Hardware
- We do recommend laptops. They are portable. You can take them to class and also use them both on and off-campus.
- We do not recommend desktop computers since they are not portable.
- We do not recommend tablets or Chromebooks. Both of these platforms may not be able to run all the software you’ll need for your classes throughout your time at Dominican.
- Laptops with webcams and microphones built-in are recommended in order to support web conferencing via services like Zoom and Google Meet. Most modern laptops include webcams and mics. Additionally, the use of personal earbuds/mics provides the best audio quality.
See our recommended computer specifications below.
Recommended Specifications* Windows Laptops (preferred**)
Apple Laptops Max Device Age 5 years 5 years Min. CPU / Best CPU i5 / i7 i5 / i7-M1 Min. Memory / Best Memory 8G / 16G 8G / 16G
Minimum Storage 256G 256G Example Devices 2019 - 2024 Dell, HP, or any other make Windows laptop 2019 - 2024 Macbook Air or Macbook Pro *Older laptops, or computers with lower specifications than those listed above may not be able to run all the software you’ll need for your classes throughout your time at Dominican.
**Windows laptops provide better support for IBM SPSS software which may be required for several courses. Computer labs with SPSS are also available on campus but will require you to come to the campus for access.
Required Specifications
Some academic programs at Dominican have more specific technical requirements. Please reference the Academic Catalog, or speak with your advisor for more information.
Apple at Dominican University of California
The Dominican University of California Bookstore carries a full line of Apple® products with exclusive discounts available. The bookstore offers free, in-store pick up and a portion of purchases made through the bookstore go directly back to the university. We’re here to support students, parents, faculty, and staff in purchasing technology that will help them succeed during their academic careers and beyond.
Take advantage of education pricing when you shop apple.com. It’s a great way to save on a new Mac® or iPad®, access the full range of Apple products including Apple Watch® and iPhone®, and shop for Apple-branded accessories and a curated selection of third-party software and accessories. Remember to look for customization and personalization options when you order.
You can shop for Apple products online 24/7 and get free delivery right to your door. Or choose the option to pick up your order at your local Apple Store.
Shop Now - Dominican Bookstore
Save on a new Mac and/or iPad for your studies.
Mac
Mac is a creative powerhouse that gives you new ways to be creative and productive. It’s built for the classroom, with fast processors and all-day battery life. It comes with powerful software so you can handle your everyday tasks and the most ambitious projects. Unleash your creative potential with the Pro Apps Bundle. Get all five professional apps for music and video at a special price — including Logic Pro® X and MainStage®, along with Final Cut Pro® X, Motion, and Compressor.
Software and hardware made for each other. Because Apple designs both the software and hardware, every Mac delivers the best possible experience. MacOS® is the most advanced desktop operating system. It’s designed alongside the Mac hardware so everything works together seamlessly, and it has powerful built-in tools and apps for life in and out of the classroom.
Built to handle work on the go. With a remarkable unibody design that’s thin and light, Mac notebooks are incredibly portable, yet strong enough to handle just about any task you might come across, anywhere you go.
iPad
iPad changes the way you learn. It’s thin and light, so you can take learning way beyond the classroom. And with up to 10 hours of battery life, you can work and play all day without ever having to stop to recharge.*
Your learning materials come alive thanks to the powerful chip with 64-bit desktop-class architecture. Projects, presentations, and apps look beautiful on the Retina® display. The advanced camera is perfect for capturing photos and video for projects, and the front-facing FaceTime® HD camera lets you collaborate with others around the world.
iOS is designed to help you get the most out of iPad. Websites open instantly. Videos load quickly. And apps run smoothly. iPad includes a suite of Apple-designed apps for creativity and productivity for things you do every day, like editing movies and photos, writing reports, and managing assignments. The App Store® has thousands of apps designed specially for education. And with the iTunes U® app, you can discover the world’s largest library of free educational content.
Shop Now - Dominican Bookstore
Required and Recommended System Buys
AppleCare Products
Service and support from the people who know your Apple products best.
Most Apple hardware comes with a one-year limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary telephone technical support. Extend your coverage with the AppleCare® Protection Plan or AppleCare+. Only AppleCare products give you one-stop service and support from Apple experts, so most issues can be resolved in a single call.
For help, contact the help desk or visit Apple.com.
Technology Department
Ralph Minor
helpdesk@dominican.edu
(415) 257-0123
Recommended Systems
Computer Science Minor
If you are taking courses in the Computer Science Minor, we recommend an Apple laptop with a minimum of 8 GB of memory and a solid state drive (SSD).
Other Programs
Please check with your department or advisor to find out about recommended systems for other programs.
TM and © 2018 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. *Battery life varies by use and configuration. See www.apple.com/batteries for more information.
- Dominican Bookstore
- The Dominican University of California Bookstore carries Windows products with exclusive discounts available. The bookstore offers free, in-store pick up and a portion of purchases made through the bookstore go directly back to the university. We’re here to support students, parents, faculty, and staff in purchasing technology that will help them succeed during their academic careers and beyond.
- Dell Discounts
- To view several recommended Dell laptops at various prices points, please click on the General Students Shop Now button. Then filter on the left side by General Students to view recommended options.
- BestBuy.com/student-deals
Search online for retailers offering discounts for college students.
Software
Working in education and continuing with your education has its benefits.
Autodesk
- Create an education account to download AutoDesk software.
Microsoft Office
- Dominican students and employees can access free versions of Microsoft Office software for installation on up to five devices via their Okta dashboard. Once signed into Okta, click on the tile for Office 365 to access the downloads.
Adobe Creative Cloud for Students
- Access student discounts on Adobe products.
We strongly recommend running Anti-Virus software on all computers. Apple computers are not immune to attacks, either. Some good places to start are:
- Sophos Anti-Virus Home: free
- TrendMicro
- Symantec Anti-Virus
Cell Phones
Discounts for both faculty and students
If you are a Dominican employee and have AT&T wireless service, you are eligible for a 14 percent employee discount. Please go to AT&T to learn more.
If you are a Dominican student and currently have AT&T wireless service, you are eligible for a seven percent student discount. Please go to AT&T to learn more.