While all students can utilize Beloit’s many computer labs, most choose to bring their own desktop, laptop, or tablet computer.  Ultimately the decision about which computer to purchase is a personal preference, but LITS uses these hardware standards when purchasing technology for campus users - which might give you a starting point. LITS also recommends reaching out to your advisor or professors in your chosen major/minor to see if they have any recommendations.  Some fields of study utilize specialized software that may require more robust hardware specifications than that of a standard computer.  Whichever computing device you choose, be sure to check out the information on technology discounts below before making your purchase!

When purchasing technology with educational discounts, vendors may want to verify that you are a current student, faculty, or staff member, before they will proceed with processing the discounted purchase order.  The methods of verification vary by vendor - some vendors use your beloit.edu email address for verification, but others may require that you authenticate through other means, possibly including: sending a dated photo/scan of a class schedule, sending a photo/scan of a dated student ID card, or verifying through a third-party identity confirmation service.  LITS recommends keeping a close eye on your email when placing an EDU technology discount order to be able to quickly follow up on any necessary identity verification steps to minimize the delay in order processing.

Please note that other than connecting to the campus network, LITS is unable to provide technical support for personally-owned hardware or software.  Hardware and software maintenance of a personally-owned computing device is the responsibility of the device owner.  Please refer to the Personally Owned Technology Policy for further details.

Apple offers purchasing discounts on iPads, MacBook laptops, Mac desktop computers, and other Apple accessories and peripherals to all current Beloit College faculty, staff, and students through their online Education Store. To browse current discounts, follow the link below.

• Apple Education Store

Dell offers purchasing discounts on tablets, laptops, desktops, monitors, and other computer accessories and peripherals to all current Beloit College faculty, staff, and students through their Dell Member Purchase Program (MPP). To browse current discounts, follow the link below.

• Dell Member Purchase Program (MPP)

Microsoft offers purchasing discounts on software, hardware, and peripherals to all current faculty, staff, and students through its online Microsoft Store. To browse current discounts, follow the link below.

• Microsoft Education Store