All Studio Art students will need to purchase a laptop computer. This allows students to work seamlessly on their own computer in studio classes and computer labs.
Studio Art students are required to purchase a laptop. This page provides some recommendations to consider when choosing a computer. In general, purchasing a computer with a faster processor, more memory, and a better graphics card is worth the extra investment as it will extend the useful life of the machine. Consider purchasing a carrying case and AppleCare or an equivalent protection plan for your new computer.
Choose a computer with the latest version of either macOS or Microsoft® Windows®.
When deciding whether to purchase a Windows or Mac computer, research the system recommendations for specific software that you intend to use. Some programs will run on only one operating system or the other. Others have specific requirements concerning graphic cards. Many applications for Linux can be run on macOS or via WSL on Windows.
If you intend to use the laptop for graphics-intensive applications – such as 3D animation, video editing, or photorealistic rendering – you should consider purchasing a laptop with a Class 1, 2, or 3 graphics card (GPU) as shown in this cross-reference list: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Comparison-of-Laptop-Graphics-Cards.130.0.html. Class 4 and lower cards found in lower-end Microsoft Surface and MacBook laptops are not suitable for graphics-intensive work.
If you intend to work in depth with AI and machine learning, 16GB of VRAM is recommended. Use the above comparison chart to determine how much VRAM is available on each graphics card.
Computers, software, and accessories can be purchased at a discount through the FSU bookstore on campus or via their website: http://www.bkstr.com/floridastatestore/shop/technology/computers-and-tablets