Information Technology

Helpdesk

Colgate Hall 104

Monday - Friday

8-5 p.m. ET

Choosing a Computer

Colby-Sawyer recommends that all students bring a personal laptop computer to campus. Most students use a laptop every day for coursework, communication, accessing campus systems and completing assignments. The college supports both Windows and Apple Mac laptops.

Laptop Purchasing Guidelines

When selecting a laptop, we recommend choosing a device that will meet your academic needs throughout your college experience.

Component	Recommendation
Operating System	Windows 11 or later, or macOS Tahoe (version 26) or later
Processor	Modern multi-core processor (Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen 5, Apple Silicon, or better)
Memory (RAM)	16 GB or higher recommended
Storage	256 GB SSD minimum; more storage recommended for large files
Display	13–15 inch display with Full HD (1920 × 1080) resolution
Graphics	Integrated graphics are sufficient for most students; dedicated graphics may be needed for specialized programs
Battery Life	6–8 hours or more recommended
Portability	Lightweight and durable for daily campus use
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and appropriate ports or adapters for peripherals (USB-A, USB-C, HDMI).
Keyboard and Trackpad	Comfortable, responsive and suitable for extended use

Chromebooks

Microsoft 365

Need More Help?

If you have questions about selecting a computer or preparing your device for campus, the Helpdesk is happy to assist.

Helpdesk

helpdesk @colby-sawyer.edu
603.526.3800