Dell

Our updated recommendations are available annually in July when new products and Back-to-School sales specials are announced. Incoming students will be e-mailed when that information is available, and it will also be available on the ResNet website.

Saint Mary's College recommends Dell computers for our students, faculty, and staff who choose to use Microsoft Windows.

If you chose to buy a new computer that is not one of our recommended models, ResNet strongly recommends purchasing a computer that already has a supported operating system installed. For more information on our supported operating systems, please visit the ResNet website at www.saintmarys.edu/resnet and refer to our Student’s Guide for Bringing a Computer to Saint Mary’s College.

Both Mac and Windows computers can be connected to our network if they meet the requirements listed in our Student’s Guide to Bringing a Computer to Saint Mary’s College, and both are equally supported on campus. The majority of Saint Mary’s students (over 70%) choose to bring a Mac computer to campus. Regardless of major, Saint Mary's students will be exposed to both computer platforms while they are on campus.

We have had students in the past purchase particular models of computers because they were available in their favorite color, but the color of a computer does not ensure that the computer will actually meet a student’s needs. Please ensure that the computer meets all our computer speciﬁcations ﬁrst, including a supported operating system, before considering a computer’s color. ResNet’s speciﬁc computer recommendations for current Apple and Lenovo computer models will likely not match a student’s favorite color, but selecting a colorful laptop case will give a student an opportunity to display her personal style and still have a computer that will meet her needs.

Saint Mary's College recommends and supports Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Home, Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10.

Google Chromebooks are not supported by ResNet, and a Chromebook will not meet a student’s academic needs at Saint Mary’s College. Chromebooks may have difficulties connecting to the network, and ResNet cannot provide any technical assistance if problems arise. Chromebooks are also unable to have most course-related software installed, including Microsoft 365 and Respondus LockDown Browser. Computers with other unsupported operating systems will also be unable to receive technical assistance from ResNet.

ResNet provides basic support for iOS devices (including Apple’s iPad and iPhone), including assistance with issues involving connecting to the BelleNet wireless network and setting up the device to access Saint Mary’s e-mail.

ResNet is unable to perform hardware repairs for students, regardless of the brand or model of device.

Please note that Saint Mary's College provides Microsoft 365 for Students for free to our students. Microsoft 365 for Students offers full versions of current Office software that can be downloaded and installed on students' personally-owned macOS and Windows computers. Versions of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel for mobile devices are also included with Microsoft 365 for Students. After a license has been assigned, a Saint Mary’s student can install Office software on up to five personally-owned devices. There are no monthly subscription fees associated with the Microsoft 365 for Students license. Licenses for the software can be requested online by active students during orientation and when classes are in session for the academic year. The software can then be downloaded directly from Microsoft. We do not recommend purchasing this software elsewhere.

For more information, please visit http://www.saintmarys.edu/resnet/resnetfaq/#microsoftoffice