Technology Requirements
For business and design students
Laptop recommendations
As a College of Business student you will be required to utilize a laptop throughout the entirety of your academic career for all coursework. There are required specifications (all outlined below) for the type of laptop or technology you should invest in.
Some programs and classes will require software that will only run on a Windows-based laptop. If you choose to purchase an Apple laptop, depending on your program, you may be unable to complete required course work. We strongly suggest you read the information in the MacOS vs Windows FAQ entry below. For information on where you can purchase a laptop, please see the Where Can I Buy a Laptop? FAQ entry.
- You will have specific technological needs to complete your course work and depending on your major, you will need a specific operating system (Windows or Mac).
- A laptop is required (you may use a tablet for note-taking) — review recommendations here.
- You cannot utilize a Chromebook as these are not laptops.
- You have access to the College of Business IT team for support. If you have additional questions regarding laptop requirements, contact us at (541) 737-0947
Still have questions? Review our FAQs here!
| Minimum Specifications | Recommended Specifications | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 12th Gen. Core i3 | 13th Gen. Core i5 |
| Memory | 8GB RAM | 16GB RAM |
| Storage | 256GB SSD | 512GB SSD or larger |
| Graphics | Integrated Graphics Card | Integrated Graphics Card |
Program-specific requirements
Tablets or phones may be used for personal note taking, but coursework will require use of a laptop.
The design programs within the College of Business require the purchase of a laptop. It is expected that each student will have purchased a laptop that meets these requirements for their specific program. Typically, the first course needing a laptop and software will be DSGN 121.
Need a temporary laptop? Visit Student Multimedia Services in the Valley Library to check out a laptop rental.
Apparel design
Students in apparel design require a laptop running either Mac OSx or Windows. Some business courses require software that is Windows only.
| WINDOWS | Minimum Specifications | Recommended Specifications | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | 12 gen Intel® Core™ i5 Processors / AMD® Ryzen 5000 Series processors | 13 gen Intel® Core™ i7 Processors / AMD® Ryzen 7000 Series processors | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Memory | 16GB RAM | 32GB RAM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD or larger | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics | Discrete graphics card | Discrete graphics card | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MAC | Minimum Specifications | Recommended Specifications | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | M1 | M2 or better | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Memory | 16GB RAM | 32GB RAM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Storage | 256GB HDD | 512GB SSD or larger | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OS | Mac OS Ventura latest update | MacOS Sonoma latest update | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interior design
Students in interior design will need to run software on a Windows-based laptop that also has heavier 3D graphics needs. Therefore, a laptop running Windows is required for interior design. It is strongly recommended to have a discreet graphics card as listed in the recommended specifications.
| Minimum Specifications | Recommended Specifications | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | 11th Gen. Core i5 | 11th Gen. Core i7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Memory | 16GB RAM | 16GB RAM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD or larger | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics | Integrated Graphics Card | Discrete Graphics Card | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Design & innovation management
For students in design and innovation management, a Windows-based laptop is strongly recommended. It is possible to use a laptop running Mac OSx for most coursework, but some business courses require software that is Windows only.
| Minimum Specifications | Recommended Specifications | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | 11th Gen. Core i5 | 11th Gen. Core i7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Memory | 16GB RAM | 16GB RAM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD or larger | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics | Integrated Graphics Card | Discrete Graphics Card | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Product & merchandising management
Students in product and merchandising management require a laptop running either Mac OSx or Windows. Some business courses require software that is Windows only.
| Minimum Specifications | Recommended Specifications | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | 11th Gen. Core i5 | 11th Gen. Core i7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Memory | 16GB RAM | 16GB RAM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD or larger | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics | Integrated Graphics Card | Discrete Graphics Card | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FAQs
MacOSX v. Windows — which should i buy?
Some programs and classes will require software that will only run on a Windows-based laptop. If you choose to purchase an Apple laptop, depending on your program, you may be unable to complete required course work.
- Apparel design (AD): Windows or Mac
- Design & innovation management (DIM): Windows strongly recommended
- Interior design (ID): Windows required
- Product & merchandising management (PMM): Windows or Mac
Students in apparel design require a laptop running either Mac OSx or Windows. Some business courses require software that is Windows only.
For students in design and innovation management a Windows-based laptop is strongly recommended. It is possible to use a laptop running Mac OSx for most coursework, but some business courses require software that is Windows only.
Students in interior design will need to run software on a Windows-based laptop that also has heavier 3D graphics needs. Therefore, a laptop running Windows is required for interior design. It is strongly recommended to have a discreet graphics card as listed in the recommended specifications.
Students in product and merchandising management require a laptop running either Mac OSx or Windows. Some business courses require software that is Windows only.
Does a chromebook work as a laptop for my courses?
No, a Chromebook will not support the necessary software for your courses. We strongly recommend the purchase of a laptop that meets the required specifications by major (listed at the top of this page).
What if i have a tablet or ipad?
Tablets or phones may be used for personal note-taking, but coursework will require use of a laptop.
What Software is provided free to me as a student in the college of business or at OSU?
Office 365 (Microsoft teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive and so much more) are provided to students (on up to five personal devices) for free! Download this software here.
Zoom is provided for easy and reliable video and web collaboration. Download this software here.
Where should i purchase a laptop?
Many companies offer students a discount for purchasing the technology needed. Please note that these computers are not filtered for College of Business Requirements. Please ensure the computer you purchase follows the requirements outlined above.
We also encourage students to shop around for the best deals. We encourage you to look at a variety of stores for affordable options and annual sales. While we have recommendations of where you can purchase laptops — you do not need to purchase them from these links. Often, you can find a computer that meets our requirements at a lower cost.
What if i am worried about the cost of this laptop?
There are numerous computer labs on-campus that are available to students. The hours for these computer labs vary and might not be as accessible as a personal laptop. Below are two of the computer labs our College of Business students often use:
Bernie Newcombe Digital Commons in Austin Hall: 100-seat computer lab on the 2nd floor of Austin Hall (home to the College of Business).
The Valley Library located on the second (main floor).
We encourage you to look at a variety of stores for deals and annual sales. While we have recommendations listed below of where you can purchase laptops — you do not need to purchase them from these links. Often, you can find a computer that meets our requirements at a lower cost.
If you would like to talk through “paying for college”, we encourage you to connect with our Center for Advancing Financial Education (CAFE). You can make in-person and remote appointments here.
What if i need a temporary laptop?
Visit Student Multimedia Services in the Valley Library to check out a laptop or other necessary technology.
Where can i access a windows computer?
Windows computers are available to all COB students in the Austin Hall 290 computer lab. Please visit the Austin Hall computer lab for more information.
If you need a temporary laptop, visit Student Multimedia Services in the Valley Library to check out a laptop rental.