Get a Computer
A Laptop for Every Lobo
A computer is an important tool for education. If you do not currently own a computer, below are some recommendations to ensure your success at the University. (See: Recommended Computers).
UNM supports short-term laptop checkout programs through individual departments, the Libraries, and UNM IT.
Computing Standards
Our recommendations are designed to provide you with a computer that will strongly support your studies through a four-year degree. Some Academic Programs or Majors may require higher performance computers than others. Someone working on 3D animation, film, or advanced computational models, for example, will need a higher performing computer than someone who needs more basic computer access. Make sure that you check with your Academic Program before buying a computer.
Please Note: Systems manufactured by other vendors that meet or exceed UNM standards are supported to the same extent as Apple products below. That said, support for certain features such as touch screens and docking solutions may be limited.
Recommended Computers
Windows Computers
Minimum Windows *
(Minimum Option)
- Windows 11
- Intel Core Ultra 5 125U vPro Essentials (12 MB cache, 12 cores, 14 threads, up to 4.30 GHz, 15W)
- Intel Graphics or Intel Arc Pro Graphics
- 512GB SSD
- 16GB RAM Memory
- 14" Display
Recommended For
All UNM Students
Mid-Range Windows
(Mid-Range Option)
- Windows 11
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155H Processor with vPro Essentials, 16GB, RTX 1000 Ada
- NVIDIA RTX 1000 Ada Generation, 6 GB GDDR6
- 1TB SSD
- 32GB RAM Memory
- 14" Display
Recommended For
Students requiring increased performance for graphic design, light video editing, programming, or data analytics.
Performance Windows
(Performance Option)
- Windows 11
- Intel Core Ultra 7 165H, vPro Enterprise (24MB, 16 cores, 22 threads, up to 5.0 GHz Turbo, 45W)
- NVIDIA RTX 3500 Ada 12GB GDDR6 (Students requiring increased performance for VR, and Gaming Development - NVIDIA® GeForce 4090 16GB GDDR6)
- 1TB SSD
- 32GB+ RAM Memory
- 16" Display
Recommended For
Students who require exceptional performance for tasks like 4K video editing, 3D modeling, etc.
Apple Computers (macOS, formerly OS X)
13" MacBook Air*
(Minimum Option)
- macOS
- M3 Chip 8-Core CPU and 10-Core GPU
- 512GB SSD
- 16GB RAM Memory
- AppleCare (3-Years)
- 13" Liquid Retina Display
Recommended For
All UNM Students
14" MacBook Pro
(Mid-Range Option)
- macOS
- Apple M3 Pro with 11‑Core CPU and 14-Core GPU
- 512GB SSD
- 16GB RAM Memory
- AppleCare (3-Years)
- 14" Liquid Retina XDR Display
Recommended For
Students requiring increased performance for graphic design, light video editing, programming, or data analytics.
16" MacBook Pro
(Performance Option)
- macOS
- Apple M3 Max with 14‑core CPU and 30-core GPU
- 1TB SSD
- 36GB RAM Memory
- AppleCare (3-Years)
- 16" Liquid Retina XDR Display
Recommended For
Students who require exceptional performance for tasks like 4K video editing, 3D modeling, etc.
* if you plan to pursue a major in fields such as Art, Architecture, or STEM, We encourage you to check with your department regarding the computer requirements. These disciplines often benefit from more powerful computing capabilities. It's essential to ensure that your computer meets the specific demands of your chosen field. Feel free to contact your department for guidance on the recommended specifications.
No Cost & Discounted Software
Apps from Us, Creativity by You
UNM has enterprise licensing agreements which provide no cost or low cost options for commonly used software titles, including Microsoft, ArcGIS, SPSS, MATLAB, Symantec Antivirus, Zoom, and the Adobe Creative Suite. These agreements allow students, faculty, and staff to download and run software on their own computers. Download software from the UNM IT-supported App Store.
Faculty and staff can purchase additional software titles at discounted rates from UNM IT Software Distribution. Depending on licensing agreements, some software titles can only be installed on university-owned computers.