Laptop Recommendations
We encourage all Interior design students to purchase a laptop for use during your time at NESAD. Purchasing a laptop that meets or exceeds the specifications below will ensure that design software runs properly and that your laptop will have the power to run the newest software during your time at NESAD.
You can review our design software recommendations here.
Mac vs. Windows
Students can purchase either a Mac or Windows based laptop that meets the criteria below. Please note that Mac users will need to purchase additional software to run AutoCAD which is a required drawing program for Interior Design majors.
Mac Hardware Guide
Students considering an Apple Laptop need to purchase a MacBook Pro. Educational discounts are available.Please keep in mind that you will need to install Windows XP on your Apple Laptop to run AutoCAD (you can discuss this with an Apple representative).
All other recommended design software is Mac compatible.
PC Hardware Guide
Students considering a Windows PC should use the following hardware criteria when purchasing a computer.Processor
2.2GHz or higher.
Intel – The Core 2 Duo or Quad is best.
AMD – Turion 64 X2 is best.
RAM
1GB is recommended. 2GB will show significant performance and speed.
Hard Drive
80GB or more of storage space is recommended.
Video / Graphics
Avoid Intel Integrated or any integrated. Buy ATi or nVidia with at least 128MB of memory. This is necessary for 3D programs like Autodesk VIZ, ArchiCAD and Sketchup.
Screen Size
Screen should be 14 inches or more. While a larger is preferable with design software, it will also increase the size and weight of your laptop.
CD / DVD Drive
A CD Burner and/or DVD Burner are recommended. They are good for backing up the system and files. A DVD Burner can hold 6 times the amount of a CD. CD Burners and/or DVD Burners are great for archiving large amounts of data which could be lost if the hard drive should ever die.
Operating System (OS)
Any PC laptop bought today will come pre-installed with Windows Vista. Vista Home Edition or Business edition are both OK. Windows XP is compatible with all recommended software.
Wireless Networking
Also known as 802.11 or WiFi. Wireless is now a standard feature of all new laptops. Wireless cards can be added to any laptop that does not already have
External Desktop Mouse
Recommended when using AutoCAD and other drawing programs.