Computer Purchase Recommendations
SUNY Jefferson
Schedule an Admissions Appointment

Computer Purchase Recommendations

Minimum recommendations have been established to let you install and run a variety of software used by the College in many of your courses.

Please note:  Some technology such as Chromebooks, iPads and tablets are good for Internet access or to access cloud applications and storage BUT are not able to run specialized software required for some classes, some textbook add-ons, and will definitely not meet the needs of most course requirements.

JCC recommends the purchase of a laptop computer so you can have your technology with you when you need it, whether at home, in the classroom or working with other students on a project.

To help you purchase the appropriate computer technology for your college experience, the College has partnered with Lenovo to negotiate competitive prices for laptop computers that will meet the needs of JCC students.  The College has selected six models from which to choose.  These models fall within three levels:  basic (meets JCC's minimum requirements), intermediate and high end.  These models were chosen to ensure that you will be able to complete your college assignments on the basic (meets JCC's minimum requirements) or higher.

The recommended computers are business models.  Business models have better internal components (including processors, memory and video cards), longer warranties, and are made to last longer than consumer models.

Some degrees lend themselves to a higher level model.  We have provided a list of recommendations by degree.  You may want to purchase a higher level model no matter what degree in which you are enrolled.  That is perfectly fine!

Current recommended models are:

Basic

  • Lenovo Thinkpad E15
  • Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga

Intermediate

  • Lenovo ThinkPad X395 Touch
  • Lenovo ThinkPad T495s

High End

  • Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
  • Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga

 

Purchasing a Laptop

You have several options to purchase laptops built to JCC specifications:

Purchase recommended laptops directly from Lenovo: 

Jefferson Community College has contracted with Lenovo to provide laptop models and competitive pricing.  All laptops on this site have specifications to run any software that you may need for your courses.  Most have three year warranties included in the price.

It is strongly recommended that you purchase accidental damage protection.

The JCC Lenovo site is set up for you to purchase any of the six recommended models with a credit or debit card.  In order to purchase, you will be required to create an ID and password. 

Barnes & Noble College Bookstore on campus (for use with financial aid):

The Barnes & Noble College Bookstore on Jefferson's campus accepts financial aid for the purchase of technology.  Please check your account in myJCC  to determine if you have enough financial aid available to purchase a computer.  You may email Financial Services at financialservices@sunyjefferson.edu or 315-786-2437 with any questions.

Please complete this one-time computer request form and return it to Financial Services (financialservices@sunyjefferson.edu).  Completion of this form may provide additional student and/or parent loan funding. 

We recommend that you refer to the JCC minimum recommendations before purchasing a computer. 

Other options:

In addition, there are many local and mail order companies that sell computers meeting the minimum recommendations.  Make sure you ask about "student" pricing.  (There may be some special requirements, such as showing your student ID or having a letter sent from the College.)  We recommend you refer to the JCC minimum recommendations before purchasing a computer. 

 

Minimum Recommendations

CPU: Intel Core i5-8269U (or better)

Memory: 8 gigabytes (GB) (or more)

Hard drive capacity: 1 terabyte (TB) (or more).
NOTE:  Hard Drives come in several types such as SATA or SSD.  SSD are faster but can be more expensive. 

Monitor/Video Card: 20” with 1600 x 900 native resolution at 60 Hz (16:9 ratio)

Mouse: two/three button roller mouse

Input/Output ports: 

  • at least 2 USB ports (with at least one USB 3.0)
  • HDMI in
  • HDMI or DisplayPort video output
  • Headphone/microphone in
  • Ethernet (network) in

Optical drive: DVD or Blu-Ray drive.
NOTE:  Many computers (especially laptops) do not come with optical drives

Optional: Built-in web camera, built-in microphone, speakers, SD card reader

If considering a laptop:  Wireless 802.11ac and Bluetooth

Print Windows Computer Requirements

If you prefer an Apple PowerMac laptop, you may want to exceed minimum recommended requirements but you will need to purchase Windows 10 and you may want to purchase a program that will allow you to switch between the Apple OS and Windows.  You can purchase Macintosh computers directly from Apple and make sure you ask for the educational discount.

CPU: Intel Core i5 2.3GHz (or better)

Memory: 8 gigabytes (GB) (or more)

Hard drive capacity: 1 terabyte (TB) (or more). 

Monitor/Video Card: 21.5” LED display, 1920 x 1080 resolution

Mouse: two/three button roller mouse

Input/Output ports:

  • Thunderbolt
  • HDMI in
  • HDMI or DisplayPort video output
  • Headphone/microphone in
  • USB 3.1

Optical drive: DVD or Blu-Ray drive.  NOTE:  sold separately

Included: Built-in web camera, built-in microphone, speakers, SD card reader

If considering a laptop: Wireless 802.11ac and Bluetooth

Print Minimum Macintosh Recommendations

Make sure you ask about the warranty – especially how long it’s good for and what it covers.  Computers with longer warranties that cover more items are generally regarded as higher in quality.  Extended warranties may be worth consideration depending on your comfort level.

You are eligible for free access to Office 365 and free downloads of Microsoft Office while you are a student at Jefferson.  Get information about this from the IT Helpdesk.

Depending on your classes, there are other software applications that may be available as a student or free for use.  You may also to purchase some course specific software.  Check with your instructor at the beginning of the semester to find out about these applications.

Printers, including wireless printers to print from your personal devices, are available for use in the library and open lab.  

Purchasing a printer is not required but is an option if you feel it would be cost and/or time effective. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact any of the following people:

IT Helpdesk
Room 5-001, Gregor building
315-786-6511
Email:  helpdesk@sunyjefferson.edu