Computer Specifications

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

• 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

• 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..

• Any new model MacBook . The MacBook product line offers a very powerful, yet portable, graphics solution.

:: Software packages

• $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

:: 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.).

This list was assembled in January 2009. 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.

:: HOT LINKS

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

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.

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Contact:

Department of Art

102 Freeman Hall PO Box 5182

Mississippi State, MS39762

Phone: 662-325-2970

Fax: 662-325-3850

Campus Location (MAP)