Computer Buying Guide

UIC Law ITS recommends a laptop that meets or exceeds the following specifications. There are many decisions to make when purchasing a new computer, so if you have any questions after reviewing this page, do not hesitate to contact the ITS Help Desk at (312) 427-2737 ext. 550 or law-helpdesk@uic.edu—or visit us on the 7th floor of the State Street building.

Processor
Intel i5 or i7 (or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7)

Operating System
Windows 10 Home or Professional (64-Bit) or Apple MacOS

Memory (RAM)
8 GB or more

Storage (Hard Drive)
256GB or more (Solid State Drive (SSD) highly recommended)

Warranty
Minimum 3-year extended warranty with accidental damage coverage

Beginning in the Fall 2020 semester: A webcam and microphone capable of supporting audio and video conferencing through platforms such as Zoom, WebEx, and Blackboard Collaborate.

Consider Also:

  • HDMI output or HDMI dongle (required for connection to campus monitors)
  • Networking (Wi-Fi required, ethernet port optional)
  • Screen size vs. weight
  • Battery life
  • DVD drive (optional; internal or external)
  • Additional ports (USB, USB-C, Thunderbolt, etc.)

Software
Microsoft Office: access to current version included with UIC Law Office365 school account

Manufacturer Websites
The URLs below are for your convenience.