University of Maryland, College Park: recommended laptop specification

No — this is a recommendation, not a requirement. University of Maryland, College Park (Department of Computer Science) publishes a suggested configuration: 16GB RAM, 512GB storage. You are not obliged to buy a machine that matches it.

💡 Recommended only. University of Maryland, College Park 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 or MacOS. Page also states: "The department does not have a required or preferred operating system."

Processor: CPU that is 2 years old or newer

Memory (RAM): 16GB of RAM (If budget allows, having 32GB of memory is recommended for upper-level courses)

Storage: 512GB Solid State Drive (SSD), more if economical to acquire

Graphics: Not required. Page states: "If students intend on taking courses on Computer Graphics, Game Development, or AI/Machine Learning, consider getting a Windows Laptop low-tier or mid-tier NVidia GPU"

What this specification rules out

Chromebooks or other "light" laptop that does not allow standard desktop applications to be installed; Tablets with a primarily touch or stylus interfaces. Page states these "are considered insufficient on their own for the work required in CS courses" and "should only be used to supplement a standard laptop or desktop."

Also listed on the same page

Working USB-A / USB-C ports; a battery that lasts at least 3 hours under light load and a reasonably long charging cable. Additionally recommended (not required): a webcam and a headset with a microphone, for online office hours via Zoom and virtual advising meetings. Software noted: Eclipse (intro courses); ability to run Linux / GNU C/C++ compiler for junior/senior courses; software available via UMD TERPWare.

Source

Taken from University of Maryland, College Park's own published page: https://undergrad.cs.umd.edu/computer-requirements. 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 laptop 16GB RAM 512GB SSD →

The search is built from the capacities University of Maryland, College Park 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 Maryland, College Park

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

Laptop requirements at other schools: University of Michigan · University of Minnesota · University of Missouri · University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · University of North Texas · University of Oklahoma