The Computer Requirement
(The Official Computer Requirment for the Class of 2013)

All medical students are required to own a notebook computer with wireless internet capability. Since all of our educational resouces are optimized for Windows systems using the Internet Explorer browser, we strongly recommend either a Windows notebook computer or a Macintosh notebook with Windows dual boot capabilty*. You will be required to use this notebook computer for various purposes throughout your four years of medical school. The cost of the notebook and accessories can be included in your financial package. Students are eligible for discounts from Lenovo, Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Apple.
See Where to Buy a Computer and other accessories.

What Notebook Computer should I get?

BUYING NEW
The nature of the computer equipment marketplace is that it changes rapidly. Because of this fact, we have provided below a general range of specifications which can be applied to specific brands and models. A new computer configured for current use would have:

For Windows--Intel® Pentium® Dual Core™ or Core™ Duo at 2.2 - 3.2 GHz
For Macintosh--Mac Intel Core 2 Duo at 2.0 - 2.2 GHz

RAM at minimum 2 GB, 4 GB recommended
Hard Drive 100 - 250 GB
DVD/CD combo drive or DVD/RW
10/100/1000 Ethernet adapter and Ethernet cable
802.11a/g/n wireless card or Airport for laptop or tablet
Graphics Media Accelerator
128 Mb Video card minimum
Windows Operating System (Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business or Windows XP)
if Apple OS, must be Leopard 10.5 AND must also be ale to also boot into the Windows OS
Three year extended warranty

Monitor size is a personal choice as are external speakers, printer, additional laptop battery, case, docking station and security cabling.

USING WHAT YOU ALREADY OWN
If you wish to bring to campus a computer you already own, here are some basic configuration specs to review:

Existing Personal Computer
Windows Operating System (Windows XP or Vista)
if Apple OS, must be Leopard 10.5 AND should also be ale to also boot into the Windows OS
Minimum 2 GHz processor
RAM at 1 GB
80 - 150 GB Hard Drive
DVD/CD ROM Drive
Wireless capable (laptop or table)

You will be required to own a notebook for all 4 years of medical school and when to upgrade is your decision.

Drexel does have upgrade software for Windows Vista available to you if you decide to update your notebook's operating system. Microsoft provides an Upgrade Advisor that allows you to check the compatibility of your hardware system to Windows Vista editions.

In addition to the actual notebook, we suggest the folllowing (these are not requirements):

• A service contract on your notebook
• Access to a printer
• Cable lock to secure your notebook
• Internet Service Provider - for home access to the Internet
  (High-speed service such as DSL, FIOS or Cable modem is recommended)

*PC or MAC?
While most of our applications will run on both Windows and Mac OS notebooks, all of the on-line curriculum resources are optimized for use by computers running Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office Professional. As an example, one very popular feature - the ability to view streaming lecture videos at double speed - is only possible with Windows. Therefore, we recommend a Windows laptop . If using an existing Mac or purchasing a Mac, it must have at least OS 10.5 and we strongly recommend that it be able to also run Windows. This means it needs to have an Intel processor and be able to "boot" into the Windows Operating System. Some additional specialized software such as Boot Camp, or Parallels Desktop along with the Windows Operating System will allow this to occur. Please note, Drexel does not provide original Windows Operating System software, only upgrades.

Office 2007/2008 Software
You will be able to download Microsoft Office 2007 Professional (Windows) or Microsoft Office 2008 (Mac) for free or purchase the actual CD for a small fee.  Software is often bundled with notebook computers, please read about the software we will provide you so you don't purchase them unnecessarily yourself.

Wireless Internet on Campus
There are 2 different wireless networks which you will see depending on which campus you are at. Your notebook will need a 802.11a/g compliant wireless adapter to work at any of the locations.

At the Queen Lane Medical Campus...
A secure wireless network called "Draco" is in place at the entire Queen Lane location. With your notebook computer and wireless Ethernet capability, you can connect to the Internet from anywhere inside the building and from some common areas outside the building. See the Computer Checklist page, item #2 for information on connecting to Draco.

At the Center City Hahnemann Campus and the Main West Philly Drexel Campus...
Users here will see the Dragonfly secure wireless network and can use it, however, special registration and set-up is required. See the Computer Checklist page, item #2 for information on connecting to Dragonfly.

Please review the FAQs we've posted in order to understand what kind of notebook computer will be adequate.