HBS provides each faculty member with a single desktop or laptop computer that is upgraded on a three-year cycle (some faculty members may have access to additional funding for technology purchases). We are pleased to support both Windows and Mac OS machines to meet your needs.

All HBS computers include a standard software suite for office productivity and security and feature Windows 10 or the most recent supported version of Mac OS depending on whether you choose Dell or Apple hardware. Microsoft Office, including Outlook, is used on both platforms for document creation/editing and for e-mail and calendar collaboration across the school.

Current HBS standard hardware configurations are below (list current as of February 2022):

Windows Laptop: Dell Latitude 14''

• Standard specifications:
• Intel® Core i7 quad core processor
• 16 GB of RAM
• 512 GB solid state drive
• 14.0", 1366 x 768 internal display
• Comes with accessories:
• Dell 24", 1920 x 1080 external display
• External optical drive (on request)
• Docking station, keyboard, mouse, speakers, cable lock, webcam, wireless headset
• Choice of carrying bag: neoprene sleeve (default), backpack, briefcase, or none

Mac OS Laptop: MacBook Pro 14"

• Standard specifications:
• Apple M1 Pro chip with 8-core CPU, 14-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine
• 16 GB of RAM
• 512 GB solid state drive (no optical drive)
• 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
• Comes with accessories:
• Dell 24", 1920 x 1080 external display
• Apple wireless keyboard and mouse, speakers, cable lock, webcam, wireless headset
• Choice of carrying bag: neoprene sleeve (default), backpack, briefcase, or none

Technology Exceptions

Some faculty members may have research needs that exceed the capabilities of local compute offerings. Together, HBS IT and Research Computing Services can help you find the right blend of resources to address these needs, including:

• The HBSGrid research compute cluster
  • For larger compute problems that require more RAM, disk space, or CPU power than found on a typical desktop/laptop; or High Risk Confidential Information storage, or collaborations with others, including persons not at HBS.
  • Features 850+ processor cores, 11 Terabytes of RAM, 5 high-end GPUs, and half a Petabyte of storage.
• The RCS MariaDB relational database server, for storing, retrieving, and merging structured or semi-structured data from one to many data sources.
• The Harvard FAS Research Computing Cannon compute cluster: for larger compute problems too big for the local HBS compute cluster.
• A more powerful or expandable desktop computer. If after consultation with Research Computing Services, it is concluded that you require such a device, you may receive one as part of your onboarding setup. TSS and RCS maintain standard hardware profiles for this high-end equipment. Partial funding must be drawn from the individual's Discretionary Research Fund.

After you arrive at HBS, Technology Support Services (TSS) can respond to all standard technology requests or questions at ithelp@hbs.edu or 617.495.6600.