Baylor University: recommended laptop specification

No — this is a recommendation, not a requirement. Baylor University publishes a suggested configuration: 16GB RAM, 500GB storage. You are not obliged to buy a machine that matches it.

💡 Recommended only. Baylor University publishes this as guidance. An existing laptop that does the job is usually fine — do not buy a new machine on the strength of this page alone.

The published specification

Operating system: Windows 11 (64-bit)

Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 (Windows "Minimum" column; "Recommended" column is Intel Core Ultra 7)

Memory (RAM): 16 GB (Windows "Minimum"; "Recommended" is 32 GB)

Storage: 500 GB SSD (Windows "Minimum"; "Recommended" is 1 TB SSD)

What this specification rules out

Macs are permitted but penalised: "many engineering applications are ONLY supported on Windows operating systems. Students using MacBook's will be required to install these programs in a Windows environment, requiring the purchase of a copy of Parallels". Baylor also "highly encourage[s] students wanting to use a Mac to use the MacBook Pro over the MacBook Air".

Also listed on the same page

Under the heading "Required Software": Microsoft Windows 11; Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); MATLAB. Hard "must" constraints stated as prose: "The laptop must be able to connect to Baylor's 'AIRBEAR WPA2' wireless network" and "The laptop must be capable of supporting Microsoft Windows 11 and the simultaneous operation of Microsoft Office, MATLAB, and an internet browser". Windows Minimum column also lists: Display 1366x768 or better; Wireless Network Built-in; Ports 1 USB-A port (or USB-C port with adapter). Also required equipment beyond the laptop: a graphing calculator "capable of performing complex number and matrix operations" (Recommended: TI-84 Plus; Acceptable: TI-89 any version; Unacceptable: TI Nspire). MacBook Minimum column: MacBook Pro with MacOS 12 Monterey, Intel or ARM, 16G RAM, 512G, 1 USB-C to USB-A adapter.

Source

Taken from Baylor University's own published page: https://www.ecs.baylor.edu/sites/g/files/ecbvkj776/files/2026-07/EGR%20Equipment%20Requirements%202026.pdf — stated for 2026 (document dated 6/17/2026). Verified 2026-08-25. Specifications change every intake, so confirm against that page before you buy.

Laptops that meet this specification

Product links go to Amazon search — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Links never change the checklist.

Search Amazon for Windows 11 laptop 16GB RAM 500GB SSD →

The search is built from the capacities Baylor University actually prints, so compare each result against the published specification above before ordering — listings change and this page does not track stock or price.

Packing for Baylor University

A laptop is one line on a longer list. See the full Baylor University dorm packing list for bedding, storage and the rest of move-in.

Laptop requirements at other schools: Boise State University · Bowling Green State University · Central Michigan University · Claremont McKenna College · Clemson University · Colorado State University