Laptop Requirement

UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy PharmD students are required to have a laptop that meets or exceeds the minimum laptop specifications below.

• Processor: 2.3ghz or better, e.g., Intel Core-i5
• Memory: 8 GB minimum
• Hard Disk Drive: 256 GB minimum
• Integrated webcam
• Battery: 6 hours minimum
• Operating System:
  • PC: Microsoft Windows 10 (Windows 11 is heavily discouraged)
  • Mac: 10.15 onward
• Software
  • Administrative level account permissions

• • • Office 365 or newer (provided by UNC Chapel Hill – visit Office.unc.edu)
    • Browser with PDF reading capability, such as Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome

• • Recommended: A functioning and up-to-date anti-virus program
• Network Bandwidth (at home): At least 15 Mbps download, 5 Mbps upload
• Prohibited Computers: Chromebooks, Linux OS, and Android Tablets. Required software will not run on these devices.
• Warranty: It is recommended that you have a warranty on your laptop. All hardware repairs must be performed at the place of purchase or where stipulated by warranty. Laptops purchased from UNC’s Carolina Computing Initiative (CCI) include a three-year warranty and on-campus hardware repair. Asheville students that purchase UNC CCI computers requiring hardware repair will have the option to use a certified Lenovo service center or have the computer shipped to Chapel Hill at no cost to them. There are certain tools and programs that will only run on a laptop. While the use of tablets may enhance the in-class learning experience by providing additional note-taking capabilities and mobile consumption of digital academic content, there are instances during the PharmD program where a laptop will be required.

Operating System Note: IET recommends Windows 10 over the newer Windows 11 OS due to unresolved bugs and issues. IET will do our best to support personal devices regardless of operating system. Most devices that are sold with Windows 11 will include the option to come with Windows 10 installed instead.