The Technology Requirement
(The Official Requirement for the Classes of 2024)

All first year medical students in the 2020-21 academic year are required to own the following two devices:

• An Apple iPad running IOS version 13 or higher. Wifi only and at least 64GB size are the minimum requirements. Models are available in various sizes. See the "Buying New" and "Using What You Already Own" sections below.
  
  
• A Windows or Mac laptop computer. This must be a laptop and running Windows or Apple Mac operating system.

You will use devices for various purposes throughout your four years of medical school in and out of class. Students are eligible for discounts from Apple, Dell and some other online computer stores. Check out Drexel IT's Computer Purchases page for options.

Please also note: iPads that are jailbroke may not function properly with our software and therefore will not meet the technology requirement.

BUYING NEW
-iPad-
This can be the original 9.7" iPad, the 10.5" iPad Air or the 12.9" iPad Pro. While the smallest 7.9" iPad mini is available, we strongly recommend against it since using a larger screen will make your experience with applications optimal. If buying new, Wifi only and at least 64GB size are the minimum requirements. Some models may be available as 64GB size and some may start at larger sizes. While 64GB is acceptable a good recommendation is 128GB or higher. iPads that are 32GB will NOT be enough storage. The DrexelMed minimum requirement is only for the WiFi version but be aware that there are iPads that can use cellular phone service as well. These require a data plan, can be quite expensive and are not required. See an Apple comparison chart

-Laptop-
For your laptop computer, the nature of the equipment marketplace is that it changes rapidly. Please see the Drexel University IT Specifications and Buyers' Guide for recommendations about processor, RAM and wireless card..
- Must be running Windows 10 OS or Mac OS 10.13
- Must have a webcam and microphone
- Note that Surface Pros are not usable for Year 3 NBME subject examinations.


USING WHAT YOU ALREADY OWN
-iPad-
If you’ll be using an older iPad model, make sure it is updated to iOS version 13 or higher. Some early generation iPads are not acceptable since they cannot be upgraded to IOS 13.. Also keep in mind older iPads may not have the storage space we highly recommend which means space may run out for you. You may need to create offline backups of content if you run out of space.

-Laptop-
If you wish to bring a computer you already own, here are some basic configuration specifications to consider.
Note that Surface Pros are not usable for Year 3 NBME subject examinations.

Only if an Existing Computer (these are not new purchase specifications)
Windows 10 or Mac OS 10.13 Operating System
Minimum of a 1 GHz processor (If a Mac, then it should be a Mac with an Intel processor, not a Mac Power PC)
8 GB RAM
250 GB Hard Drive
Webcam with microphone

Some other items you may consider (not required) are:

• Service Contract
• Printer
• Cable lock
• Internet Service Provider - for home access to the Internet (eg: FIOS, Cable Internet)
  

Wireless Internet on Campus
There are different wireless networks which you will see on campus. See the Computer Set-Up Checklist for more information getting connected.