All Mount Union Students are required to have a personal computer for use during their education.
If monetary assistance is required, the Office of Student Financial Aid may be able to provide assistance with loans.
Questions about Accessibility may be directed to StudentAccessibility@mountunion.edu
Primary Computer (Required for all UMU Students):
- The university defines a personal computer as:
- A laptop or 2 in 1 device (see below for new purchase recommendations)
- Runs either Microsoft Windows or Apple MacOS. (not Google ChromeOS)
- Not Recommended: Desktop computers
- Not Permissible as a personal computer: Smartphones, Tablets and Chromebooks.
Laptop Loaner Kiosk:
In the event of a student not having appropriate equipment, or their personal device fails, students can visit the loaner laptop kiosk, located in front of the IT Helpdesk in the Kolenbrander-Harter Information Center. Students can use their Purple Plus card to check out a laptop for a 24-hour period. After that time frame, if not returned, the student will be charged. If the student needs the laptop for use after their 24 hours have concluded, they can check it in and check it right back out for another 24-hour period.
Questions about the laptop loaner kiosk may be directed to helpdesk@mountunion.edu
Companion Devices (optional):
These devices may provide added convenience in some scenarios, but some University required software will not function on them.
- Apple iPhones and iPads - The University supports Apple devices able to install the current version of iOS.
- Android Smartphones and Tablets – The University supports Android devices released in the last 2-3 years.
- Chromebooks – The University provides best effort support for Chromebooks able to run the most current version of the operating system
New Computer Purchasing Recommendations
PC |
Mac |
|
Screen Size |
13" – 17" |
13" – 16" |
Processor |
|
Apple M3 series |
Processor |
Intel i7, i9 or AMD Ryzen 7 |
Windows Laptop Preferred for ENG |
Memory |
16GB or better |
16GB or better |
Memory |
32GB or better |
Windows Laptop Preferred for ENG |
Webcam |
Webcam required |
Included on all Apple Laptops |
Hard Drive |
Solid State Drive 512GB or larger |
Solid State Drive 512GB or larger |
Video Card |
Intel Integrated Graphics or Discrete AMD/NVidia Card |
Apple M1 Series, 7-Core or better |
Video Card |
Discrete AMD or NVidia Video Card |
Windows Laptop Preferred for ENG |
Warranty |
Three years onsite or mail-in |
Three years AppleCare |
Wireless |
Support for the ‘Wi-Fi 6’ standard |
Support for the ‘Wi-Fi 6’ standard |
CD/DVD Drive/Burner |
Optional |
Optional |
Operating System |
Windows 10 or 11 |
MacOS 12 or higher |
Ethernet |
Adapter required if not built-in |
Adapter Required |
Printers
- Personal Wireless Printers are not supported on campus and will not function if connected to the wireless network.
- Personal Printers connected to the computer via wired USB are allowed, but not required
- See the printing section on the FAQ page for more information about printing on campus.