University of Akron: recommended laptop specification

No — this is a recommendation, not a requirement. University of Akron (BFA Graphic Design, Mary Schiller Myers School of Art) publishes a suggested configuration: 24GB RAM, 1TB storage. You are not obliged to buy a machine that matches it.

💡 Recommended only. University of Akron 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: macOS strongly steered — "An Apple MacBook Pro is highly recommended for ease of integration with the existing Myers systems". Windows permitted but discouraged: "While PC's may have a lower initial price, because of the cost of maintaining and lack of industry standard they are not recommended. Students that choose a PC should ensure appropriate amounts of memory, processing and storage."

Processor: Apple M5 Chip or M5 Pro Chip with up to 18-Core CPU, 20-Core GPU (14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro tiers). Lowest listed tier, 13-inch MacBook Air: Apple M5 Chip 10-Core CPU, 10-Core GPU

Memory (RAM): 24 GB minimally, 32-GB recommended (14-inch / 16-inch MacBook Pro tiers). 13-inch MacBook Air tier: 24 GB minimally

Storage: 1 TB minimally, 2 TB recommended (14-inch / 16-inch MacBook Pro tiers). 13-inch MacBook Air tier: 1 TB minimally

Warranty: AppleCare required — comes at an additional cost

Also listed on the same page

RECOMMENDED: EXTERNAL TIMEMACHINE BACKUP DRIVE OF 2TB AT A MINIMUM. USB-C HDD IS RECOMMENDED. SSD IS NOT NECESSARY.

Source

Taken from University of Akron's own published page: https://www.uakron.edu/art/academics/resources.dot — stated for Policy page states "Updated as of July 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 24GB RAM 1TB SSD →

The search is built from the capacities University of Akron 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 University of Akron

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

Laptop requirements at other schools: University of Alabama · University of Arizona · University of Arkansas · University of Cincinnati · University of Colorado Boulder · University of Florida