Workspace applications for much of our work. Microsoft 365 is also licensed for all MHC students and is used on campus.
Minimum hardware specifications
When choosing a personal computer, we suggest:
- Memory (RAM): 16GB or more
- Storage: Minimum of 256GB
- Lightweight and portable design for easy mobility
- Strong battery life for use across campus
Consider your needs
- Your academic interests and potential major
- Software that may be required for your courses
- Your personal preference for macOS or Windows
- Your budget
- MHC provides campus computer labs with access to all required academic software.
Warranty recommendation
- LITS highly recommends purchasing an extended warranty with your new computer.
- An extended warranty protects your investment in case of damage, hardware failure, or other issues.
Educational discounts
As a member of the Mount Holyoke community, you can receive educational discounts when you order through these vendors:
Mount Holyoke College also offers an educational technology purchasing program in collaboration with the Smith College Computer Store. The options include hardware and software, all with educational discounts from Apple, Dell, Microsoft, and Adobe.