The UNC Charlotte College of Information Technology (COIT) recommends that incoming Freshmen bring a laptop.  Current minimum recommended specifications are:

1.6GHz CPU

512MB RAM

60GB disk

3D Graphics Card with 128 MB video memory

Video Resolution 1024 x 768

B/G wireless capability

Windows XP Professional Operating System

Service Plan – COIT recommends that you obtain a 4 year all-inclusive service plan with the laptop. 

COIT recommends that you protect the laptop against theft via an insurance policy.  In order we recommend you investigate providing insurance for the laptop via the following methods:

1)    Homeowner's insurance policy

2)    Renter’s insurance policy

3)    Dedicated laptop insurance policy (e.g. http://www.safeware.com )

Wireless networking infrastructure has been implemented throughout the COIT space and in many other areas of UNC Charlotte campus (see http://www.labs.uncc.edu/oncampus/wireless.html ) for the convenience of laptop users.   

DVD writer – It’s a good idea for your laptop to have a DVD writer built-in.  The cost difference is relatively little to get this and this is a particularly good option for backing up important data inexpensively.