Ball State employees can enjoy education pricing and special discounts when shopping for personal computers, devices, and accessories at the Technology Store. Shop our selection of Apple and Dell products, or reach out to our knowledgeable staff for a one-on-one consultation to find the perfect product for you.
University Purchases
All University-related work should be done on devices supplied and configured by the University. Purchases of technology equipment for University-related work with University funds requires review and approval by the employee’s department. Learn more about departmental purchases.
Shop Our Products
Shop our selection of Apple and Dell computers and devices, all available at educational discounts to Ball State students and employees.
Hardware Considerations
When purchasing a new computer, it's important to consider the hardware of devices you're interested in purchasing. Refer to the table below for general hardware considerations when shopping for a new device.
Hardware Considerations
|
Minimum |
Preferred |
Processor
A faster processor means faster operating speed for your computer. |
Intel i5 11th Gen or equivalent
Apple M2 | Intel i7 13th Gen, equivalent, or higher
Apple M3 or higher |
Storage
A solid-state drive (SSD) provides fast performance and allows for the installation of programs and storage of documents or files on your computer. | 256 GB SSD
General use, light storage of documents and files. May need to rely on cloud storage. | 512 GB SSD or higher
General use and storage of large files or installation of large software packages. |
Memory (RAM)
Additional random-access memory (RAM) will improve performance and may be necessary for some applications or if operating multiple applications at once. | 8 GB
Adequate for basic office applications, web browsing, and video conferencing. | 16 GB or higher
Offers the ability to run multiple applications at the same time or to utilize resource intensive applications. |
Graphics
Integrated graphics are built into the computer's existing processor. A dedicated graphics card is separate from the computer's processor and has its own dedicated memory. |
An integrated graphics card is adequate for most general computer use. |
A dedicated graphics card provides better graphics quality and is necessary for tasks like video editing, graphic design, and other graphics-heavy applications. |
Operating System
|
Windows 11 OR macOS Ventura |
Windows 11 OR MacOS Sonoma
|
Software for Employees
All Ball State students and employees have access to free or reduced-cost software and applications including Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, and more.
We're Here to Help
In collaboration with other on-campus services, the Technology Store can assist students and employees with most technology questions and needs. Read our return policy, learn about servicing options, and find answers to frequently asked questions on our Services and Support page.