"A Windows laptop will meet the needs of the vast majority of students."
Laptop Requirement
Laptop Requirement
All BYU-Idaho students are strongly encouraged to have a laptop. Instructors may invite students to bring a laptop to class and complete particular assignments. A desktop is acceptable for students who already have one or students who are planning to graduate within a year. Students attending BYU-Idaho prior to their mission can rent a laptop at the Help Desk for up to two semesters.
Students will be encouraged to purchase university recommended laptops. Agreements with vendors provide the best price, technology, and technical support. BYU-Idaho recommends that students purchase their HP or Apple laptop through the University Bookstore. Purchases can be made online at byuibookstore.com or on campus. The negotiated prices on specific models listed through the Bookstore are lower than students can obtain by ordering directly through HP or Apple.
The recommended BYU-Idaho models are business class laptops and not consumer models. In short, they are built better, using higher quality components. The University sought to secure units that would last for the duration of your educational experience at BYU-Idaho.
A Windows laptop will meet the needs of the vast majority of students. Please see the links below to determine any specific hardware and software needs required by your major/department.
Students can acquire their laptop from other sources as long as the laptop meets the minimum requirement for entry level machines as specified by BYU-Idaho.
NOTE: If a student chooses to bring their own laptop to campus, the following wireless network cards are highly recommended:
- 1) Any card with the Atheros 5006 or 5008 chipset.
- 2) Intel 4965 AGN
- 3) Intel 3945 ABG (This is the card that is in the Dell Latitude 820 and 830)
- 4) Broadcom 4321 AGN
WiFi Alliance certified cards are highly recommended, since there are many cards on the market that do not conform to its standards. These recommended cards are a much better guarantee to obtain wireless access and assist the University in giving Help Desk support.
The following are the specific department requirements:
College of Agriculture & Life Science
College of Business & Communication
College of Education & Human Development
College of Performing & Visual Arts
College of Physical Science & Engineering
A Windows laptop will meet the needs of the vast majority of students, particularly for those majors where another brand requirement has not been specified. Where there is no specification students may pick the platform they prefer (Windows or Apple).
