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 (no Snapdragon processors)
  • 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.
  • Do not purchase an Ipad or Surface Pro to use as your primary computer.

Adobe Creative Cloud

 

The illustration discipline leans heavily towards MacOS and so investing in an Apple computer is recommended. However, all of the software we use will work on a Windows system. 

The animation discipline varies between MacOS and Windows. If your interests are primarily towards 3D modeling or game design a PC is recommended. For all other interests, including those interested in animation generally, MacOS is recommended. 

Minimum Computer Requirements

For Apple Systems:

MacBook Air, MacBook Pro (recommended)

  • M-Series Apple Silicon Processor
  • 15” or larger screen
  • At least 16 GB of RAM (more recommended) 
  • At least 512 GB of Storage (more recommended)

Note, MacBook Neo will not be powerful enough for your design work. 

For Windows Systems:
  • Intel Core Ultra 9 or AMD Ryzen AI 9
  • NVIDIA RTX Graphics
  • 15” or larger screen
  • At least 16 GB of RAM (more recommended) 
  • At least 512 GB of Storage (more recommended)

Required Digitizing Tablet

All Illustration and Animation students will need a drawing screen or digitalizing tablet. There are several options depending on your budget and concentration. Consider also waiting to make a big tablet investment until your Sophomore or Junior year.

Screenless Digitizing Tablet (budget option)

This version of tablet allows you to draw on the tablet surface while watching your cursor on your laptop screen. This form of tablet works well for Illustration but is not well suited for Animation. 

The Wacom Intuos and Intuos Pro are good options.

Pen Display (recommended for Animators)

This is a computer screen that allows you to draw directly on the surface. This format of tablet makes drawing easier, as your pen lines up with the mark you are making.

The Wacom Cintiq and Wacom One are good options. 

Apple iPad with Apple Pencil (recommended for Illustrators)

The iPad allows you to run popular illustration software directly on the device. You can also use the iPad as a pen display using 3rd party software. If selecting an iPad, make sure to choose a model that is compatible with the Apple Pencil, and larger sizes are better. iPad mini is too small.

Required Technology Accessories

  • External hard drive for backup – at least 2 TB
  • Camera capable of video for capturing reference – smartphone with camera is sufficient. 

Recommended Technology Accessories

  • External monitor, keyboard, mouse.
  • Cell phone camera stand or mount.
  • Wired or wireless headphones – over-ear or ear-bud style are acceptable. 

Provided Software

The University of Kansas, and the Design department provide free access to most of the software you will need for your work. 

Microsoft Office 365: KU students, faculty and staff can download free desktop versions of Microsoft Office products for home use through Office 365. This includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Teams and OneDrive for Business.

Microsoft Office 365

Adobe Creative Cloud: Students in all School of Architecture & Design degree programs can sign up to receive a personal license to Adobe Creative Cloud at no cost. This includes access to Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and Premier.

Adobe Creative Cloud

Autodesk Student: All students can sign up for free access to Audodesk software via the Autodesk Educational Program. This includes access to Maya and 3ds Max.

Autodesk Student

ToonBoom Harmony: Animation and Illustration students will be provided with limited access to ToonBoom software as part of their courses. More information will be provided by your instructor. 

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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