Fall 2026 / Spring & Summer 2027
All undergraduate and transfer students at the J. B. Speed School of Engineering, except for those majoring in Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science (BACS), are required to have a mobile computer with an active digital pen that meets the minimum tablet specification listed on this site. Graduate students should have a laptop with the capability to fulfill their program requirements with a functional camera, microphone and speakers (consult with your Director of Graduate Studies for more details). BACS students may refer to the BACS Computer Requirement page for more details of their requirement.
Students must provide their own device – Speed School will not provide one for you.
Speed School Requires Professional Class Computers. – Learn More.
We provide recommendations for devices we’ve tested, which meet the requirements to help you succeed during your time at the J.B. Speed School of Engineering. You may easily purchase one of the recommended device bundles from our preferred technology partner by clicking the “How to Purchase” button. For students who are interested in picking out their own device, or determining if an existing device works, we provide detailed requirements below our recommendations.
A Tablet for your Speed School Career
Please review the following short summaries of the Speed School recommended devices. More detailed information about them can be found on our tablet evaluation page. The recommendations below include a 4 year warranty with accidental damage protection; while not required, having a warranty provides students with an immediate backup plan if a failure does occur. Students with warrantied devices are eligible for one of our loaner laptops until the device is fixed.
Speed School Recommended Devices
The Standard – What do we think? A tablet that will meet all of the requirements of speed school. It easily runs all required engineering software, but at a lower price point. Connection bundles this device with the pen and the recommended 4 year accidental damage protection warranty.
| The Standard | Lenovo ThinkPad T14s 2-in-1 |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 Pro |
| PC Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 235U |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB |
| Storage Drive | 512 GB Solid State Drive |
 | How to Purchase |
The Overachiever – What do we think? It will easily handle engineering applications for all majors. The lightest and highest overall quality of the recommended Lenovo models. Also includes a better camera when compared to The Standard. Connection bundles this device with the pen and the recommended 4 year accidental damage protection warranty.
| The Overachiever | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 Pro |
| PC Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 268V |
| Memory (RAM) | 32 GB |
| Storage Drive | 512 GB Solid State Drive |
 | How to Purchase |
The Basic- What do we think? For those looking for the most affordable option this is the choice for you. This 2-in-1 device performed very well in our benchmark tests. This device converts to a tablet just like the ThinkPad 2-in-1. Connection bundles this device with the pen and the recommended 4 year accidental damage protection warranty.
| The Basic | Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 | |
| PC Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 255U | |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | |
| Storage Drive | 512 GB Solid State Drive | |
| How to Purchase | |
The Surface – What do we think? While desirable for its stylish design and ultra-slim profile, we find the lack of a notebook mode, rigid keyboard, and external ports frustrating. The Lenovo 2-in-1 is a notebook that converts to a tablet, where the Surface is a tablet that tries to be a laptop notebook. Beyond these limitations, this model has the power and features you need for Speed School. Surface models with a Snapdragon (ARM-based) processor will NOT run engineering software. The purchasing link from our technology partner, Connection, will ensure you get the proper tablet with the correct Intel Core processor and accessories including the 4 year accidental damage protection warranty.
| The Surface | Microsoft Surface Pro for Business 11 Bundle | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 | |
| PC Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 266V | |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | |
| Storage Drive | 512 GB Solid State Drive | |
| Bundle Includes | Extended warranty, Surface Pro Keyboard with Slim Pen | |
 | How to Purchase | |
Want to build your own device?
Minimum tablet specifications
| Component | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 |
| PC Processor | Intel Core i5/i7/i9 or Intel Core Ultra 5/7/9 |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB or greater |
| Storage Drive | 512 GB or larger Hard Drive (Solid State Drive recommended) |
| Wireless | 802.11n dual band or better |
| Input Device | Intel, Wacom, or similar active stylus that supports digital inking. The active stylus is not required but recommended. If you choose to purchase a laptop without an active stylus, refer to the Companion Devices page as you will need to carry both a laptop and a tablet. |
| Communication | Camera, microphone and speakers |
| Detailed Tablet Requirements |
In addition, the following are recommended:
- 4-year warranty with Accident Damage Protection
- A USB drive or cloud storage to regularly back up your device
- Purchase a business grade rather than consumer grade tablet (ie. ThinkPad 2-in-1 instead of the Yoga)
The following types of devices are not acceptable for use as your primary computer at Speed:
- iPad, any Apple computer or device running an Apple Operating System
- Chromebooks
- Android tablets or any devices running an Android based operating system
- Devices with an ARM-based processor. This includes but is not limited to The Surface Pro Snapdragon, devices running Windows 11 Home S Mode or mobile operating system
- Devices running the Linux or Unix operating system