Buy a Computer

If you plan to buy a new computer for the Fall semester, we recommend making the purchase no earlier than May. Waiting until June or July is preferable because computer performance-price ratios increase with time. We do suggest ordering the computer before August to ensure that it arrives in time for the start of the academic year.

• The recommended operating system for Vista is Vista Business or Vista Ultimate
• Vista Home Premium is not recommended, but acceptable
• Elmira College does NOT support Vista Home Basic.

• The recommended operating system is Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
• Mac OS X 10-.4 (Tiger) is acceptable

1. Recommended Computer Configurations
   Listings of popular desktop and laptop computer configurations. Required Ethernet adapters for access to the Internet are included.
2. Education Purchase Sites
   Windows: Take advantage of Dell's Elmira College Personal Purchase Program to customize your computer or call the dedicated student and faculty sales line at (888) 987-3355.
   Macintosh: Visit the Elmira College Custom Apple Store to learn how to order a computer system on your own or call The Apple Store for Education at 1-800-MY-APPLE. 
3. Frequently asked questions
   Should I buy a laptop or desktop? What are the minimum requirements to connect to the Internet? Find out answers to these questions.