Laptop Recommendations for Medical Students
Student Laptop Recommendations
Students are expected to have reliable access to a laptop capable of supporting the applications and online services used throughout the medical school curriculum. If you are purchasing a new computer, the following specifications are recommended to provide reliable performance throughout medical school.
Recommended Specifications
| Operating System | Windows 11/MacOS |
| Processor | Intel Core i5/i7, AMD Ryzen 5/7, or Apple Silicon |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB or greater |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD or greater |
| Display | 13-15 inch, 1920x1080 or higher resolution |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6 or newer |
| Camera/Microphone | Integrated webcam and microphone |
| Ports | USB-C recommended, adapters may be needed |
| Warranty | 3-4 manufacturer warranty, accidental-damage coverage recommended |
Commonly Used Applications
Students should expect to regularly use applications and services including:
- Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and OneNote
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Teams
- Examsoft/Examplify
- NBME web-based and secure testing
- VH Dissector virtual anatomy software
- Web-based learning resources and Canvas
Windows or Mac?
Both Windows and macOS are supported by the primary applications used in the medical school curriculm.
Windows laptops:
A business-class Windows 11 laptop with an Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 processor, 16GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD is an excellent choice.
Examples include:
- Dell Pro/Latitude
- Lenovo ThinkPad
- HP ProBook/EliteBook
- Microsoft Surface
Mac Laptops:
Apple silicon MacBook Air and MacBook Pro systems are also excellent options. For most students, a MacBook Air with an M-series processor, 16GB RAM and 512 GB storage should provide more than enough performace.
Devices We Do Not Recommend
Chromebooks, Android tablets and Linux laptops are not recommended as a student's primary computer. Examsoft/Examplify does not support ChromeOS, Android or Linux.
Tablets such as an iPad can be excellent secondary devices for note-taking and studying but should not be considered a replacement for a full Windows or Mac laptop unless specifically approved by the School of Medicine.
Students purchasing Windows computers should use the full version of Windows 11 rather than Windows 11 S mode.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
You do not need a high-end gaming or workstation laptop. A modern laptop meeting the recommended specifications above should comfortably handle medical school applications.
Prioritize reliability, battery life, portability and warranty coverage over maximum processor or graphics performance.
Because examination software requirements can change as operating systems are updated, students should avoid installing major operating-system upgrades immediately before an examination and should follow any compatibility guidance provided by the School of Medicine IT team.