College of Business Laptop Recommendations

As you start your studies in the College of Business, we suggest using a Windows-based laptop. It works well with our network and business software in class. Already have a Mac? That's fine! Whether using Excel, creating marketing plans, or analyzing data, you'll have the tools you need to succeed.

Requirements

• Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5
• Display: 13" or larger with at least Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution
• Operating System: Windows 11
• Software: Microsoft 365, with Windows security turned on. Use the free download from Microsoft 365—not the limited capability Web apps.
• Memory: 16 GB RAM or higher  
• Hard Drive: 256GB Solid State Drive or higher
• Wireless Capability: Wi-Fi 5 or newer
• Webcam: Integrated or external webcam required
• HDMI: To use projection systems on campus laptops should have a HDMI port or adapter
  (current model machines typically use a USB-C to HDMI)
• Battery: Extended life battery. At least 6-8 hours of capacity, since not all classrooms have electrical plug-ins.

UW-Eau Claire Discount Packages

Dell

UW-Eau Claire has negotiated educational pricing on Dell computers for faculty/staff/student personal purchases.

Special pricing on Dell products

HP

HP is also an affordable windows-based laptop option. Currently, UW-Eau Claire does not partner with HP to offer a discount.

HP Laptop Store

Apple

Apple offers standard academic discounts to UW-Eau Claire for faculty/staff/student personal purchases. However, Apple versions of many Microsoft applications (notably Excel and other Office 365 applications used extensively in the college) do not have the same features as the Windows versions. This means that Windows versions are required in the college. Fortunately, many Macs can run Windows and will meet the college's minimum computing requirements. Almost all Apple computers can run Windows via a virtual computing platform such as Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion

Special pricing on Apple products

Already Own a PC?

Do you already own a laptop PC? Make sure it meets the College of Business's minimum computing specifications.

Want to upgrade an already purchased PC? We suggest you first purchase additional RAM, then increase the size of the hard drive. These upgrade items will most affect enhanced performance.

Mac Users

Mac users have access to Microsoft Windows via UW-Eau Claire's virtual environment:
The virtual environment simulates a general access lab, enabling you to access software applications such as SAP, Oracle, Visio, and Office.

College of Business students who already own an Apple laptop, but are required to have access to a laptop running Windows, have the option of installing either VMWare or Parallels. Please note: It will be the student's responsibility to have either of these options pre-installed before they begin their classes. The College of Business will not install Windows on Macs.

VMware / Parallels

VMware Fusion and Parallels are two products that an Apple user can purchase to install on the Mac operating system. Both applications allow users to run Windows within an application through the Mac OS.

NOTE: Running the Windows OS through the Mac OS, this process is very a hardware intensive process. Users may experience slow performance.

Requirements: Intel Processor, Minimum 4GB of RAM, and 400MB of Free Disk Space

Learn more about VMware Fusion | Learn more about Parallels

Printers

While printers are available on campus, the College of Business recommends that you purchase a desktop printer for added convenience.

Need Software?

The College of Business recommends you use Microsoft Office 365 Professional Plus software. You can purchase this software and other popular software packages at substantial discounts through the Wisconsin Integrated Software Catalog. You can also download Microsoft Office free via Microsoft 365. Other options are available by registering through the Microsoft Dev Tools for Teaching website for installing free software on your personal computers

Questions?

Contact David Nesvacil, College of Business Technical Services Coordinator.