Laptop Recommendations for Design Students

Proficiency navigating and using your computer is more important than whether it is MacOS or Windows. Industrial Design leans heavily toward Windows, all other disciplines lean heavily toward MacOS.

The department has computer labs with Mac and PC computers equipped with all the software students need. However, it is strongly recommended that every student has a laptop that they can bring with them to class. Most hardware can be purchased at the University Tech Shop located in the KU Memorial Union.

Minimum Computer Requirements

  • Quad Core i5 or i7 processor
  • 8-32GB memory
  • 250GB-1TB solid state hard drive

Additional considerations: 

  • An external monitor, keyboard and mouse
  • Dedicated graphics hardware is recommended for video editing, animation, and 3D/CAD software.
  • An external hard drive or cloud storage (google, dropbox) for storage and backup
  • A hard drive backup of your system is highly recommended.

Adobe Creative Cloud

 

Software

Optional Hardware

  • iPad

Software

Please note:

  • If purchasing a laptop, please do not purchase a Mac as it is not compatible with the software needed in the Industrial Design program.

Software (free to students)

Optional Hardware

  • Digital Camera: RAW capable DSLR (full-frame sensor highly recommended)
  • Light Meter: Sekonic L-308S (or greater)
  • Medium-Duty Tripod
  • Bus-Powered Hard Drive: 1TB minimum (Firewire, USB or Thunderbolt)

We recommend for students to consult with a faculty member before purchasing additional hardware.

Software (free to students)

Optional Hardware

  • iPad
  • Wacom tablet

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