All VCD majors are now required to purchase an Apple laptop computer, digital pen tablet and relevant software (described below) in their first semester of second year. We realize that this is a rather large investment, but it is necessary for your program so that you get the best possible training.
Note: We do not support the Windows OS in the VCD program. Although students who use Windows based laptops will be able to use the Adobe CS5 suite, your instructors will not be able to offer assistance with OS, networking and compatibility issues.
Please note that the VSCM.225 - Design - Technology I course is taught in the fall semester and that you are required to have a laptop, digital pen tablet and software at start of this class. The following information helps identify what the required and optional resources are and how we suggest you acquire them.
Minimum: Apple MacBook Pro. 15-inch: 2.0 GHz i7 Processor, with 4GB memory, 500GB hard drive and 256MB graphics memory. Order the screen upgrade for high resolution and anti-glare for $135.
Education Price ~ $1884.00 + GST
Recommended: Apple MacBook Pro. 15-inch: 2.2 GHz i7 Processor, with 4GB memory, 750GB hard drive and 1GB graphics memory. Order the screen upgrade for high resolution and anti-glare for $135.
Education Price ~ $2184.00 + GST
Students able to acquire a base model 17-inch MacBook Pro are strongly encouraged to do so. Order the screen upgrade for anti-glare for $45.
Education Price ~ $2344.00 + GST
The 15-inch models should be upgraded to a high resolution anti-glare screen for an additional $135 (included above) if selected when ordering. The 17-inch comes with a high resolution screen as standard – the anti-glare option is an additional $45 (included above). All Photography laptops should have a minimum of 4 GB of memory. An extension to 8 GB is recommended for students interested in video editing.
Laptop Specifications updated April, 2011
or
AppleCare Protection Plan (3 Year) While not mandatory, this purchase is strongly recommended. Price ~ $299.00 +GST. Can be purchased with the laptop.
Wacom Intuos 4 small tablet Price - $229. + GST
Note: Students can use the software without a graphics tablet. However, the track pad on a laptop is simply not a sensitive enough tool for complex drawing tasks.
Source
University of Calgary
- Computer Carrying Bag or Backpack (Price > $60.00)
- Security Cable (Price > $30.00)
- Inkjet printer (Canon or Epson recommended, ideally capable of 13 x 19 inch outputs)
- Extension power cord
- USB flash drive (8 or 16 GB recommended)
- USB2 Backup hard drive