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
There is a link at the end of this page that will take you to the UTSOA-DELL purchasing site. Before you navigate away from this page, we strongly recommend that you review the recommendations and systems-types below and make your decision about which type of laptop you would like to have before going to the Dell page.
Five Year Basic Option -- These workstation class laptops offer the stability and performance to reliably get your work done for the length of your degree program. Unfortunately, this class of system does not offer a small-lightweight option. We believe that these basic systems will meet the core design needs of the vast majority of our students for the duration of their degree programs. The student should select based on their desired screen size vs. the amount of weight that they want to carry. All of these systems have Intel i7 2.8 GHz quad core processors, 16 GB RAM, 2 empty RAM slots to accommodate a future upgrade to 24 GB or 32 GB, 750 GB 7200 RPM hard drives, and Autodesk certified entry-level 3D 2GB video cards. Included in the price is a 5 year warranty against defect and accidental damage. In concert with a renter’s insurance policy to insure against theft, this can guarantee a working machine for the duration of your degree program.
- BASIC 15” - Dell Mobile Precision M4700 -- 15.6” screen, ~7 lbs., ~$2,200
- BASIC 17’ - Dell Mobile Precision M6700 -- 17.3” screen, ~9 lbs., ~$2,500
Five Year Power User Option -- These workstation class laptops offer superior performance for handling large and complex design files and applications for demanding users. Unfortunately, this class of system does not offer a small-lightweight option. The student should select based on their desired screen size vs. the amount of weight that they want to carry. All of these systems have Intel i7 2.8 GHz quad core processors, 32 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD boot drives, 750 GB 7200 RPM data drives, and Autodesk certified mid-level 3D 2GB video cards. Included in the price is a 5 year warranty against defect and accidental damage. In concert with a renter’s insurance policy to insure against theft, this can guarantee a working machine for the duration of your degree program.
- POWER 15” - Mobile Precision M4700 -- 15.6” screen, ~7 lbs., ~$3,100
- POWER 17” - Mobile Precision M6700 -- 17.3” screen, ~9 lbs. , ~$3,500
Link to the UTSOA-Dell Student Laptop Purchase Site: TBA
To get to the computer deals, click on the "Recommended Computers for UT School of Architecture Students" link on the left side of the page.
Other options available through the Campus Computer Store.
Although the school uses primarily Dell hardware, we do not endorse Dell exclusively and have identified some appropriate laptops from other manufacturers that are available through the Campus Computer Store.
The Lenovo ThinkPad W530 series is Autodesk certified. It is a 15.6” laptop weighing a little over 6lbs. Various models are available and you can compare them to the hardware recommendations page.
The HP EliteBook 8470W (14” screen, ~5 lbs.), 8570W (15.6” screen, ~7 lbs.), & 8770W (17.3” screen, ~8 lbs.) series is Autodesk certified. Various models are available and you can compare them to the hardware recommendations page.
The MSI GT60 is not Autodesk certified as a system, but has an optional NVIDIA Quadro K2000M video card that is Autodesk certified. It is a 15.6” laptop weighing almost 8lbs. It has a lower price point than similar products from the brand name vendors. Various models are available and you can compare them to thehardware recommendations page.
