New lighter, thinner and smarter laptops available for faculty and staff

Boise State faculty and staff choosing their next university laptop have a new class of options worth serious consideration: ARM-based laptops.

These systems, built on the same type of efficient chip architecture that powers smartphones and tablets, are available in both Windows and Mac configurations for university computer purchases, delivering performance that rivals traditional Intel- or AMD-based computers with longer battery life, lower weight and cooler operation.

What makes ARM different?

ARM processors are designed to do more with less power. They integrate a variety of computing cores into a single chip, delivering strong performance with much lower energy use. That efficiency translates to smaller, lighter laptops that can last up to 18-22 hours on a single charge, stay cool under load and run quietly without heavy fans.

In contrast, traditional Intel- and AMD-based laptops often focus on raw speed for high-intensity computing tasks, making them ideal for specialized workloads but less efficient for everyday university use such as writing, teaching and collaboration.

Which laptop is right?

If a user's work primarily involves:

• Zoom or other collaboration tools
• Google Workspace, Canvas or other web-based applications
• Writing, presentations and light multimedia editing

…then an ARM laptop could be the ideal fit. These devices are engineered for portability, instant-on performance and all-day battery life - qualities that benefit faculty and staff who teach, meet or move across campus throughout the day.

Both Windows on ARM and Apple Silicon share similar strengths: efficiency, speed and silent operation. The choice often comes down to personal preference, campus software needs and ecosystem compatibility. University productivity software such as Microsoft Office applications and Zoom run natively on both platforms.

Traditional laptops may still make sense

Though Apple computers are no longer offered with Intel processors, Windows ARM-based systems aren't the right tool for every role. If someone who relies on using Microsoft Windows for:

• Specialized software that requires Intel or AMD processors
• Heavy data analysis, simulation, high-performance computing or local processing involving large datasets
• 3D rendering tools
• Compiling large codebases
• Advanced graphics or media production tools not yet optimized for ARM

…they will still get better performance and compatibility from traditional enterprise-class Intel or AMD laptops. But that list is shrinking: Microsoft, Adobe and other major software vendors are increasingly optimizing their applications for ARM architecture, and performance parity is approaching quickly.

Battery life and mobility

One of the strongest arguments for ARM and Apple Silicon laptops is endurance. HP, Dell and Apple laptops offered by the Office of Information Technology last a full workday (or more) on a single charge, while staying under 3 pounds.

ARM and Apple Silicon laptops are a practical choice for everyday university work. If a user's computing needs center around communication, teaching and office productivity, they can now select a thin, quiet long-lasting Windows or Mac laptop without giving up capability.

For those who need high-end compatibility or specialized software, Intel and AMD systems remain solid choices.

Computer orders

Faculty and staff can view and purchase supported university-owned computers, including both ARM and traditional models, through ServiceNow.

To browse available devices:

1. Log in to support.boisestate.edu
2. Select Order Something > Order Computers, Tablets, and Accessories

Note that all university computer purchases (including tablet devices other than iPads) must be submitted through the Office of Information Technology per the Chief Financial Officer.

Contact the OIT Procurement team at [email protected] for questions or additional information.

Share This

• Share on Facebook
• Share on X
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share through Email