All CSEE students are required to have a laptop that meets the department’s minimum specifications. Because our coursework is computationally intensive, having the right hardware ensures you can run required software without bottlenecking your academic progress.
Financial Aid Note: Students who qualify for Financial Aid may use their awarded funds toward the purchase of a required computer.
1. Operating System Requirements (Read Before Buying)
Choosing the correct operating system is critical. Buying the wrong system may prevent you from completing required coursework.
- Windows 11 (Officially Supported): This is the highly recommended and officially supported OS for all CSEE programs. It offers the greatest compatibility with department software.
- macOS (Not Recommended / Unsupported): Modern Apple MacBooks use ARM-based chips (M1, M2, M3, M4, etc.). These systems do not support certain required x86 64-bit applications used in our courses. Your computer must have an x86 processor (Intel or AMD).
- ChromeOS (Not Recommended / Unsupported): ChromeOS does not support the majority of software required for CSEE courses, even though they pose a cheaper value when buying a device they can not effectively be used for CSEE programs.
- Linux (Proceed with caution for CSMC / Not Recommended for CMPE): While Linux can handle much of your coursework, faculty and staff do not provide technical support for it. Be aware that critical applications; including Respondus LockDown Browser (required for some exams), certain Computer Engineering (CMPE) tools, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Microsoft Office are difficult or impossible to run natively on Linux. Fortunately, our physical computer labs house almost all required software if you run into compatibility blocks. Also be aware of the cloud resources mentioned below for more support. If you choose to use Linux, we highly recommend getting a larger SSD and dual-booting it alongside Windows 11.
2. How to Choose Your Laptop
All undergraduate programs in the CSEE department feature CPU-heavy workloads. When deciding how much to invest, consider your course trajectory:
- Do I need a Discrete GPU? While a dedicated graphics card (NVIDIA) is not explicitly required to graduate, it is highly beneficial if you plan to take electives in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or Computer Graphics.
- What if I can’t afford a GPU model? Don’t panic. The university provides free cloud-based resources. You can access virtual.umbc.edu from any web browser to utilize a virtual desktop environment equipped with lab software and NVIDIA discrete graphics. This service may not provide all needed software for CSEE coursework, reference this page for information on what software is provided. Additionally, Google Colab offers free GPU access for machine learning coursework.
- A Note on Peripherals: A built-in microphone and webcam are standard on almost all modern laptops. A working webcam and microphone are required for virtual classes and remote assessments. You may also find headphones important to have when working in public spaces.
- Battery Life: You may have classes without access to power, having a device with ample battery life is important. Keep in mind the advertised battery life of a system is often higher than reality. Buying a gaming laptop is discouraged because of their often poor battery performance and bulkiness.
3. Recommended Laptop Specifications (Summer 2026 & Later)
The following three options represent the best balance of performance, price, and longevity for your time in the CSEE department.
| Requirement | Recommended with Discrete GPU |
Recommended without Discrete GPU |
Minimal Functional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Students focusing on AI, Machine Learning, and Graphics electives. | The ideal balance for standard CSMC/CMPE tracks without heavy local ML needs. | Budget-conscious students. May need to be replaced for higher level courses. |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core Ultra 7 (Series 2 or newer) or AMD equivalent | Intel Core Ultra 7 (Series 2 or newer) or AMD equivalent | Intel Core Ultra 5 (Series 1 or newer) or AMD equivalent |
| Memory (RAM) | 32GB DDR5 or more | 32GB DDR5 or more | 16GB or more |
| Storage (SSD) | 1TB SSD or more | 1TB SSD or more | 512GB SSD or more |
| Graphics (GPU) | NVIDIA Discrete GPU (4GB VRAM or more) | Integrated Graphics | Integrated Graphics |
| Baseline Example (Summer 2026 Pricing) | Dell XPS 14 Laptop ($1,874.99) | Dell 14 Plus Laptop ($1,139.99) | Dell 14 Laptop ($699.99) |
For an additional cost you may purchase a warranty/support plan from your chosen retailer. Consider that you will likely be using this laptop for 4 years. It’s important to review the terms of any additional services to ensure they fit your needs.