Laptop Requirements

When selecting the hardware specifications for a laptop, consider that the minimum hardware specs below should provide the APLA student with around three years of reliable service. In most cases, students will not need such a robust machine for the first three years of studio.

Most students in the lower year level studios only run specific software that do not require such powerful laptops.

In most cases, an “off the shelf” laptop with the 3rd year and below specifications will suffice. If the occasion does arrive where more power is needed, the Virtual Lab offers a great alternative.

You may choose to wait to purchase a robust laptop with the specs below until the beginning of the 4th year studio.

Architecture Minimum Hardware Requirements

3rd year and below:
OS: Windows 10/11 or MacOS 11/12
Processor: i5 Minimum (i7 better), M1 (M1 Pro Better)
RAM: 16GB
RAM Graphics Card: 4GB Video Card (NVIDIA or M1)
Storage: 512GB to 1TB (1TB better)
Backup: 1TB External Drive for backups or cloud storage
8GB or larger USB Drive
Corded/Wireless Mouse (Trackpad is not sufficient)

4th year and above:
OS: Windows 10/11 or MacOS 11/12
Processor: Multi-Core Intel Xeon, Intel i7/i9, M1 Max or Above
RAM: 32GB of RAM
Graphics Card: 8GB Video Card or M1 Max
Storage: 1TB SSD
Backup: 1TB External Drive for backups or cloud storage
8GB or larger USB Drive
Corded/Wireless Mouse (Trackpad is not sufficient)

Auburn University’s McWhorter School of Building Science is committed to providing advanced educational facilities and experiences for students in preparation for professional life. BSCI students are required to have a laptop. When selecting the hardware specifications for a laptop, consider that the minimum hardware specs should provide a BSCI student with two to three years of reliable service. Students either get the minimum specs and plan to replace it after three years, or they can opt for a machine with top end specs that can serve for the duration of their study. 

The McWhorter School of Building Science has four computer laboratories for general and classroom usage. The computers located in the Thesis lab are reserved for thesis students only. Two of the other laboratories are classrooms, but the machines can be used by BSCI students while classes are not in session. One additional computer classroom provides a virtual construction environment. The fourth computer laboratory is an open room that students can use at any time. This fourth lab is also equipped with scanners, a high-end printer, and high-end plotter. A high-end printer and a plotter are also located in the student lounge.

To provide the level of digital input technologies that professional education demands, all graduate students joining the MBC program are required to have a serviceable laptop computer with a minimum system configuration.

RECOMMENDED REQUIREMENTS
OS: Windows 10/11 or MacOS 11/12
Processor: i7 Minimum (Xenon better), M1 Pro(M1 Max Better)
RAM: 16GB RAM (32GB Better)
Graphics Card: 6GB Video Card (NVIDIA or M1 Pro)
Storage: 512GB to 1TB (1TB better)
Backup: 1TB External Drive for backups or cloud storage
8GB or larger USB Drive
Corded/Wireless Mouse (Trackpad is not sufficient)

SOFTWARE
Adobe Creative Cloud (FREE)
Sketch-Up Pro (Yearly Subscription)
Microsoft Office 365 (FREE)
AutoCAD (FREE)

EXAMPLE HARDWARE
Microsoft Surfacebook, Dell XPS 15, Apple 16” Macbook Pro 

Recommended Computer System:
Since the Apple Macintosh remains the dominant computer in the print design, publishing and multimedia design industries, the Graphic Design program is primarily a Mac environment.

Hardware: All hardware is to be purchased by the student.

Minimum Recommended Hardware 
13″ MacBook Air or 14” MacBook Pro
16 GB Memory 
1 TB SSD
AppleCare+
8 GB or greater USB Drive
Mouse

Software
All software is to be provided by the Graphic Design Program upon entering GDES 2230.
Microsoft Office 365: Word, Excel, PowerPoint (Free)
Adobe Creative Cloud (Free) 

When do I purchase my computer?
Computer ownership is a requirement for students entering the second-year level program for GDES 2210 Graphic Processes and GDES 2220 Typographics I.

We Strongly Recommend The Following:
Security cable for locking the laptop down at a workstation.
Security software—to prevent strangers from accessing your data.
Renter’s insurance to cover the loss or theft of your laptop.

Miscellaneous Notes:
In addition to Apple Outlets, you also may check the University Bookstore, Best Buy, and MacMall for pricing and availability.

We recommend that you consider purchasing the AppleCare Protection Plan. For up to three years from your computer’s original purchase date, you get access to Apple’s telephone technical support for questions about Apple hardware, Mac OS.

Note: Students in financial distress may consider purchasing a Windows laptop as their final option. While there may be some disadvantages, the Graphic Design program will allow this option to encourage students who have the talent and desire but lack sufficient funds to purchase the more expensive option.

Windows and Macs are welcome; however, SolidWorks will not run natively on a Mac.  

Windows or Mac PC
Intel i5 or Xeon 
16 GB RAM, 1TB SSD
4 GB video card (AMD or NVIDIA) that supports OpenGL
8 GB or greater USB Drive 

Software
Microsoft Office 365: Word, Excel, PowerPoint (Free)
Adobe Creative Cloud (Free) 

During your first semester, you are encouraged to use your current laptop as you acclimate to the program and better understand expectations and requirements. As you move into your second semester, the same laptop can be used as you will rely heavily on the Virtual Lab within the School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture. At the beginning of the second year, students will need a laptop that meets the Minimum Hardware Requirements shown below. Because of specific software that will be used, Apple Computers (Macs) are not supported at this time. As of this writing Macs are unable to be partitioned with BootCamp and therefore will not meet the require Minimum Hardware Requirements.

SPECIFICATIONS
Apple Computers (Macs) are not supported at this time.

Minimum Hardware Requirements for the BLA Program
OS: Windows 10/11
Processor: i7 Minimum
RAM: 16GB RAM
Graphics Card: 4GB Video Card (AMD or NVIDIA)
Storage: 512GB to 1TB (1TB better)
Backup: 1TB External Drive for backups or cloud storage
8GB or larger USB Drive
Corded/Wireless Mouse (Trackpad is not sufficient)

If you have questions or concerns about whether or not your laptop meets these requirements, please consult with the Unit Technology Manager in APLA. 

Due to the advanced modeling and graphic demands of the Master of Landscape Architecture program, students are expected to provide their own laptop while in the program. Because of specific software that will be used, Apple Computers (Macs) are not supported at this time. As of this writing Macs are unable to be partitioned with BootCamp and therefore will not meet the require Minimum Hardware Requirements listed in the Laptop Specification Examples. The following examples are based on hardware and software requirements for the Landscape Architecture Program. Prices are subject to change.

Specifications
Apple Computers (Macs) are not supported at this time. 

Laptop Specification Examples for MLA