Laptop Recommendations for Poole Students

  1. Windows or MacOS?
  2. Minimum Laptop Specifications
  3. Recommended Models
  4. Shared Computing Labs and Resources at NCSU
  5. IT Support for Computers
  6. NC State Bookstore Purchases
  7. Software
  8. Antivirus

Windows or MacOS?

Poole College strongly recommends that incoming students purchase a Windows-based laptop, as most courses across all programs use software built for the Windows operating system.

MacBooks are not recommended because they often require additional configuration and workarounds to run required applications. Students using macOS may need to rely on resources such as the Virtual Computing Lab (VCL) or physical labs at university libraries to complete coursework. Please also note that the base model MacBook Neo does not meet the College’s minimum specifications and is not recommended for academic use.

Minimum Laptop Specifications

  • Operating System: Windows 11
  • Processor (CPU): Intel Core Ultra 5 / AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7
  • Memory (RAM): 16 GB
  • Storage: 512 GB SSD

Recommended Models

If you’re planning to purchase a new device, you can consider one of the recommended models available through NC State’s Wolfpack Outfitters in Talley Student Union:

NOTE – For incoming undergraduate first years, Poole College recommends purchasing the fourth year of extended warranty at the time of laptop purchase.

Shared Computing Labs and Resources at NCSU

Poole College does not maintain a dedicated computer lab for faculty, staff, or students. However, a limited number of laptops are available for short-term checkout through the Poole IT Service Desk upon request.

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) supports seven public Unity computer labs open to all NC State students, faculty, and staff with active Unity accounts.

IT Support for Computers

The Poole IT team provides computing support to all graduate and undergraduate students at the Poole IT Service desk located in Nelson Hall 2410 suite. Types of support provided include:

  • Application installation and troubleshooting support (non-virtual environments)
  • Mobile device/tablet support and troubleshooting
  • Connection to the PCOM Lab in the Virtual Computing Environment (VCL) and AWS instances (for virtualized software in the cloud)
  • Native operating system troubleshooting
  • Short-term (up to 2 weeks) loaner computers
  • Network connectivity issues
  • Support with computer purchase recommendations, etc. 
  • Warranty and hardware advice and information on where to seek repairs

The Poole IT Service Desk is unable to perform hardware repairs.

NC State Bookstore Purchases

If a laptop is purchased through the NC State Bookstore, students can receive computer support at the OIT Walk-In Center, which includes these areas:

  • Operating System
  • Software
  • Network Connectivity
  • Warranty and hardware repair
  • Location:
    Central Campus
    West Dunn Building, Room 101
    2901 Thurman Drive at the intersection with Dan Allen Drive
    Raleigh, NC 27695

Software

Microsoft Office 365, including full downloadable versions of Office products, is free for NC State students from the NC State Office 365 website.

For a full list of software made available to the campus community, you can visit OIT’s software website.

Antivirus

NC State University requires an approved and up-to-date antivirus program for all computers connected to the NC State network. Anti-virus software recommendations are available here.