Laptop Requirement

The department has a requirement that all students have a notebook computer beginning their sophomore year. This is the point students begin their major coursework and begin preparing themselves for a career in the construction industry. Most Construction Management classes emphasize cooperative projects/assignments, and a notebook computer provides the required mobility to facilitate collaboration. In today’s construction environment, computing is an integral component with the computer being the standard tool. A notebook computer is the key to having computing capability available at all times and all locations. Financial aid may be available to cover the cost of the computer laptop (contact the Financial Aid Office for more information).

One of the questions most frequently asked of the Construction Management Department is what type of computer a student should buy. Cal Poly is currently expanding its wireless network coverage, and has wireless network access available in many of the widely used campus areas including Dexter Lawn, the Robert E. Kennedy Library, and Julian A. McPhee Student Union. In an effort to take advantage of this newly available technology, as well as reduce the need for departmental computer labs, the Construction Management Department provides wireless network connectivity in all of their labs as well as access to an application server that allows students to run department specific software via the network. Since 2003, students in the Construction Management Department have been required to own or have access to a laptop computer by their second year of classes. To aid in the evaluation of your current computer or the purchase of a new system, we offer the following recommended specifications.

Minimum Requirements:

• Intel Pentium M, Core Duo, Core 2 Duo or compatible processor
• 1 GB RAM (2 GB or greater strongly recommended)
• 80 GB Hard Drive (120 GB Hard Drive recommended)
• Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Vista
• Network Interface Card (802.11b or g wireless card recommended)

If you will be purchasing a computer, we suggest that you buy from Dell. Historically, they have offered competitive prices and superior service. We have arranged for certain pre-configured systems to be offered at vast discounts for our incoming and continuing students. For more information on these systems, please contact the El Corral Bookstore or visit the computer area of their website at http://www.elcorralbookstore.com. Additionally, you may visit Dell University.  Software titles from Microsoft are also available through the El Corral Bookstore at substantially discounted prices. For more information on this software please visit http://msadmin.calstate.edu. If you have any further questions, please call the Construction Management Department at (805) 756-1323.