Who needs a laptop?
As of fall 2011, all students entering any of the visual arts programs at Sage (Fine Arts, Graphic + Media Design, Interior Design or Photography) are required to purchase a laptop and software for use in their courses starting their freshman year.
Affordability
We recognize that laptops are a considerable expense. However, we strongly believe they are essential tools for the professional artists. To help defray the cost, students can purchase hardware and software through educational pricing. Students can also fold the cost of the laptop into their financial aid package.
What kind should I get?
An Apple Macintosh laptop is most highly recommended. Although Windows computers can work, we teach from Macs and our systems are set up to support Macs. Students who wish to use Windows computers should understand that they will be responsible for any configuration issues that may arise.
There are two primary levels of Macintosh laptops, the Macbook and the Macbook Pro. We recommend the MacBook Pro for Graphic + Media Design students.
Laptops can be purchased online through Apple.com or locally, at the Apple Store. Either way, be sure to get the educational discount, which can save you a hundreds of dollars or more. If ordering online, you can use Sage’s Apple store at http://store.apple.com/us_edu_87510
Specifications
We recommend the following minimum specifications for all laptops, regardless of model:
RAM: 4GB (8GB preferred – the more RAM, the better)
Hard Drive: 320GB (But again, bigger is better)
Additional Items
In addition to the computer we recommend students purchase the following:
AppleCare Protection Plan
Although extended warranties are generally a bad idea, we do recommend the AppleCare plan highly. Laptops can be subjected to much more wear and tear than a desktop computer, and working in a collaborative environment such as school, accidents can easily happen. Considering the large cost of most laptop repairs, we have found this program to be a worthwhile investment.
External Hard Drive
An external hard drive should be considered an essential purchase along with a laptop. It will allow you to back up all of the data from your laptop and keep it in a secure location. Look for a hard drive that has at least double (preferably triple) the capacity of the hard drive in your laptop. Currently, a 1TB external drive can be found many places for under a hundred dollars.
Laptop Bag
Since you will be carrying your laptop to and from classes all day, look for a bag that will allow you to carry all your peripherals (power supply, cables) and will provide padded protection for the computer.
Software
Graphic + Media Design - Graphic + Media Design students must purchase the Adobe CS6 Master Suite, which includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash, Dreamweaver, Premiere, After Effects, and Audition. (Students who currently own CS5 or CS4 should be fine for most classes.)
Purchasing Software
We recommend purchasing software through an educational software vendor, since the cost savings can be enormous. The following companies sell software at educational discount to students:
Journey Ed
http://www.journeyed.com/
1-800-874-9001
Campus Technology
http://www.campustech.com/
1-800-543-8188
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you require laptops?
Because the computer is such an important part of our curriculum, we feel it essential for our students to have access to their tools at all times. Laptops literally allow students to carry their studios with them, making it much easier to share ideas, to work collaboratively, and for faculty to consult on specific technical issues. Owning a computer allows students to become proficient with the technology at a level simply not possible working in a shared computer lab. Plus, the laptops give the students the most essential tool they will need to begin work as a professional once they leave the program.
Can Financial Aid be used to help cover the cost of a laptop?
Yes. The cost of a laptop can be folded into your cost of attendance. Talk to the financial aid department for details on how to do this.
I already have a Macintosh laptop. Do I have to buy a new one?
As long as your laptop meets the basic configurations listed above, you should be all set. If not, it may still be possible to upgrade individual components to meet the specifications.
I have a Windows laptop. Can I use that instead?
The Fine Arts department at Sage is Mac-based, and unless otherwise noted, we teach from the Mac versions of software. While all the required software is available in identical Windows versions, you may run into difficulties with things like exchanging files across platforms, working with fonts, etc. Please realize that if you choose to work on the Windows platform, all such configuration issues will be your responsibility.
Where do I go for support? What if it breaks?
Apple laptops come with a one-year warranty. We recommend you purchase an extended warranty for three years (called Apple Care) when you purchase your laptop (see above). Repairs can be handled through the Apple Store at Crossgates Mall in Guilderland.
What if it gets lost or stolen? Is it covered by insurance?
Most likely your laptop will be covered by your homeowners insurance policy, although you may have to add a separate rider for it. Talk to your insurance agent for details.