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 postponing new hardware purchases until your current hardware breaks or cannot perform adequately. 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 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 2014 |
|---|---|---|
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 + Optional Data Drive |
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 |
Networking (Wired) | 10/100 Ethernet | 10/100/1000 Ethernet |
Peripheral Connectivity | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
Warranty | 3 year | 5 year + accidental damage |
(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.
Below is a comparison of the current competing laptops (described on the Hardware Purchasing Resources page) when configured comparably to the Dell M3800.
NOTE: These comparisons are not fully apples-to-apples because the HP and Lenovo options are ‘packages’ and not fully customizable like the Dell.
HP
ZBook 15 (model: F2P51UT)
Specs: 15.5" LED Notebook - Intel - Core i7 i7-4800MQ 2.7GHz. STK# 11241635 MFG# F2P51UT#ABA MFG:HEWLETT PACKARD - 16 GB RAM - 750 GB HDD - 32 GB SSD - Blu-ray Reader/DVD-Writer - NVIDIA Quadro K2100M, Intel HD 4600 Graphics - Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64-bit - 1920 x 1080 Display - Bluetooth
- Slightly better processor (Windows rating 8.4 vs. 8.0)
- Same RAM (HP can upgrade to 32GB – Dell is max at 16GB)
- Larger hard drive + small SSD boot drive – more storage but also more complicated setup than single SSD drive
- Slightly more powerful GPU – 576 vs. 384 CUDA cores.
- Lower resolution screen (1920x1080) no touchscreen
- 3 year warranty, no accidental damage coverage
- Weight = 6.5 lbs.
- Blu-ray optical drive
- $2755.99 ($150 more than Dell M3800)
ZBook 15 F2P52UT
Specs: 15.6" LED Notebook - Intel - Core i7 i7-4800MQ 2.7GHz - Graphite. STK# 11241636 MFG# F2P52UT#ABA MFG:HEWLETT PACKARD - 16 GB RAM - 750 GB HDD - DVD-Writer - NVIDIA Quadro K2100M, Intel HD 4600 Graphics - Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64-bit - 1920 x 1080 Display - Bluetooth.
- Slightly better processor (Windows rating 8.4 vs. 8.0)
- Same RAM (HP can upgrade to 32GB – Dell is max at 16GB)
- Larger hard drive – more storage, but slower and worse battery life than single SSD drive on Dell
- Slightly more powerful GPU – 576 vs. 384 CUDA cores.
- Lower resolution screen (1920x1080) no touchscreen
- 3 year warranty, no accidental damage coverage
- Weight = 6.5 lbs.
- DVD-RW drive
- 2295.99 (save approx. $300 vs. Dell M3800)
Lenovo
ThinkPad W540 (model: 20BHS17Y00)
Specs: 15.5" LED (In-plane Switching (IPS) Technology) Notebook - Intel Core i7 i7-4700MQ 2.40 GHz. STK# 11328512 MFG# 20BHS17Y00 MFG:LENOVO - 16 GB RAM - 256 GB SSD - DVD-Writer - NVIDIA, Intel Quadro K1100M, HD 4600 - Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit - 2880 x 1620 Display - Bluetooth.
- Slightly better processor (Windows rating 8.2 vs. 8.0)
- Same RAM (Lenovo can upgrade to 32GB – Dell M3800's max is 16GB)
- Smaller SSD Hard Drive (256GB vs. 512GB)
- Same GPU – less graphics memory – 1GB vs. 2GB
- Similar resolution screen (2880x1620), no touchscreen
- 1 year warranty, no accidental damage coverage
- Weight = 6 lbs.
- DVD-RW drive
- $1987.99 (save approx. $600 vs. Dell M3800)
ThinkPad W540 (model: 20BH002DUS)
Specs: 15.5" LED Notebook - Intel Core i7 i7-4800MQ 2.70 GHz. STK# 11284786 MFG# 20BH002DUS MFG:LENOVO - 8 GB RAM - 256 GB SSD - DVD-Writer - NVIDIA, Intel Quadro K1100M, HD Graphics 4600 - Windows 8 Pro 64-bit - 2880 x 1620 Display - Bluetooth.
- Slightly better processor (windows rating 8.4 vs. 8.0)
- Less RAM - would need to purchase upgrade (Lenovo can upgrade to 32GB – Dell is max at 16GB)
- Smaller SSD Hard Drive (256GB vs. 512GB)
- Same GPU and graphics memory
- Similar resolution screen (2880x1620), no touchscreen
- 1 year warranty, no accidental damage coverage
- Weight = 6 lbs.
- DVD-RW drive
- $2971.99 (approx. $370 more than Dell M3800)
In summary, with the Dell M3800 you get a more lightweight workstation with very good battery life. The HP and Lenovo options offer more ‘room for growth’ (higher max RAM, slightly faster and more power hungry processors) at the expense of an approximately 50% increase in weight. Additionally, the new Dell high-resolution touchscreen is superior to the other displays. Admittedly, that the ~$2000 Lenovo is a tempting comparison, however the HPs are less impressive.
The other key difference is warranty – the Dell comes with a 3 year "no-matter-what warranty", whereas the others come with a 3 year (HP) or 1 year (Lenovo) factory warranty. How much you value this warranty is an individual matter.
RECOMMENDED 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.
