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Florida State /  Department of Art / Undergraduate / Computer Requirement

Computer Requirement

All Studio Art & Design students will need to purchase a laptop computer. This allows students to work seamlessly on their own computer in studio classes and computer labs.  Please download the Art Laptop Requirement pdf for details.

Both Apple and Windows based laptops can be purchased at the FSU Computer Store or through any outside vendor. FSU students DO receive a “student discount” at the FSU Computer Store. Additionally the Computer Store offers equipment/software bundles at discount pricing. For more information visit the Computer Store site at: http://www.fsucs.com/

Laptop Requirements

*If you are pursuing a BFA in Art or a BFA in Design: There will also be additional software requirements that may be recommended to complete specific Focus Areas for the degree.

Please refer to the website for Focus Area courses.
Currently (2011), all Macintosh based laptops meet or exceed the minimum requirements for use by Art students. Generally, when considering the purchase of a laptop for Art class work the student should attempt to match the capabilities of the computer with the likely requirements for the desired courses. Some courses require more computer power than others. For example, video and animation courses require computers with large hard drives, fast processors and a maximum amount of memory (RAM).

Apple based laptops can be purchased at the FSU Computer Store or through any outside vendor. FSU students DO receive a “student discount” at the FSU Computer Store. Additionally the Computer Store offers equipment/software bundles at discount pricing. For more information visit the Computer Store site at: http://www.fsucs.com/

Additional optional needs include:
• Digital Camera (moderate resolution ≥ 7MP)
• USB audio headset 
• Basic printer
• Full-sized mouse or Wacom tablet (trackpads make drawing difficult) 
• For 3D Animation courses: AutoDesk’s Maya (free for students)
• For Video courses: Apple’s Final Cut Pro 
• For Special Effects: Apple’s Final Cut Pro & Adobe’s After Effects