Computer Purchase Recommendations

Recommended computer hardware and software purchases for prospective and current students

We are often asked "Do I need a computer for classes?" In short, yes. Student computer ownership on campus is around 97% and the School's official computer policy states: “Course work will be assigned with the assumption that students have access to a laptop computer. Some instructors will require in-class use of laptops.”

What do we recommend? A laptop, for one. Students are transient in nature and there are little or no concessions these days when using a laptop versus a desktop computer. While the School is heavily Apple Macintosh, much of the coursework can be completed using whatever newer (2 years old or less) model laptop is available to you. If you're in the market for a new computer, here is what we recommend based on value and reliability:

Current hardware recommendations:

External hard drive recommendation:

Students in the Gateway courses will are asked to purchase an external hard drive to store audio, video and other course-related files. We recommend the LaCie Rugged 500 Gb drive which we've arranged to make available through the University of Oregon Duck Store.

Software purchase recommendations:

We recommend students have some kind of word processing application that's capable of reading and writing Microsoft Word files. There are a variety of free and/or inexpensive options beyond Microsoft Office including Google Docs, Apple's Pages and OpenOffice/Libre Office/NeoOffice. The UO Duckstore offers discount versions of Microsoft Office both for Macintosh and Windows to students and faculty.

Additionally, students will likely need other software packages, such as Adobe Creative Suite or FinalCut Suite, later in their studies but we recommend students delay the purchase of software until it is needed for coursework. The School of Journalism & Communication computer labs have this software and are available to students enrolled in courses that require the use of specific software packages.

Where to buy:

You may but these systems from the vendor of your choice however some offer educational discounts. Below are sources who offer at educational pricing:

Reminder: Hardware and software purchased within or delivered to Oregon addresses are not subject to sales tax!