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Interior Design Professional Sequence Student Laptop Spec
(August 2011)
Although the cheap and light netbooks are attractive, they do not have the
power or memory to run design software. The rule still holds true that as time
goes by, the same computer either gets cheaper or faster, so it is often good to
wait as long as possible before purchasing a high performance machine. We
recommended that students not purchase a high performance laptop until they
have been accepted into the Professional Sequence. Once you're ready to
purchase, keep the following specifications in mind.
Minimum Hardware Spec (Based on Dell Latitude E6520
system. Other vendors have similar systems, but the leve
campus support and help may not be the same.)
Processor Intel Core i5 Processor or better When word processing, you will not
2.6 GHz or faster need the speed. When drawing, you
will always want more than you can
get.
Display Minimum 15.4in UltraSharp There are other machines with larger
(1440x900) WXGA+ LCD Display. screens, but this is where the price
Keep an eye on this one, as the starts to go up quickly. The larger
17” display prices are dropping and screens are easier on your eyes, so if
are easier to see, although they you are not limited by budget, get the
increase the weight as well. larger screen. You also might want to
consider a 22" or 24” external monitor
to work on at home.
Memory 4.0 GB DDR2 SDRAM Minimum
Memory has a huge effect on speed
If you are ordering 4GB get in in a when using graphics applications. If
single 4.0 GB chip leaving one slot you have the monetary resources,
open for a future upgrade. Get 8gb memory is a good upgrade. You will
of memory if you can afford it. need Windows 7 64 bit if you have
more than 4GB of memory.
Video Memory Graphics card with minimum 256 The amount of video memory is an
MB Video Memory. important factor in how fast you can
Recommended 512 MB work with graphics applications.
Hard Drive 250 GB Hard Drive or Minimum Hard drives larger than this hold more
(Minimum Speed 7200RPM) The data, but the first place to spend mone
solid state drives are better if you is on memory and video memory.
can afford it.
External Mouse 2-Button optical mouse with Scroll The external mouse works better for
drawing and keeps your skills
compatible with a desktop machine.
Optical Device DVD +/- RW drive This is a necessity for installing
programs backing up and transporting
files. Graphics files can easily be
300MB or larger.
Battery High Capacity The higher the number of cells, the
longer the laptop will run on battery.
Larger batteries will increase the weigh
though.
Carrying Case To fit computer and Accessories Some are more like a backpack than a
briefcase with space for books and
other materials. The backpacks work
better with heavier laptops. Will you
want to carry your computer while
riding a bicycle? If so get a backpack
case and Complete care or other
Accidental Damage Protection on you
laptop.
Networking Integrated 10/100/1GB Ethernet To connect directly to the network, or t
Port a cable modem or DSL hookup.
Wireless Wireless b/g or g/n wireless card. If This lets you connect to the network in
Networking you want Mobile Broadband, make studio, and at other locations on
sure to get a normal wireless card campus such as the library and the
as well. union. Mobile broadband allows you to
connect anywhere, but has a monthly
fee.
Min. Software Specification (Training available for student
All students should learn.)
Operating System Microsoft® Windows® 7 Windows XP would work as
Get the 64 bit if you have or plan to have well if you have it already.
more than 4 GB of memory.
Office Software Microsoft® Office 2010 Includes word processor,
spreadsheet, presentation, and
email applications.
Vector Drawing AutoDesk AutoCAD Architecture The Fall 2011 SoHE lab will be
Software Student Version – Do NOT buy just using the AutoCAD Architectur
AutoCAD without the Architecture 2011 version. The “workhorse”
suffix. drawing software. Includes
basic AutoCAD functionality as
well as modeling and rendering
tools.
Purchase Information
Hardware Vendor Dell has special pricing for UW students. The system specified here ofte
Visit the DoIT Tech comes out priced less through
Store:
www.doit.techstore.wisc.edu
Also the College of Engineering tab
www.dell.com and compare the academic at the DoIT Web site. Check
price with small business several Web locations to
compare prices.
Software Vendors:
Microsoft Available through DoIT: Standard academic package
AutoDesk Free student version at: Of course the free version is th
www.autodesk.student.com
Also most economical. For pay
available through AutoDesk resellers on versions, choose annual
the Web. Look for AutoDesk Student subscription for students or
versions.
www.academicsuperstore.com perpetual license for students.
Compare prices between
vendors.
Adobe Available through DoIT: Standard academic package
Optional Software (Get training if purchasing. Improves employability.)
Raster Drawing and Adobe PhotoShop The “workhorse” image editing
Editing Software software. Strongly
recommended.
Web Design Adobe DreamWeaver Incorporates multimedia
Presentations InDesign For portfolio and presentation
creation.
Hardw are Options/Upgrades (Not Required, But Nice to Have)
External Keyboard Not portable, but more
comfortable.
External Monitor Not portable, but more
comfortable
Printer Varies, but inkjet models provide quality at A good photo-quality printer let
a more reasonable price. you print portfolio pages at
12x18 format. Ink is the big
expense, so ones with larger
ink cartridges usually cost less
to operate.
Additional Storage Removable hard drive Allows backups for that extra
Device safety level.
Additional Battery High Capacity Gives longer portable run time.
Don’t forget accessories like a case/backpack, a lock and USB memory.
