Purchase a Dell Computer

Summary

Provides Bowdoin IT's recommended minimum specifications for purchasing a personal Windows laptop through Dell's education discount program, and instructions for accessing Dell's Bowdoin education store. For faculty, staff, and students purchasing a personal computer.

Body

Questions

  • How do I buy a Dell laptop with a Bowdoin education discount?
  • Where do I purchase a personal Dell computer through Bowdoin?
  • What Dell laptop does Bowdoin IT recommend for personal purchase?
  • What are the minimum specs I should look for in a Windows laptop?
  • How do I access Dell's education pricing as a Bowdoin student, faculty, or staff member?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students interested in purchasing a personal Windows laptop through Dell's education program.

  • Who: All current Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students
  • What: Personal Windows laptop purchase through Dell's education discount store
  • Looking for a Mac? See Purchase an Apple Computer with an Academic Discount in the Related Articles section.

Resolution

Recommended specifications

Bowdoin Information Technology (IT) recommends purchasing a Windows laptop with at least the following specifications:

  • Intel Core i7 processor or better
  • 16 GB of memory
  • 256 GB SSD storage or larger
  • 4-year Complete Care warranty, which includes accidental damage coverage
Note: Specifications change frequently. These are minimum recommendations — purchasing a newer processor generation or larger storage is encouraged when available.

How to purchase

Visit the Dell Bowdoin education store, click Education Discount, and create an account using your Bowdoin email address.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.

Additional Resources

Details

Details

Article ID: 29896
Created
Tue 5/2/17 4:12 PM
Modified
Thu 4/30/26 5:42 PM

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Employee Computer Loan Program
Describes Bowdoin College's interest-free computer loan program for benefits-eligible employees, covering eligibility, what can be purchased, the application process, loan terms, and payroll deduction details. For full-time benefits-eligible Bowdoin employees.
Purchase a computer with a Bowdoin academic discount
Explains that Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students are eligible to purchase personal computers from Dell and Apple at an academic discount. Directs users to the individual Dell and Apple purchase articles for details.
Purchase an Apple Computer with an Academic Discount
Provides Bowdoin IT's recommended specifications for purchasing a personal Apple Mac laptop through Apple's education discount store, and a direct link to the Bowdoin Apple Store for Education. For faculty and staff purchasing a personal computer; includes a note clarifying that students receive a Bowdoin-issued MacBook Pro and iPad mini and do not need to purchase their own.