Student Computers

Student Computers

Computer Recommendations | Hardware/Software Support | Student Tech Program

Every Kent student is required to bring a notebook computer to school. Students may bring either a Mac or a PC, which should meet the minimum requirements below.
Please note that these specifications are the minimum. You will want to have more power if possible, as you're planning to use this machine for several years.

Minimum Requirements:

Windows 7 Professional/Ultimate or Mac OS 10.5 or higher
Processor: 64-bit
Memory: at least 2 GB
Hard drive: at least 80 GB
Network: wireless (a,b,g, & n all supported)

We strongly recommend purchasing an extended warranty with accidental damage insurance to keep your equipment up and running. Our experience has shown that the up-front expense is well worth it over the lifetime of the computer. Repairs are expensive. Accidents happen.

Computer Recommendations

If you already have a laptop that satisfies the minimum requirements above, then you are all set. If you need to purchase a laptop and are unsure what model or configuration to buy, here are some recommendations.

Windows
Click here to access Kent's custom site at CDWG. We have arranged packages for several different Windows laptops and tablet PCs that include our recommended insurance and extended warranty options at a discounted price. These are computers that we will be able to fully support on campus. If you prefer, you are also welcome to purchase a Windows notebook from another vendor.

Apple
To purchase an Apple laptop, you can order online at store.apple.com or visit your nearest Apple store.

We recommend the configuration below as an excellent base model, but feel free to customize it as long as it meets our minimum requirements.

MacBook Pro
13-inch, 2.4 GHz
Memory: 4 GB
Hard drive: 500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
AppleCare Protection Plan (important!)

Questions about what you need and how to get it? Contact the Technology Department.

Hardware and Software Support

We do our best to ensure that no student is ever without a functioning computer. When you come to the Tech Center for help, you'll leave with either your computer working or a loaner.

When possible, repairs are done on site; sometimes there's a nominal fee. For other repairs, like warranty repairs requiring an authorized service center to perform the work and other major repairs, tech staff will help you contact your manufacturer's customer service and send the computer out for repair. If you need to keep a loaner computer for more than 30 days, a rental fee will be charged until the loaner is returned.

Student Tech Program

Student Techs are key to keeping Kent's 560 students up and running. The help desk staff are assisted by a crew of student techs who are trained to troubleshoot and help fix student computers. The Techs are also a valuable resource for our students after hours, when the Tech Center is closed.

If you're interested in being a Student Tech, please visit the Tech Center. You do not need to have extensive knowledge about computer repair, only an eagerness to learn (and you need to be in good academic standing!). Student Techs gain valuable technical skills and, just as important, experience in working with customers and maintaining a professional level of service.