A laptop computer is essential for study in the College of Medicine at UAMS and all enrolled students are required to have a computer that meets or exceeds the minimum standards listed below. Students will use their laptop computers extensively during their studies for tasks such as: accessing the campus learning management system, taking online examinations, access to virtual microscopy and other study materials, reading online textbooks, etc. Many of our courses have extensive online study materials which students will need to have ready access.
Laptop Minimum Requirements
(all systems require Administrator-level accounts permissions)
PC-Based Laptops
- CPU Processor: Non-ARM based processor supported by your operating system (ASUS Laptops with touchpad/touchscreen are not allowed)
- 8 GB RAM or higher recommended – 4 GB RAM required
- 64-bit Versions 10 22H2 and Windows 11 21H2 and 22H2
- ** Alternate versions of Windows 10 and 11, such as Windows RT, and Windows S Mode are NOT supported
- The English (United States) Language Pack must be installed
- 4 GB available hard drive space
- 1280×768 resolution or higher
- Webcam and microphone (internal or external)
- WiFi 802.11a/g/n (or faster)
Surface Pro Requirements
- Examplify is compatible on Microsoft Surface Pro 4 or newer Microsoft Surface Pro devices when the device is running Microsoft Windows 10. (Windows S Mode is NOT compatible)
(Non-Pro Surface devices are NOT supported) - An external keyboard (USB or Bluetooth) is required.
- Hard Drive: 4GB or higher available space
- Screen Resolution must be 1920×1080
Mac-Based Laptops
- Intel i3 processor or higher or Apple M1 processor with Rosetta 2
- 8 GB RAM or higher recommended (4 GB required)
- MacOS 11.0 (Big Sur), 12.0 (Monterey) or 13.0 Ventura
- 4 GB available hard drive space
- 1280×768 resolution or higher
- Webcam and microphone (internal or external)
- WiFi 802.11 a/g/n (or faster)
Purchasing a New Laptop
No Chromebooks, Android, or Linux operating systems. The exam software that we use will not work with virtual operating systems and will not work on tablet computers (including those tablets that run Windows). Tablets (Apple iPad, Android, etc.), netbook computers, and e-readers may be useful devices for study but will not meet the minimum computer requirements for testing and other purposes.
If you have a laptop computer that meets these minimum requirements, you do not have to purchase a new computer to begin medical school. If you have a computer you’ve bought in the past two or three years which meets these requirements, it will be likely to work well. If you do not have a laptop, we include the cost of a laptop in the cost of attendance for financial aid purposes.
It is your responsibility to maintain your computer. Therefore, you might want to consider an extended warranty to cover the computer while a student. The Academic Affairs Student Success Center (SSC) provides students with technical assistance for their laptops and other mobile electronic devices. Calvin Webb is available in the SSC to assist students on various technology issues. He is located on the second floor of the Library. If you are off campus and need assistance, please call 501-686-8822 or email cdwebb2@uams.edu.