Computer/Laptop Requirements
Below are the laptop requirements for visual communication design (VCD) students from the Technology Committee of the Department of Art.
Minimum Specs
Apple M2 Max with 12‑core CPU, 38‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine
32GB unified memory
1TB SSD storage
96W USB-C Power Adapter
14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display²
Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, MagSafe 3 port
Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID - US English (or preferred language)
96GB unified memory
+
External Hard Drive with Time Machine Enabled
OR
Apple M2 Max with 12‑core CPU, 38‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine
96GB unified memory
1TB SSD storage
16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display²
Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, MagSafe 3 port
140W USB-C Power Adapter
Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID - US English (or preferred language)
96GB unified memory
+
External Hard Drive with Time Machine Enabled
Additional
iPad Pro with Pencil (recommended NOT required)
DSLR camera (will be required for VCD 2361A Digital Photography, which is taken 2nd year)
GoPro Camera (recommended NOT required)
Adobe CC ( purchase through University for substantial discount: https://www.cpp.edu/it/client-services/software/adobe-user-guide.shtml )
Additional software and supplies will be required on a class by class basis.
The Department of Art is a Mac based program. Students who prefer Windows, are welcome to use Windows based computers, but please note that the majority of the faculty and industry are Mac based. If choosing a Windows based machine, please match similar or better specifications.
(Revised July 2023)