Personal Device Options

Personal Computing

To be successful in your courses here at Phoenix College, it is highly recommended that students have a mobile computer to use both at home as well as on campus.  This allows students to be flexible in where they can complete their work and be successful in their courses.

Computer Recommendations

There are a large number of computer options on the market.  To provide some guidance, Phoenix College recommends the following minimum and recommended computer specifications for student success at Phoenix College and beyond.

Please note: This is a guideline for general coursework. Students in programs using more intense programs (Art, Engineering, Computer Science) may benefit from higher specifications due to their workload.

Platform: Windows 11 or MacOS (Chromebooks and iPads are not recommended and may not be compatible with all coursework)

Minimum Specifications

  • Intel Core i5/u5 processor or Apple M1 processor or better
  • RAM: 8 GB (16 GB recommended)
  • Storage: 250 GB SSD (500 GB recommended)
  • Graphics: Integrated graphics

Available Technology Tools

We have built a short document with links to some of the free technology tools available through Phoenix College to use on a personal computer.  This includes campus wifi and Microsoft Office. You can also find more tools on the Available Home Use Software page.

Technology Tools Guide
 

Purchase Options

PCs For People 

PCs For People is a national non-profit that offers low-cost, quality refurbished computers to individuals and families with low income.  They also offer low-cost internet access.  They have a rotating inventory of computers of various specifications, and you can browse those at the link above.

Dell

Phoenix College has a partnership with Dell where employees and students can purchase computers at a discounted price.  You can browse the options at the link above to see what is available to you.

Apple

Apple has an education program with discounted computers available to employees and students of Phoenix College. You can browse the options at the link above to see what is available to you.