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Pre-existing Hardware 

As a general rule, we recommend purchasing postponing new hardware unless purchases until your current hardware meets the minimum specifications.  Howeverbreaks or cannot perform adequately. However, pre-existing hardware, or other hardware that does not explicitly meet the hardware specifications below, will be treated as being 'in compliance' so long as the hardware is successfully running all of the software required by the student’s program and courses.

Minimum/Recommended Specifications

The specific minimum and recommended hardware specifications for the next academic year will be updated annually on or before July 1.  The minimum requirements constitute a computer system with an anticipated lifespan for architectural design purposes of two to three years.  The recommended requirements constitute a computer system with an anticipated lifespan for architectural design purposes of five years.

(1) - The most important recommendation for video cards is that they are on the list of Autodesk Certified Hardware for Revit. The card search can be found at http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/syscert?id=18844534&siteID=123112
(2) - Screen size is mostly about usage style, weight, portability, and eyesight. Smaller screens provide lower weight and higher portability while larger screens provide a larger desktop at the expense of weight and portability. 

Additional Recommendations (Peripherals/Services)

In addition to your required laptop there are several peripherals which can be very helpful to your digital productivity and security.

• External Mouse - An external mouse is a necessity for most CAD/BIM packages.  We have not included one in our laptop bundles due to the wide variations in price, look, feel, and connection options.
• External Monitor and Keyboard - Laptops, while great for portability, are less good at providing and optimal ergonomic workspace.  If you anticipate lots of screen time in your degree, consider purchasing an external monitor and keyboard for your primary workspace.  We are currently recommending the Dell E2313H E-series or Dell P2312H P-series monitors, both are 23” 1920x1080 monitors with a sub $200 price point, the P-series includes an integrate integrated USB and adjustable stand for a small increase in price.
• USB Memory Key or Mini Drive - Ranging in size up to 128GB, these devices provide easy access, storage, and mobility for working files. For working architectural or GIS files I would recommend 8GB or larger.
• USB External Hard Drive - Available in portable and desktop sizes and ranging from 120GB to 3TB of storage, these external disks provide great data backup and redundancy. Remember, if your data is on your laptop hard drive and your external hard drive, it is safe from a single hard drive crash. In addition, the portable version can make it easy to move large amounts of data between computers or locations.
• Inkjet printer - The School offers printing services, however, if producing quick output at your studio desktop for sketching, collage, or other design processes would benefit you, consider purchasing an inkjet printer. In addition, an inkjet printer will give you access to more different types of print media than are available through the School's output devices. Letter size inkjets can be found for under $100 and you can get very good tabloid size inkjets for $300-$400.
• Digital Camera - The School offers digital cameras for checkout, however, if photography is a large component of your design process, there are many benefits to selecting, owning, and getting to know your own digital camera.Scanner - The School offers a variety of scanners in the computer lab, however, if scanning for collage or digital to hand iteration is a large component of your design process, there are many benefits to selecting, owning, and having constant studio desk access to your own digital scanner. Since decent scanners can be had for around $100, you might consider chipping in with studio mates to purchase a scanner together for use in the studio.
• Cable Lock - A locking mechanism to lock your laptop, monitor, printer, keyboard, and other peripherals to your studio desk while you are away is a great way to protect your computer investment and your data.Online Data Backup Service - Superior to running backups on a local hard drive (which can be lost, damaged, or stolen), you may consider subscribing to a realtime cloud-based backup service.  The university uses a version of CrashPlan Pro (http://www.crashplan.com).  CrashPlan’s unlimited data single computer commercial service is available for as little as $4 per month.