University of Maryland, College Park: recommended laptop specification

No — this is a recommendation, not a requirement. University of Maryland, College Park (Department of Computer Science) publishes a suggested configuration: 16GB RAM, 512GB storage. You are not obliged to buy a machine that matches it.

Recommended only. University of Maryland, College Park 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: Windows or MacOS. Page also states: "The department does not have a required or preferred operating system."

Processor: CPU that is 2 years old or newer

Memory (RAM): 16GB of RAM (If budget allows, having 32GB of memory is recommended for upper-level courses)

Storage: 512GB Solid State Drive (SSD), more if economical to acquire

Graphics: Not required. Page states: "If students intend on taking courses on Computer Graphics, Game Development, or AI/Machine Learning, consider getting a Windows Laptop low-tier or mid-tier NVidia GPU"

What this specification rules out

Chromebooks or other "light" laptop that does not allow standard desktop applications to be installed; Tablets with a primarily touch or stylus interfaces. Page states these "are considered insufficient on their own for the work required in CS courses" and "should only be used to supplement a standard laptop or desktop."

Also listed on the same page

Working USB-A / USB-C ports; a battery that lasts at least 3 hours under light load and a reasonably long charging cable. Additionally recommended (not required): a webcam and a headset with a microphone, for online office hours via Zoom and virtual advising meetings. Software noted: Eclipse (intro courses); ability to run Linux / GNU C/C++ compiler for junior/senior courses; software available via UMD TERPWare.

The verdict: nothing here obliges you to buy. University of Maryland, College Park suggests 16GB RAM, 512GB storage; treat that as a target, not a gate. A laptop you already own that does your coursework fits.

Source

Taken from University of Maryland, College Park's own published page: https://undergrad.cs.umd.edu/computer-requirements. Verified 2026-08-25. Specifications change every intake, so confirm against that page before you buy.

Laptops that meet this specification

One that qualifies: HP 15.6 inch FHD IPS Touch Laptop See price on Amazon Its listing states 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, which meets the University of Maryland, College Park minimum of 16GB / 512GB 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 laptop 16GB RAM 512GB SSD

See price on Amazon

The search is built from the capacities University of Maryland, College Park 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 Maryland, College Park laptop requirements: common questions

Does University of Maryland, College Park require students to have a laptop?

No — this is a recommendation, not a requirement. University of Maryland, College Park (Department of Computer Science) publishes a suggested configuration: 16GB RAM, 512GB storage. You are not obliged to buy a machine that matches it.

What laptop specification does University of Maryland, College Park publish?

University of Maryland, College Park (Department of Computer Science) publishes 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, on Windows or MacOS. Page also states: "The department does not have a required or preferred operating system.". It is guidance, not an obligation. Confirm against the source page before buying.

What does University of Maryland, College Park's specification rule out?

Where does this University of Maryland, College Park laptop specification come from?

University of Maryland, College Park's own published page at https://undergrad.cs.umd.edu/computer-requirements. Verified 2026-08-25. Specifications change every intake.

Packing for University of Maryland, College Park

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

Laptop requirements at other schools: University of Michigan · University of Minnesota · University of Missouri · University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · University of North Texas · University of Oklahoma

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