Technology Requirements

2025-2026 Requirements

Nursing students are required to have a laptop that meets the system requirements outlined by the Duquesne University School of Nursing.
An iPad may be purchased as an additional device to the laptop, but is not required.

Laptop

Mac or Windows required

• Chromebooks are not compatible
• Windows RT, Windows 10 S, and Windows 11 S are not compatible

Mac:

• Operating System: MacOS Sonoma (version 14) or later
• Examples of compatible Apple laptops (estimated prices may vary)
  • 13” MacBook Air with M2 chip (Meets minimum requirement) (DU Price $899)
  • 13” MacBook Air with M3 chip (Meets expectations) (DU Price $999)
  • 15” MacBook Air with M3 chip (Meets expectations) (DU Price $1199)

The more expensive MacBook Pros are acceptable, but unnecessary.

Do not purchase a Mac with an Intel CPU.

Note: Apple computers from the Duquesne Computer Store can be purchased with an exclusive 4-Year Safeware warranty with accidental damage protection for an additional fee. This warranty includes repairs with no deductible. Please contact Computer Store for a quote.

Windows: 

• Operating System: latest version of Windows 11
• 10th Generation Intel i5 CPU or higher OR 3rd gen AMD Ryzen CPU or higher
• 256+GB SSD storage
• 8GB RAM minimum (16GB recommended)
• Webcam (integrated internal webcam or external USB webcam)
• Examples of compatible Windows laptops (estimated prices may vary)
  • Dell Latitude 7430 (Meets expectations) (DU Price $1,395, Price after mail-in rebate $1,245) Includes 4 Year Dell CompleteCare Accidental Damage Warranty
  • Dell Latitude 7440 2-in-1 (Exceeds expectations) (DU Price $1,695, Price after mail- in rebate $1,545) - Includes 4 Year Dell CompleteCare Accidental Damage Warranty

Note: Dell computers purchased from the Duquesne Computer Store include a 4 Year Dell CompleteCare Accidental Damage Warranty, no deductible, and onsite service through the campus store.

Prices above are estimates and subject to change.

Laptops purchased from outside retailers may also be acceptable, provided they meet the specifications above. However, they are not supported by the campus store, cannot be repaired on- campus, and may not have an extended warranty included. Please contact the School of Nursing Office of Technology if you would like to confirm your computer is compatible.

The Computer Store also offers loaner devices (while supplies available) if your device requires an extended amount of time to be repaired and is another benefit of purchasing from the campus store.

Prices above are estimates and subject to change.

iPad

In addition to a laptop, an iPad may be purchased as an additional device for use with eBooks and point-of-care apps. It can be used at clinical, in the lab, and the classroom, but is not required. Laptops are also able to access all eBooks and resources.

• Acceptable iPads include:
  
  • iPad mini A17 ($499)
  • 10th generation iPad ($349)
  • iPad Air M2 ($599)
• Cellular service not required.
• Keyboard Case and/or Apple Pencil are not required.
• iOS 17 minimum (beta versions are not compatible)
• 64GB or greater

Software/Applications 

• Microsoft Office 365 or later (download available for FREE as a Duquesne student)
• Adobe® Reader DC or later  (download free for students)
• Mozilla Firefox web browser 
• Google Chrome web browser

The DU Computer Store sells computer and iPad hardware, software and warranties to students at educational discount prices. The Computer Store is located in the Duquesne Union. 
 
Note: Students are not required to buy their computer or iPad at the DU Computer Store. However, only devices purchased through the DU Computer Store can receive Duquesne’s warranty and are guaranteed to receive repair service from the campus store.

iPad Apps