Skip to main content

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: Intel, AMD, or Apple M1 or M2 processor.
    • Windows computers with ARM processors are incompatible with Examplify and do not meet the minimum laptop requirements.
    • When purchasing a Windows computer, store personnel should be able to help you identify the type of processor a computer has.
    • If you already have a computer and need to check its processor type, type “About” in your search menu. When the window appears, there is a “System type” field. If yours says “ARM-based processor,” it is incompatible with the School’s minimum system requirements.
  • 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 discouraged)
    • MacOS: 11 onward
  • Software:
    • Administrative level account permissions
    • Office 365 (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.