One of the most commonly asked questions by those seeking to purchase a new desktop or notebook is what type of system to purchase. When purchasing a desktop or laptop, please refer to the sections below as a guide, which suggests the minimum specs a new system should have.
Purchasing a Desktop or Notebook through Dell's SLP Program
Barry University students, faculty and staff are eligible for special discounts through Dell's customized website for the university and you can place your orders online.
Click here to access Dell's SLP website for Barry University!
Windows Personal Desktop PC
- Processor Speed: 3 GHz or better
- Processor Type: Intel Core i5, 11th generation or better
- Memory (RAM): 16 GB Minimum
- Disk space: 256 GB Solid State Hard Drive minimum
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home or Pro, or Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Monitor: Flat panel (Any of your choice)
- Video Card: Any of your choice
- Sound Card: Any of your choice
- Network Card: Any of your choice
- Web Camera: 720p resolution USB with microphone
- Headset/headphones: any USB, Bluetooth, or 1/8" stereo jack to fit your computer (built-in microphone optional)
- DVD/CD-ROM: (optional)
- Keyboard: USB Keyboard
- Mouse: Optical Mouse
- Speakers: Any of your choice
- Service Program: 4 Years Parts & Labor Warranty
Windows Personal Laptop
- Processor Speed: 3 GHz or better
- Processor Type: Intel Core i5, 11th generation or better
- Memory (RAM): 16 GB Minimum
- Disk space: 256 GB Solid State Hard Drive minimum
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home or Pro, or Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Screen: 14.0" wide-screen (1920x1080) LED Display or screen of your choice
- Video Card: Any of your choice
- Sound Card: Any of your choice
- Wireless Card: 802.11 ac (dual-band 5GHz/2.4GHz)
- Network Card: Any of your choice
- Web Camera: 720p resolution, front-facing with integrated microphone (built into screen) or USB with microphone
- Headset/headphones: any USB, Bluetooth, or 1/8" stereo jack to fit your computer (built-in microphone optional)
- DVD/CD-ROM: (optional)
- Keyboard: USB Keyboard
- Mouse: Optical Mouse
- Speakers: Any of your choice
- Battery: 6 cell or higher
- Service Program: 3 Years Parts & Labor Warranty
For Apple computer purchase discounts, click here to go to Apple's Education Store. Make sure to use your Barry email address when ordering.
Macintosh Personal Computer
- Processor Speed: 2.7 GHz or better
- Processor Type: Intel Core i5, 10th generation or better, or Apple Silicon(*)
- Operating System: Big Sur (11.7.9) minimum, Ventura (13.x) recommended
- Disk space: 256 GB Solid State Hard Drive minimum
- Memory (RAM): 16 GB minimum
- Wireless Card: 802.11 ac (dual-band 5GHz/2.4GHz)
- Web Camera: 720p resolution, front-facing with integrated microphone (built into laptop screen) or USB with microphone (for desktops)
- Headset/headphones: any USB, Bluetooth, or 1/8" stereo jack to fit your computer (built-in microphone optional)
(* Some applications may run in emulation mode on Apple's Silicon (M1, M2, etc.) CPU, until the developer creates native versions of those applications. While this may not cause a problem, we recommend you consult the developer websites for the application(s) you expect to use for details on Apple Silicon compatibility prior to purchasing an Apple with an Apple Silicon CPU.)