Student News
Computer Lab Information
To download or view the Computer Lab information sheet click here. It is meant to give everyone a better experience using the Art Department computer labs.
Laptop Computers Now Required for Some Graphic Design Courses
Effective Fall 2008 laptop computers are required personal equipment for BFA Graphic Design students and BA Studio Art students with a Graphic Design emphasis who are enrolled in:
- ART 327 Graphic Design II: Intermediate Graphic Design
- ART 334 Graphic Design III: Exploration & Experimentation
- ART 335 Advertising II: Intermediate Concept Development and Art Direction
- ART 336 Graphic Design IV: Development and Analysis
- ART 337 Graphic Design V: Packaging Design
- ART 423 Graphic Design VI: Advanced Topics
- ART 424 Advertising III: Advanced Topics
Required Hardware Specifications
Apple MacBook or MacBook Pro: 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo CPU, 2GB RAM, iWork, AppleCare, Apple Remote.
Students who already own a laptop should be sure it meets minimum system requirements for the latest version of Adobe Creative Suite. If you have questions ask Patrick Mullen or Margaret Black about it.
Required Software
Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Premium, Extensis Suitcase Fusion 2
Purchasing
The University Bookstore makes this equipment available to CSULB students at special prices:
| MacBook Pro with AppleCare, iWork, Apple Remote | $1,471 to $2,849 |
| MacBook with AppleCare, iWork, Apple Remote | $1,306 |
| Adobe Creative Suite 3, Design Premium | $319 |
| Extensis Suitcase Fusion | $69 |
It is recommended that you purchase your laptop by the end of the semester before you take the first of these courses so you will have time to familiarize yourself with it. University Bookstore (562) 985-7946.
Financial Aid Students
Those who qualify for financial aid can pick up a flyer at the Department of Art Student Services Office. Take this flyer to the Financial Aid Office in Brotman Hall to inquire about the possibility of getting help with this purchase.
The Laptop Initiative
The Department of Art has launched the University's first-ever Laptop Initiative. Laptop computer ownership guarantees that students have the tools to complete assignments without worrying about out-of-date hardware or software, or when the labs are open, and ensures that students have a capable computer for continuing work after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have an older Mac laptop that barely meets the Adobe CS3 system requirements. Can I use that instead of buying a new one?
Yes, but you may find yourself at a disadvantage. Minimum requirements mean you'll be able to run the software, but it will probably run slowly and you won't be able to have more than one CS3 application running at once, since doing so will slow things down considerably. The rule of thumb is if your system exactly meets the minimum requirements and can't be upgraded then you should buy a new laptop ASAP.
I would like to upgrade my laptop so it will run Creative Suite more effectively. What should I do?
In general, it is a good idea to have as much RAM as you can afford or your computer can support. Good performance in CS3 starts at 2GB RAM. If your laptop has a maximum RAM capacity of 1GB then you should step up to a new model. Though 1GB RAM would run the CS3 applications, you probably won't be able to effectively run more than one of them at a time. This will be fursther exacerbated by running other apps such as web browsers, iTunes, Mail, etc.
I have a newer Windows laptop that exceeds the minimum system requirements. Can I use that?
Yes, but Macs are listed as required because our teachers use Macs and in some cases use software that is only available on Mac OS. Specifically, iLife (iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, Garageband), which comes free on every Mac, and iWork (Keynote, Pages, and Numbers) which is $40 for students, are sometimes used in class. In such cases Windows users are on their own to find equivalent software that will read and save in the required file formats, then follow along as best they can in class.
When I followed your link to the Adobe Creative Suite 3 system requirements page I was taken to the CS4 requirements. What gives?
While the current requirement is CS3, we are thinking ahead to CS4, which the Department will begin to deploy in Fall 2009. We must ensure our students with laptops are ready for CS4 when it becomes a requirement in the future.
When will Adobe Creative Suite 4 be required?
Probably not until Fall 2010, though students may upgrade ahead of that time, since there appear to be no significant file incompatibilities or other issues that effect our curriculum. Stay tuned.
