University of Akron: recommended laptop specification

No — this is a recommendation, not a requirement. University of Akron (BFA Graphic Design, Mary Schiller Myers School of Art) publishes a suggested configuration: 24GB RAM, 1TB storage. You are not obliged to buy a machine that matches it.

Recommended only. University of Akron publishes this as guidance. An existing laptop that does the job is usually fine — do not buy a new machine on the strength of this page alone.

The published specification

Operating system: macOS strongly steered — "An Apple MacBook Pro is highly recommended for ease of integration with the existing Myers systems". Windows permitted but discouraged: "While PC's may have a lower initial price, because of the cost of maintaining and lack of industry standard they are not recommended. Students that choose a PC should ensure appropriate amounts of memory, processing and storage."

Processor: Apple M5 Chip or M5 Pro Chip with up to 18-Core CPU, 20-Core GPU (14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro tiers). Lowest listed tier, 13-inch MacBook Air: Apple M5 Chip 10-Core CPU, 10-Core GPU

Memory (RAM): 24 GB minimally, 32-GB recommended (14-inch / 16-inch MacBook Pro tiers). 13-inch MacBook Air tier: 24 GB minimally

Storage: 1 TB minimally, 2 TB recommended (14-inch / 16-inch MacBook Pro tiers). 13-inch MacBook Air tier: 1 TB minimally

Warranty: AppleCare required — comes at an additional cost

Also listed on the same page

RECOMMENDED: EXTERNAL TIMEMACHINE BACKUP DRIVE OF 2TB AT A MINIMUM. USB-C HDD IS RECOMMENDED. SSD IS NOT NECESSARY.

The verdict: nothing here obliges you to buy. University of Akron suggests 24GB RAM, 1TB storage; treat that as a target, not a gate. A laptop you already own that does your coursework fits.

Source

Taken from University of Akron's own published page: https://www.uakron.edu/art/academics/resources.dot — stated for Policy page states "Updated as of July 2026". Verified 2026-08-25. Specifications change every intake, so confirm against that page before you buy.

Laptops that meet this specification

One that qualifies: Apple 2026 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M5 chip: Built for AI See price on Amazon Its listing states 24GB RAM and 1TB storage, which meets the University of Akron minimum of 24GB / 1TB quoted above — their published specification. It is one machine that clears the bar, not a ranking.

Product links go to Amazon search — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Links never change the checklist.

Search Amazon for Windows 11 laptop 24GB RAM 1TB SSD

See price on Amazon

The search is built from the capacities University of Akron actually prints, so compare each result against the published specification above before ordering — listings change and this page does not track stock or price.

University of Akron laptop requirements: common questions

Does University of Akron require students to have a laptop?

No — this is a recommendation, not a requirement. University of Akron (BFA Graphic Design, Mary Schiller Myers School of Art) publishes a suggested configuration: 24GB RAM, 1TB storage. You are not obliged to buy a machine that matches it.

What laptop specification does University of Akron publish?

University of Akron (BFA Graphic Design, Mary Schiller Myers School of Art) publishes 24GB RAM, 1TB storage, on macOS strongly steered — "An Apple MacBook Pro is highly recommended for ease of integration with the existing Myers systems". Windows permitted but discouraged: "While PC's may have a lower initial price, because of the cost of maintaining and lack of industry standard they are not recommended. Students that choose a PC should ensure appropriate amounts of memory, processing and storage.". It is guidance, not an obligation. Confirm against the source page before buying.

Where does this University of Akron laptop specification come from?

University of Akron's own published page at https://www.uakron.edu/art/academics/resources.dot, stated for Policy page states "Updated as of July 2026". Verified 2026-08-25. Specifications change every intake.

Packing for University of Akron

A laptop is one line on a longer list. See the full University of Akron dorm packing list for bedding, storage and the rest of move-in.

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Compare every school that publishes one: college laptop requirements table.