 Computer Rqmts: 2009 Incoming Freshmen & Transfers: GD & PDIStudents entering the Department of Art and Design in the Graphic Design and Photography and Digital Imagery
concentrations are required to purchase Apple Macintosh laptop computers (there is no requirement for the studio concentration). We have selected
specific configurations that best suit the coursework you will be taking. The department has arranged special academic pricing for
these computers that meet the specifications for the demanding applications
taught in the program. Purchasing
is accomplished through the Cal Poly El Corral Bookstore. Those wishing to view the models can
also visit any of the Apple Retail Stores. Note that some stores may not have
in stock these specific custom configurations. You should take a copy of the
specific requirements to ensure proper configuration.
Laptop
Specifications: 15.4 inch
MacBook Pro 2.4 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo 1440 x
900 pixels 2GB memory 250GB
hard drive 8x
double-layer Super Drive NVIDIA GeForce 9400M + 9600M GT with 256MB VRAM (Approximate
cost with educational discount: $1,899.00) Contact El
Corral Bookstore directly (805.756.5310) for special packages and offers. Software
Specifications: Adobe
Creative Suite 4 Design Standard Acrobat 9
Professional
Illustrator CS4 InDesign
CS4 Photoshop
CS4 (Approximate
cost with educational discount: $399.99) Microsoft
Office (Approximate
cost with educational discount: $30.00) Recommended
Software, Accessories, and Peripherals Although
not strictly required, we recommend the following software upgrade and accessories and
peripherals. Recommended
Software and Font Packages: Adobe
Creative Suite 4 Design Premium Although
the Adobe Creative Suite 4 Design Standard is required for all Graphic Design
students and Photography and Digital Imagery students, it is recommended that Graphic Design students instead purchase the Adobe Creative
Suite 4 Design Premium package, which also includes Dreamweaver CS4, Flash CS4,
and Photoshop CS4 Extended. This software is used in several digital courses
offered in the upper level Graphic Design curriculum. Adobe
Type Classic or Adobe Font Folio While the
MacBook Pro comes with many fonts, many students in graphic design want a larger
selection of typefaces. Adobe Type Classic or Adobe Font Folio is recommended
packages to add to your font library. Recommended Accessories: An
external USB (or wireless) mouse Graphics
programs require high levels of precision, and the touch pads built into
laptops are rarely suitable for long-term work. For extra portability, get a
mouse that has a retractable (or no) cord. Get only an optical mouse as
mechanical mice have a tendency to get jammed by dust and dirt. A USB
flash drive This small
device will help you transfer files from one computer to another quickly and
efficiently. Get a USB 2.0 flash drive for maximum speed. 1GB or 2GB drives
should be sufficient, although larger sizes are available. A
protective case or backpack Keep your
laptop protected from minor drops, scratches, and weather using a protective
case that wraps snugly around the machine and has hard material to protect your
computer. A
security lock and chain All laptops
incorporate a standard security port that accepts a wide range of locks and
cables to secure your investment either in the dorms or in studios. Recommended
Peripherals: Ink jet
Printer A printer
will allow you to print out your projects in black and white and color. Choose
a printer that uses the USB interface for maximum compatibility. Although we do
not recommend a specific model, we do encourage students to purchase from a
major manufacturer such as Epson, Canon, HP or Lexmark. When choosing a printer,
check the price of ink and media as those can vary significantly
from model to model. Flatbed
Scanner/Digital Camera These
optional peripherals are extremely helpful in getting imagery into your
computer. The Department of Art and Design does have cameras available for
checkout, and scanners in the computer lab, however some students like to have
their own equipment for use at a moments notice. Warranties
and Insurance Because of
the large financial investment you will be making, we recommend that all
students investigate and are comfortable with their level of warranty service
and insurance. We strongly
recommend purchasing the Apple Care Protection Plan along with your laptop. This plan
extends your standard warranty to three years. Please read carefully the Terms
and Conditions in order to decide if this is enough coverage for your needs. Insurance In addition
to warranty service, most users will wish to have their computer covered under
an insurance policy in the event of accidental damage or theft. Please consult
your insurance provider for information regarding coverage. Frequently
Asked Questions Do I
really have to purchase a laptop computer? Yes. Many
Graphic Design classes and studios directly integrate computing technology in
the classroom and in many cases students are expected to bring their laptops to
class to work on assignments. While the Department of Art and Design does have
a computer lab, this lab is predominantly for teaching specialized applications
that are not readily available for students. Consequently the Art and Design
lab has limited availability for general use, which means your laptop may be
the only way to complete assignments. What if
I want to purchase a different brand or model of computer? We have
selected a computer that is capable of running the professional software used
by the discipline. This computer is also compatible with the University
infrastructure (network, etc.) and is designed with professional use in mind.
Students who purchase an alternate computer will not be eligible to receive
technical support from our staff. This computer is also configured to have the
longest possible longevity within the discipline of Graphic Design. Although no
computer lasts forever, we have worked to make this machine last as long as
possible. What
sort of support will I receive at the Department of Art and Design? The
Department of Art and Design provides technical support for department-approved
laptops. We provide the following services:
Connecting to the University network, servers, and printers.
Required software installation (It is very important to note that the Department Staff do
not provide instructional support on HOW to use software. We will only assist
with installation and troubleshooting. Instructional support is provided
through your faculty.)
Operating System maintenance and support
Using the Department computer lab It is also
important to note that the Department cannot provide hardware support. If there
are physical problems with your hardware, you will need to contact the
manufacturer or authorized service center. Because we are not certified to fix
hardware, we will void any warranty you have. What
about upgrades/options? Here is a
short list of upgrades/components and what benefit they serve: Memory/RAM This is
probably the single best investment in the performance of your computer. RAM
affects your ability to run multiple programs simultaneously and can greatly
improve the responsiveness of your computer. This upgrade should be chosen over
others if your budget allows. 2GB is the minimum, but 4GB will serve you well
in the future. Screen
Size This issue
is typically a matter of personal preference. Although larger screens are
certainly better, they come at the cost of larger computer size and larger
weight. These factors reduce the portability for some students. These larger
sizes also reduce the options you may have for a computer case/bag. We
recommend that you choose a size that fits well in your lap and in your bag. If
you find the larger screens acceptable, you will appreciate the extra size when
working on graphic projects. Hard
Disk/Storage The larger
the hard disk, the more data you can store on your computer. Keep in mind that
general documents such as papers, spreadsheets and email do not take up very
much space. Movies, videos and large graphic files tend to eat up the bulk of
your storage. We have required a hard drive which will provide ample
storage for your projects and assignments. Keep in mind that storage can always
be extended by purchasing an external hard disk at a later date. This is also a
useful investment to back-up your files. Processor The
processor is the brains of your computer and is involved in every aspect of
its operation. Although getting the fastest processor will certainly make your
computer faster, there are many aspects of computer use that are not bound by
the speed of the processor, so this is not always the most economical upgrade.
Certainly if you have the budget, it never hurts to make your processor faster
(if you have the choice), however, adding Memory (RAM) will usually result in
better bang for the buck. Accessories Please read
our section on Software, Accessories, and Peripherals. What
to do before you arrive
Contact
Information: If you have
questions, please feel free to contact the Department of Art and Design. Rick Salomon IT Consultant & DLAN Coordinator 805.756.1566 Kathryn E.
McCormick Area
Coordinator, Graphic Design 805.756.1164 Robert Howell Area
Coordinator, Photography and Digital Imagery 805.756.2772 Art and Design Department Office 805.756.1148 current articles
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