How to pick a new computer
This information was updated in SummerAutumn 2025 for the 2025-26 academic year. You can see a list of course-specific information on the Recommended Kit List page.
❌ Chromebook, Android Tablet, NetbookTablet
We do not recommend students purchase these products because they usually have pretty low specifications and do not have access to most open-source software available for Windows, Linux, and macOS devices.
❌ iPad
We do not recommend students purchase an iPad because it does not give them proper access to the operating system needed for software development, which will be a core part of most courses at CCI.
✅ Mac
IfFor youmost wantstudents a newMac Mac,is wegoing recommendto anybe the best power, performance and durablity option, and can be more affordable than it was in the past thanks to Apple Silicon laptop.processors.
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Laptop Charger: MacBook's M5 and later do not ship with a USB-C power adapter as standard, you can buy one from Apple for £59, or you can buy a cheaper UGREEN charger and cable, which meansare aswhat itwe gets hotter, the computer will slow downgive to avoidour overheating,own whereas the Pro can turn on fans to keep running cool and at full performance.staff.
MacBook Pro 14" with M4M5
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chip | M4 Pro | ||
| Processor | 10 core | 10 core | 14 core |
| Graphics | 10 core | 10 core | 20 core |
| Neural | 16 core | 16 core | 16 core |
| Memory | 16GB | 16GB | 24GB |
| Storage | 512GB | 1TB | 1TB |
| Price with discount | £1,499 | £1,699 | £2,199 |
MacBook Air 13" with M4
| A | |
|---|---|
| Chip | M4 |
| Processor | 10 core |
| Graphics | 10 core |
| Neural | 16 core |
| Memory | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB |
| Price with discount | £1099 |
We also strongly recommend purchasing AppleCare+ or a similar repair warranty and insurance scheme.
| AppleCare+ 3 years | MacBook Air | MacBook Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price with educational discount | £179 | £249 |
Around August/September each year, Apple will run the Apple Back to School deal, which, in addition to the discounted prices above, will include a giveaway, including gift cards or AirPods in the past.
✅ PC
If you are specifically looking at a Windows or Linux computer, you may get better value from purchasing a desktop computer for home use and taking advantage of the large number of PCs and MacBook Pro laptops that are available on campus during and between classes.
PC Laptop
Generally, we're pretty big fans of Dell (Precision, XPS, G Gaming,Premium, or Alienware), Razer HP Z and OMEN brand computers. However, there is a large market, and you should pick what's best for you. The following specs give you an idea of what to look for...
UAL Diploma in Apple Development: If you plan to study on Apple diploma, you are advised not to buy a PC as you need to be able to run tools like Xcode and Swift Playgrounds that are macOS only.
Tip: Check for USB-C charging and display connection, as plug-in stations at CCI all use this.
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5 |
Intel Core i7 |
| Graphics | See info below! | Any NVIDIA RTX |
| Memory | 16GB | 32GB |
| Storage | 512GB | 2TB or better |
| Display | 13" 1080p | 13-16" 1440p (QHD) or 2160p (4K) |
Minimum graphics
The minimum graphics required will depend on the course. If you study areas such as machine learning, data science, or 3D, you should try to obtain any NVIDIA RTX 3xxx40xx series GPU or higher.
PC Desktop
At CCI, we primarily use Dell desktop computers, with some HP and Viglen computers used elsewhere at UAL.