What is SOC?
For Incoming StudentsWelcome! Here's what you need to know.
Using Your LaptopMake the most of the extensive campus resources.
PurchasingDecisions, decisions. Here's our advice.
AssessmentEvaluating the process of learning with laptops.
For FacultyTools and resources for teaching with laptops.
FeedbackLet us know what you think!
In partnership with the NCSU Bookstore, the College of Engineering recommends the following laptop models. Details for each model are listed below.
All of the listed models include a 3-year depot warranty.
Prices shown do not include tax. There is no charge for shipping if the laptop is picked up at the NCSU Bookstores.
An expanded listing of specifications is located here.
We have recommended the ThinkPad T Series laptops since the pilot project began in 2001. Since that time, these machines have proven durable and reliable, and the support from Lenovo (previously IBM) has been outstanding. Note: The below models were updated on Monday, June 2, as we have just received word that there are upgraded processors available. The changes only result in upgraded specs; the prices will remain the same.
| ThinkPad T61 Laptops | ||||
| Model | 7659-DB9 | 6463-B47 | 7663-E69 | |
| Price | $1049 | $1079 | $1299 | |
| Processor | 2.1 GHz | 2.1 GHz | 2.4 GHz | |
| RAM | 1 GB (1x 1 GB)* | 1 GB (1x 1 GB)* | 2 GB (1x 2 GB) | |
| Hard Drive | 80 GB 5400 RPM |
80 GB 5400 RPM |
160 GB 5400 RPM |
|
| Screen Size | 14.1" 1280 x 800 |
15.4" 1280 x 800 |
14.1" 1440 x 900 |
|
| Video RAM | Shared with system RAM |
Shared with system RAM |
128 MB | |
| Optical Drive | Combo | Combo | DVD±RW | |
| Model | 6457-DB6 | 6457-DB5 (T61p) |
||
| Price | $1349 | $1739 | ||
| Processor | 2.4 GHz | 2.5 GHz | ||
| RAM | 2 GB (1x 2 GB) | 2 GB (1x 2 GB) | ||
| Hard Drive | 160 GB 5400 RPM |
160 GB 7200 RPM |
||
| Screen Size | 15.4" 1680 x 1050 |
15.4" 1900 x 1200 |
||
| Video RAM | 128 MB | 256 MB | ||
| Optical Drive | DVD±RW | DVD±RW | ||
* The College of Engineering recommends 2GB of RAM. For models that come with only 1 GB standard, this can be accomplished by purchasing an additional 1 GB (or greater) stick of RAM and inserting it in the free slot.
| ThinkPad X61 Tablet | ||
| Model | 7662-C47 | |
| Price | $1739 | |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6 GHz |
|
| RAM | 2 GB (1x 2 GB) | |
| Hard Drive | 160 GB, 5400 RPM | |
| Screen Size | 12.1", 1400 x 1050 | |
| Video RAM | Shared with system RAM | |
| Optical Drive | None (an external drive or UltraBase is recommended) | |
| Apple MacBook and MacBook Pro Models | |||
| Model | MacBook | MacBook Pro | |
 |
 |
||
| Price | $1382 | $2038 | |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz |
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz |
|
| RAM | 2 GB (1x 2 GB) | 2 GB (1x 2 GB) | |
| Hard Drive | 160 GB 5400 RPM |
200 GB 5400 RPM |
|
| Screen Size | 13.3", 1280 x 800 | 15.4", 1440 x 900 | |
| Video RAM | Shared with system RAM | 256 MB | |
| Optical Drive | DVD±RW | DVD±RW | |
