PGP Laptop Specifications
Students entering the PGP Program are required to have their own laptop for coursework. Please review the section below, as well as our [IT Handout], for more details regarding your laptop and the requirements it needs to meet for our program.
Laptop Specifications Recommendations for Current Students
Below we have provided some recommendations that were generated by our current PGP students based on what they have needed and used during their time in the program.
Mac Users
- Apple products are not equipped with HDMI or VGA ports. It is highly recommended that students obtain an attachment to resolve this issue.
- Students are welcome to use MacBooks or other Apple computers. However, they must have a Windows emulation package installed on their computer. We recommend emulators such as Parallels or Fusion. Bootcamp may also be used. Once a student, these may be purchased through Penn State's Software Site.
- Additionally, students must also have the Windows version of Excel 2016 or 365 or installed to run within the Windows emulation package they use. This software is essential for using Palisade Decision Tools. Note: the Mac version of Excel 2016 will NOT run the required Palisade software. Once PGP students arrive on campus, they can obtain Windows free of charge from Penn State conditional upon Microsoft agreement and license restrictions.
PC Users
- A thin, light-weight model is recommended. Students tend to carry their laptops with them all the time.
- An HDMI, DisplayPort, or an adapter is recommended.
Additional Guidelines and Recommendations
| Processor | Intel Core I5 or higher |
|---|---|
| Memory | 8 GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB SATA HD (5400RPM or higher) or a Solid State (SSD) |
| Wireless | 802.11 A/G/N wireless (WPA2 enterprise compatible) |
| Video | Intel HD Graphics Card |
| Video Display | VGA, Thunderbolt, USB C or HDMI (to connect to external displays at Smeal). You may need to purchase a compatible cable adapter for your laptop. |
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows 10 fully patched |
| Microsoft Office | Office 365 will be made available to you as a registered Penn State student. You will need Windows Excel 2016 or higher for use with the Palisade software required for BA 512. |
| Processor | Intel I5 or higher |
|---|---|
| Memory | 8 GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB SATA HD (5400RPM or higher) or a Solid State (SSD) |
| Wireless | 802.11 A/G/N wireless (WPA2 enterprise compatible) |
| Video Display | USB ports, Mini-Display/Thunderbolt port (to connect to external displays at Smeal). |
| Operating System | Mac OS X High Sierra or higher |
| Microsoft Office | Office 365 will be made available to you as a registered Penn State student. You will need Windows Excel 2016 for use with the Palisade software required for BA 512. |
| Other Software | WMware Fusion or Parallels Desktop to run Windows (for program specific software that requires Windows to run) |
Software Required for Program
Please be aware that software through Penn State will be available to students around August 14.
- Cisco VPN – Can be downloaded at no cost through the University at https://downloads.its.psu.edu/.
- Microsoft Office Suite – Can be downloaded at no cost through the University at https://office365.psu.edu/.
- Palisade Decision Tools Software – Will be made available at no cost through the University.
- If you own a Mac: Windows 10* for Macs configured with or similar VM Software or using:
- Parallels** - https://software.psu.edu/all-products/browse/keyword/parallels
- Bootcamp - https://support.apple.com/boot-camp
- Windows 10 - https://softwarestore.psu.edu/microsoft-license/-7438
- SPSS – Can be downloaded at no cost through the University at https://software.psu.edu/spss-license/-8452.
*Conditional upon Microsoft agreement and license restrictions.
**Most students purchase an individual copy of Parallels or Fusion
Additional Information
Over the coming months, you will be provided with additional information and details to configure your laptop with Smeal PGP systems.
Planning to purchase your laptop during the first few days of orientation is not feasible given the nature of orientation activities. Therefore, please purchase your laptop before Orientation begins.
Past students have recommended purchasing a PC rather than a Mac as they have found it easier to use a PC with the Penn State and Smeal systems and the specific software applications required for PGP courses. Below you will find a few links on suggested PC/Mac purchases.
Links below are only a suggestion and not a requirement. Both have the minimum requirements for PC/Mac’s.
Mac - https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/macbook-pro/13-inch-space-gray-2.3ghz-dual-core-256gb#
Important
- Penn State has site licenses available to students. There is typically a significant savings when purchased through Penn State. HOWEVER, you cannot purchase the software until you are registered as a student which typically occurs in mid-August.
- In the unusual case of your laptop being provided by an organization or employer, be sure the laptop administration is NOT restricted by the organization's IT department. You may be required to install software, make network changes, or make other system configuration changes to your laptop. Laptops with administration lockdown or that are only partially configurable will not meet the requirements of this program. It is best to check on restrictions or constraints with that IT Department.
Office of Student Aid Loan Adjustment
Additionally, we have been in contact with the Office of Student Aid and the purchase of your computer can be integrated into your educational costs. Domestic students and international students accessing private loan funds have an opportunity to borrow funds to pay for the required laptop. Please note that should you choose to purchase a computer that exceeds the specifications cited below, the adjustment to your educational costs may not cover the entirety of your purchase. Should you purchase a laptop and choose to have it be part of your educational costs, simply email your receipt to Paul Simenson so he may adjust your cost of education.