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Dell Direct Purchase Program

NON-DESIGN STUDENTS

A variety of laptop and desktop computers including Apple, Lenovo, Dell, Acer, Asus, MSI, Toshiba, Samsung, Sony, and HP computers can be purchased at a student discount through the Campus Computer Store.  The different models available can be compared to the hardware recommendations page.

DESIGN STUDENTS

Dell Direct Purchase Program

The Office of Information Technology is recommending the Dell Mobile Precision Workstation 5510 XCTO for all design students.

To visit Dell's student purchase portal and see more details, go to: to http://dell.com/UTexas and then click on the "UTSOA's Recommended Systems" link near the top of the page.

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When purchased through the link above, the Precision 5510 (spec sheet) is configured with/has these options available:

• Display: 15.6" UltraSharp™ FHD IPS (1920x1080) Wide View Anti-Glare LED-backlit screen
  • Configurable option: 15.6" UltraSharp UHD IGZO 4k (3840x2160) Touch screen
    
  • Note: We have experienced some issues with application scaling (particularly in the Adobe Suite) on the 4k screen wherein menus and icons become tiny and therefore hard to read/identify. Please contact us if you have questions before upgrading to this option.
    
• Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-6820HQ (Quad Core 2.70GHz) 
• Graphics card: NVIDIA® Quadro® M1000M w/ 2GB GDDR5
• Memory (RAM): 16GB, DDR4-2133MHz SDRAM in one slot (DIMM)
  • Configurable option: 32GB, DDR4-2133MHz SDRAM in two slots (DIMMS)
  • Note: With the standard RAM configuration only using one slot, it could be expanded later - up to the laptop's maximum of 32GB.
• Storage: 256GB M.2 solid state drive
  • Configurable option: 512GB M.2 solid state drive
  • Note: While it is possible to upgrade this later, the existing drive would need to be removed and the new blank one installed, which would require a full OS install plus all software and a data backup/restore. This is very time-consuming and can be very frustrating for those unfamiliar with the process, therefore our recommendation is purchase the largest drive you can afford at the initial laptop purchase.
• Wi-fi and Bluetooth: Intel® Dual-Band Wireless-AC 8260 Wi-Fi + BlueTooth 4.1 Wireless Card
• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro, 64-bit, English, French, Spanish
  • Note: We have had success using Windows 10 with the software required by SOA's courses and are confident recommending it to our students. If you are not ready to start using Windows 10 and want to install an earlier version, it will require that you purchase a new copy of the version you want to use, erase the drive, and install Windows and all the software. Like replacing the drive, is very time-consuming and can be very frustrating for those unfamiliar with the process. Please also be aware that Windows 7 is the oldest version that is compatible with the software taught at SOA and our 'next best' recommendation is Windows 8.1 (not version 8).
    
• Weight: 3.93 lbs
• Warranty (non-accidental coverage): 3 Year Hardware Service with Onsite/In-Home Service After Remote Diagnosis
  
  • Configurable options: 4 years, 5 years
    
• Accidental damage: 3 Years Accidental Damage Service
  
  • Configurable options: 4 years, 5 years
    

Other options available through the Campus Computer Store. 

Although the school uses primarily Dell hardware, we do not endorse Dell exclusively and in addition to the Precision 5510, we have identified some appropriate laptops from other manufacturers that are available through the Campus Computer Store.

The Lenovo ThinkPad P50 is Autodesk certified.  It is a 15.6” laptop weighing 5.6 lbs.

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We are currently suggesting three tiers for incoming students:

• Basic - This is the recommended system for most design students.
• Advanced - (XR Ready) This is the recommended system for students who are interested in using advanced and emerging digital technologies during their studies. Focusing especially on virtual and augmented reality, as well as advanced rendering, real-time visualization and simulation, advanced scripting, and programming, and/or advanced building information modeling.
• Non-design: This is the recommendation for students in programs without intense design components.

Comparison Charts

Prices subject to change