NOTICE: The following recommendations are not part of the UTSOA Computer Policy which has been approved by the faculty and administration of the school. These technical recommendations are provided by the Office of Information Technology (OIT) based on our technical experience with hardware, software and student, faculty and computer lab support.
Pre-existing Hardware
As a general rule, we recommend purchasing new hardware unless your current hardware meets the minimum specifications. 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.
Apple Hardware
For those who current own or are considering purchasing Apple hardware, the following should be noted:
- Since several applications used in the curriculum are only available on the Windows operating system, Apple users will be required to run Windows on their Apple hardware.
- Apple's discreet video cards are not Autodesk certified.
- Due to issues with using Boot Camp, we do not recommend Apple Hardware.
- We strongly discourage virtualization software like VMWare Fusion or Parallels Desktop for use with intense design software.
- Students who are technically savvy and opt for Apple hardware with Boot Camp and Windows despite these recommendations should anticipate investing additional time and energy in OS maintenance and application troubleshooting.
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.
Design Laptop Hardware Requirements for New Purchases |
| FALL 2016 |
|---|---|---|
Hardware Component | Minimum | Recommended |
Processor | Intel i5 dual core | Intel i7 quad core |
Memory | 8.0 GB | 16.0 GB with expansion space or 32 GB |
Hard Drive | 250+ GB 7200RPM | 256+ GB SSD |
Video Card (1) | 1 GB NVIDIA Quadro | 2GB or more |
Screen Size (2) | 13 inch | 14-17 inch |
Networking (Wireless) | 802.11 a/g/n | 802.11 a/g/n/ac |
Networking (Wired) | 10/100 Ethernet | 10/100/1000 Ethernet |
Peripheral Connectivity | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
Warranty | 3 year | 5 year + accidental damage (# of years should match program length - minimum) |
(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 or Dell P2312H monitors, both are 23” 1920x1080 monitors with a sub $200 price point, the P-series includes an integrate USB 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.
