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Guidelines for Student Computer Purchases
for Graphic Design Emphasis

Beginning with students entering the Art program in the Fall of 1998 and henceforth, the Mississippi State University Department of Art requires art majors with a graphic design emphasis to purchase a computer by the time they enroll in the "Graphic Design I" course, usually in the junior year, following the passing of the Foundation Program Review (December of Sophomore or Junior Year.) We would strongly recommend that students purchase a top of the line Macintosh OS machine (see below for details). This will enable students to be fully compatible with all of their assignments done in class, labs, and throughout the graphics industry. By purchasing a quality machine, this extends the efficient and useful life of a computer, and thus will save money in the long run. In addition, students may choose to purchase one of several popular software packages that allows them to use any Windows based programs if they do so desire.

:: DESKTOP Computer Recommendation

• Any Mac Pro Tower ($1999.00 - $3299.00)

• Minimum of 250 GB (gigabytes) of hard drive space for graphic design

• Minimum of 2GB of RAM or more preferred

• A 20” or larger monitor (price will vary greatly with quality and brand - $300.00)

:: LAPTOP Computer Recommendation

• Any MacBook Pro Laptop ($1799.00 - $2599.00)

• Minimum of 120 GB (gigabytes) of hard drive space for graphic design

• Minimum of 2GB of RAM or more preferred

:: Alternative Computer Considerations

• Any new model iMac. The iMac can be a less expensive alternative to the professional system mentioned above. It offers the most common hardware (CPU, monitor, etc.) in a single package for $1149.00 to $2149.00.

• Any new model MacBook . The MacBook product line offers a very powerful, yet portable, graphics solution. MacBooks range in price from $999.00 - $1399.00.

:: Software packages

With the March 27th Announcement of Adobe Creative Suite 3 (CS3) there are a slew of new packages available to students.

• $200.00 - Adobe CS3 Design Standard - Photoshop / Illustrator / InDesign / Acrobat Pro
• $300.00 - Adobe CS3 Design Premium - Photoshop / Illustrator / InDesign / Acrobat Pro / Flash Pro / Dreamweaver

You can now buy this software through MSU ITS at a greater discount. Go to http://www.its.msstate.edu/Services/Software/index.php, and scroll down and pick Select Software for Personal Machines. In the Product Search box, Type Adobe CS3 and press enter. Most students will want Adobe CS3 Design Standard, which is the minimum requirement for Graphic Design ($204+SH).

:: Printer

High-quality color inkjet printer capable of printing 13"x19" or larger prints.

• $299-$399 - Epson Stylus Photo 1280
• $399 - Epson Stylus Photo 1400
• $549 - Epson Stylus Photo 1800

:: Total Costs

Total estimated average hardware and software requirements will be between $2,100.00 - $5,000.00+ depending upon what items a student needs to match their specialty (i.e. more ram, accessories, etc.).

These prices were compiled in December 2007. Hardware and software prices are constantly changing, usually for the better. Please note that most software and hardware can be purchased by students at academic prices (*) through the University’s bookstore and various other computer stores.

We recommend that students look not only at Apple Computers online store for pricing, but Mac catalog resellers as well. Though Apple has educational discounts on their machines, they do charge for Sales Tax and shipping. The vendors listed on the site below (via Price Tracker) do not charge Sales Tax and usually throw in free printers and extra memory. Shipping can often be negotiated out of the final price. It usually works out that Apple might be $10-25 cheaper (after tax & shipping have been added to the educational price), but when you purchase from a catalog reseller, you get $300.00 in free equipment that will enhance the machine for the same price.

:: HOT LINKS

Apple Links:
http://www.apple.com
http://www.apple.com/store
http://www.apple.com/retail
http://www.apple.com/hardware

Catalog Resellers:
http://www.macconnection.com
http://www.maczone.com
http://www.cdw.com

Mac Price Tracker:
http://dealmac.com/

Student Software Pricing:
http://www.its.msstate.edu/Services/Software/index.php

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT MOST HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE COMPANIES WILL RELEASE NEW VERSIONS OF THEIR ITEMS RIGHT BEFORE SEMESTERS BEGIN (usually in July and January). KEEP THIS IN MIND WHEN YOU DECIDE TO MAKE YOUR PURCHASES.