All undergraduates are required to have a laptop computer that meets Rensselaer specifications.

The Mobile Computing Program offers a complete laptop package including a state-of-the-art Lenovo T420 ThinkPad loaded with a special suite of software ready for your Rensselaer course work and specially configured for easy connection to the Rensselaer network.

Currently, in partnership with Lenovo, we are able to offer this laptop package at a substantially discounted price. You will receive the greatest value for your dollar and on-campus repair and consulting facilities to help you get the most out of your laptop.

The laptop computers are currently used in Math, Computer Science, Physics, Introduction to Engineering Analysis, and Freshmen Studies. Additional laptop courses are being planned. MBA students in the Lally School of Management & Technology are also required to have laptop computers.

No matter where you are, you will be able to:

• Converse online with family and friends, professors and classmates.
• Access the Internet to complete research assignments and explore new ideas.
• Participate in computer-enhanced instruction, where learning will evolve from the interaction of material, instructor, and classmates.

You can connect your laptop computer to the network in the more than 50 classrooms around the campus wired for laptops, and at any of the hundreds of laptop jacks in public areas, including Folsom Library, the Voorhees Computing Center (VCC), the Student Union, and other study spaces around campus. A wireless network extends across campus.

In addition, every residence hall room includes network access for each resident at no additional charge, and most campus locations, including the residence halls, offer wireless connectivity.

The Mobile Computing Package for Fall 2011 consists of:

• A Lenovo T420 laptop at a purchase price of $1,550.
• A laptop security cable with lock.
• An Ethernet cable.
• A Kelty laptop backpack.
• An iClicker personal response unit.

The laptop is specially configured for easy connection to the Rensselaer network, and is fully supported by on-campus repair and consulting facilities. Accidental damage protection, in addition to the four-year warranty, completes the package.

2011 Hardware Specifications

• Intel Core i5-2540M dual-core, 2.60 GHz, 3 MB cache.
• 4 GB 1333 MHz DIMM RAM (1 open slot), 8 GB maximum.
• 14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900), color, anti-glare, LED backlit, 250-nit display.
• 500 GB 7200 RPM hard drive.
• NVIDIA Optimus technology and auto-switch between discrete and integrated grapics.
• 1 GB Intel HD Graphics 3000 / NVIDIA NVS 4200M, PCI Express x16 graphics card.
• Dual-layer R/W DVD.
• Gigabit wired Ethernet network connection.
• Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 11a/b/g/n wireless / WWAN upgradable.
• Ports: Three USB 2.0 (one powered USB, one USB 2.0/eSATA combo port), VGA DB-15, DisplayPort, ExpressCard slot, and 4-in-1 Multiread card slot.
• UltraNav multi-touch Touchpad/TrackPoint pointing device.
• Integrated HD 720p resolution webcam camera.
• UPEK fingerprint reader.
• Bluetooth 3.0 wireless.
• 9-cell Lithium-ion battery with one-year warranty.
• Forty-nine month manufacturer's warranty.
• Forty-nine month ThinkPad Protection against accidental damage.

Pre-Installed Software*

• Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise (64-bit).
• Microsoft Office Professional 2010 (32-bit; 64-bit available for user installation).
• Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 (32-bit).
• Microsoft Forefront anti-virus software suite.
• Maplesoft Maple symbolic algebra program (64-bit).
• MathWorks MATLAB (64-bit).
• National Instruments LabVIEW (32-bit; 64-bit available for user installation).
• Siemens NX CAD package (64-bit).
• MapInfo Professional (32-bit).
• Bentley Microstation (32-bit).

*The software is pre-installed on the laptop computer. Educational licenses are included, but not installation CDs. This listing does not include all pre-installed software.

Also please note that this listing does not include other software packages that some students may need to purchase for their specific coursework. Please consult with your academic advisor to determine what, if any, additional software is required.

Learn more about Rensselaer’s Mobile Computing Program