As a Rush University student, you are responsible for purchasing your own computer and any other devices and services you need for studying and learning. We have assembled the resources below to help—from purchase discounts, to a specification guide for reference while buying your computer.
When choosing the right computer to support your learning, here’s what to look for:
For the… | Standard User | Power User |
---|---|---|
For users needing to use the computer for basic productivity, running multiple applications such as e-mail, web browsing and word processing | For users running resource intensive programs for audio/video editing, graphic design, running multiple operating systems, storing large multimedia files and playing games. | |
Windows-Based Laptops | ||
Processor | Intel® Core™ i5 Processor | Intel® Core™ i7 Processor |
Memory | 8GB | 16 GB |
Storage | 256GB Solid State hard disk (SSD) | 512GB Solid State hard disk (SSD) |
Optical drive | Optional | Optional |
Network | Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g/n wireless, Bluetooth 4.0 | Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g/n wireless, Bluetooth 4.0 |
Graphics | Integrated graphics | 1GB Dedicated Video Card |
Ports | USB 3.0, HDMI, Mini DiplayPort | 3 USB 3.0 ports, 1 HDMI port |
Battery | 4-cell Li-ion battery | 6-cell Li-ion battery |
Operating system | Windows 10 64-bit Professional | Windows 10 64-bit Professional |
Apple Laptops | ||
Model | 13” MacBook Air | 16” MacBook Pro |
Processor | 1.6GHz dual-core Intel i5 | 2.2GHz quad-core or faster Intel i7 |
Memory | 8GB RAM | 16GB DDR3 SDRAM |
Storage | 256GB PCI-e based flash storage | 512GB PCI-e based flash storage |
Graphics | Supports 1920x1080 or higher resolution | Supports 1920x1080 or higher resolution |
Network | 802.1ac, Bluetooth 4.0, USB Ethernet (sold separately) | 802.1ac, Bluetooth 4.0, USB Ethernet (sold separately) |
Operating system | Mac OS X 10.15 Catalina or higher | Mac OS X 10.15 Catalina or higher |
For the… | Standard User | Power User |
---|---|---|
For users needing to use the computer for basic productivity, running multiple applications such as e-mail, web browsing and word processing | For users running resource intensive programs for audio/video editing, graphic design, running multiple operating systems, storing large multimedia files and playing games. | |
Windows-Based Desktops | ||
Processor | 5th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processor | 5th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processor |
Memory | 8GB | 16GB |
Hard drive | 1TB SATA hard disk (7200 RPM) | 1TB Hybrid disk (HDD & SSD) |
CD/DVD drive | Dual Layer DVD+/-RW Drive (Optional) | Dual Layer DVD+/-RW Drive (Optional) |
Network | Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g/n wireless, Bluetooth 4.0 |
Monitor | 24” LCD display @60 Hz Refresh Rate with EnergyStar rating | 27” LED display @120 Hz with EnergyStar rating |
Video card/VRAM | Integrated graphics | 2 GB Dedicated Graphics Card |
Ports | USB 3.0, HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI | USB 3.0, HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI |
Operating system | Windows 10 64-bit Professional | Windows 10 64-bit Professional |
Apple Desktops | ||
Model | Mac Mini | iMac 27” with Retina 5K |
Processor | 2.6 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | 3.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 |
Memory | 8GB 1,600MHz LPDDR SDRAM | 16GB 1,600MHz DDR3 SDRAM |
Storage | 256GB Solid state disk (SSD) | 1TB Solid state disk (SSD) |
Graphics | Intel Iris graphics | AMD Radeon R9 M290 with 2GB of GDDR5 memory |
Network | Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0 | Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0 |
Operating system | Mac OS X 10.15 Catalina | Mac OS X 10.15 Catalina |