(Updated May 2020)
NOTE, MAY 2020: Due to COVID-19 response, students need to be prepared for the potential of all courses being online. Expect some courses to be online anyway. Minimum specifications are required to complete course assignments off-campus.
Apple number pad. EACH DEPARTMENT HAS DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS!
For designers, the True Tone Retina display is probably the most prominent feature of the MacBook Pro. It's available with an i7 or i9 4- to 8-core Intel processor that has a maximum clock speed of 4.7 GHz. The standard model will give you 16 GB of RAM and up to 64 GB. You can get up to a terabyte of SSD storage as well. For designers, the True Tone Retina display is probably the most prominent feature of the MacBook Pro. It's available with an i7 or i9 4- to 8-core Intel processor that has a maximum clock speed of 4.7 GHz. The standard model will give you 16 GB of RAM and up to 64 GB. You can get up to a terabyte of SSD storage as well. Voice editing software for pc free download. Best laptop for graphic design in 2021. And a new keyboard design, Apple's new top-of-the-range MacBook Pro has restored the. Price points and specifications that will make remote working.
Graphic Design undergraduate students must have their own computer by the Fall Semester of their first year.
Graphic Design graduate students must have their own computer by the Fall Semester of their first year.
Macintosh computers are required for Graphic Design students.
The Department of Graphic Design and Industrial Design at NC State was the first program in the University of North Carolina system to require students to have a computer for their studies. This requirement has allowed our students to gain a level of computer proficiency and confidence that is essential in practice. Graphic design integrates computers in virtually every step of the design process from conception to production and in a range of media including print, video, and web. Apple Macintosh is the preferred platform of the graphic design field and is required for our Graphic Design students.
Download the departmental Materials List for more detailed information from the Department of Graphic Design and Industrial Design. (Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view this file.)
Macbook Specs For Graphic Design Websites
Each department in the College of Design has different computer requirements. Please read the College's Student Computing Requirements Information page for general information before spending money on computer hardware or software.
We recommend that your computer meet or exceed the specifications below. A computer with greater capability (processor speed, RAM, disk capacity) and expandability will be more likely to continue to run required software in later years of college.
This chart provides minimum recommendations for students purchasing new computers. Software requirements are listed at the bottom of the chart. Additional specialized software may be required in other courses, as determined by the instructor. Students may consider the purchase of other software to support their particular goals and learning styles.
Macintosh Computers
| Components | Macintosh Desktop | Macintosh Laptop | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU (Processor) or Model | Good iMac 21.5″ or 27″(includes built-in monitor) any current model | Better iMac Pro or Mac Pro, any current model | MacBook Pro, any current 15″ or 16″ model |
| System RAM | 16 GB minimum, more preferred | 16 GB minimum, more preferred | |
| Hard Drive (Storage) | 512 GB SSD minimum, more preferred (multiple drives are fine) | 512 GB SSD minimum, more preferred (multiple drives are fine) | |
| Monitor/Display | 20″ 4K resolution minimum (Consider two monitors for more working space on the computer.) iMacs include a built-in 5K monitor. Monitors from other vendors will work with Apple computers. | 15″ or 16″ display included (Consider a second 4K external monitor for more working space on the computer.) Monitors from other vendors will work with Apple computers. | |
| Graphics Processor Unit (GPU)Should have a discrete GPU. | 4 GB VRAM or higher. Avoid integrated graphics processors. | ||
| Operating System | Mac OS X version 10.14 or later | ||
| Audio | Standard on Macintosh | ||
| Network Adapters | Wi-Fi and Wired ethernet connection included. CAT 6 ethernet cable recommended for faster connections in studio. | Wi-Fi is included. Wired ethernet adapter and CAT 6 ethernet cable recommended for faster connections in studio. | |
| External Hard Drive for Back-ups | An external drive at least as large as your computer's internal drive for backing up your computer | ||
| Warranty Service | 3-year AppleCare Protection Plan or third-party loss/damage coverage | ||
| Software Be sure to check for educational discounts through the College of Design or Wolfpack Outfitters. Additional software may be required for certain courses. | • Adobe Creative Cloud • Microsoft Office 365 (free for NCSU students) | ||
| Digital Camera (Sophomore Year) | 8.0 Megapixel or higher, Macintosh-compatible digital camera with case |
Questions?
Macbook Pro For Graphic Design
The College's Information Technology staff will be glad to go over purchase choices or answer any related questions. You can send an email to design_help@ncsu.edu or use this form to contact the College Information Technology staff with specific information about your problem.
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Macbook Air For Graphic Design
Macbook Pro 1- 1,889.00 (with Student Discount)
2.4 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo
2 Gb Ram (Will Upgrade to 4Gb myself)
200 Gb 7200 Rpm
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB
Macbook Pro 2- 2,344.00 (with Student Discount)
2.5 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo
2 Gb Ram (Will Upgrade to 4Gb myself)
200 Gb 7200 Rpm
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 512MB
And if I do go with the MAcbook Pro 2 do I dish out the extra $250 for the 2.6 Ghz processer?
Any help would be much appreciated!
