Notebook recommendation for students

First of all: If you already have a notebook or PC, it is not (absolutely) necessary to replace it immediately with a new device, even if it does not meet the minimum configuration recommended here. This guide serves as a recommendation in the event that a new purchase is planned or necessary anyway.

Enrollment at the university was successful! - My studies begin! - I don't have a notebook yet or my old one is broken!

Online semester in times of Corona? - Homework and term papers? - Bachelor thesis coming up?

What is the right IT equipment for me?

If you are faced with these questions, we can give you a few useful tips to answer them.

Important points when choosing a suitable notebook are

• Mobility (so size, weight and runtime)
• Appropriate performance and technology
• Connectivity (LAN, WLAN and interfaces)
• Costs or the price/performance ratio
• Required software and tools

If you evaluate these points for yourself and follow our recommendations, you can choose an affordable device that will get you through your entire studies without any restrictions.

The most common PC and notebook operating system is Microsoft Windows. In our recommendation, we also assume that the hardware is suitable. Due to market competition, this is also cheaper than Apple devices. Of course, all current Apple notebooks are also suitable for all (IT) requirements of studying.

Mobility is important so that the new device can be your companion throughout your studies. For this reason, you should make sure that it is not too large (we recommend a 13" or 15" notebook (Full HD, 1920x1080), depending on your own requirements), as this will usually also make it lighter. The university provides power sockets at many locations and student work areas, but you should still aim for a battery life of 4-6 hours.

The performance of notebooks is largely determined by the processor, RAM and fixed memory. We recommend the following minimum configuration:

If you have decided to study architecture, art, natural sciences or engineering, it may make sense to upgrade the notebook in terms of processor and RAM:

Processor (CPU): At least Intel i5 9xxx or AMD Ryzen 5 3xxx

The background to this is that CAD, film editing programs or computationally intensive simulation programs are increasingly being used in these areas. If there is an inexpensive option for a higher-quality graphics card among the models in question, this may also be a good idea.

The university provides comprehensive WLAN access to the Internet as well as portal access (via cable, RJ45) at various student workstations.

A "normal" DSL or cable connection is usually sufficient for external access. A stable connection with average data rates is important for participation in online lectures:

Downstream >=6 Mbit/s
Upstream >= 1 Mbit/s

In the case of in-house WLAN coverage, an up-to-date WLAN repeater may be able to ensure stability and bandwidth at the workplace if it is located at a greater distance from the WLAN route.

When using mobile Internet access (UMTS, LTE, 5G), a sufficiently high data volume must be ensured. We only consider this access to be useful as a temporary solution.

The University of Kassel offers all students various software products and tools free of charge. These include, for example, the following services

• Mailbox (2 GB) with individual mail address (@student.uni-kassel.de)
• Hessenbox (Sync & Share) with 30 GB storage

as well as the free use of Microsoft Office Professional software on

• Notebooks and PCs
• Mobile devices (tablets, smartphones)

Summary / Checklist:

Optional high-power for architecture/art/natural sciences/engineering: