Laptop Recommendations

Looking for a new computer? Read our hardware and operating system recommendations for both PCs and Macs.

Brandeis School of Law's IT Department offers these hardware and software recommendations to Fall 2023 entering students and returning students shopping for a new laptop. Be sure to review the notes below about compatibility with Exam4.

Hardware and Operating System (OS)

PC Mac
Operating System Windows 11 version 22H2 (OS build 22621) or later
(No Beta or insider preview versions)
macOS 13 Ventura
Processor 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC). Apple M2 chip (8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores; 8-core GPU)
Memory 8 gigabytes (GB) or greater; 16 recommended
Hard Drive 256 (minimum) GB SSD
Graphics Adapter Compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver Standard
Display Resolution 1920 x 1080 or better on 9" or greater monitor 2560 x 1664
Communications Webcam with microphone
Wireless Adapter 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compatible)
Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology
Hardware Warranty 3 Year Enhanced Protection
(Spills, Drops and Accidental Damage Protection)
3 Year AppleCare Protection Plan
Accessories USB-C to USB Adapter or equivalent

Productivity Software

All UofL students receive a Microsoft Office 365 subscription, which includes the option to download and install Microsoft Office 365 on up to five (5) devices.

Exam4 Support

Read complete, up-to-date information about Exam4's operating system requirements.

Apple will likely release macOS 14, the successor to macOS 13 Ventura, in Fall 2023. If history is a guide, Extegrity will not release a supported version of Exam4 for this new Mac operating system in time for Fall 2023 exams. Consequently, we recommend students do not upgrade to macOS 14, or purchase a new Mac with macOS 14 pre-installed, until Extegrity announces Exam4 support for it, likely in early Spring 2024.