EIU Department of Art + Design

Laptop Computer Requirements

Students Entering Fall 2016

A personal computer is and will continue to be an important part of the educational experience. A student will need to have access to personal computer technologies as he or she moves through their educational experience at Eastern Illinois University. In some cases the personal computer may not be used in class but will be required to complete class assignments; in other instances the personal computer will be an integral part of the classroom experience. All entering art majors are required to have an Apple laptop computer. The hardware requirements are subject to change each year as Apple develops and markets new laptop models.

Hardware requirements:

For all Art majors the recommended minimum configured laptop is the MacBook Pro 15-inch with 2.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7, processor (Turbo Boost up tp 3.4GHz) with 6MB shared L3 cache, 256 GB PCle-based flash stroage.

The above is the recommended minimum laptop requirement; if you are able to purchase an Apple laptop with greater processor speed, memory and screen size and/or quality, then consider selecting that laptop.

The department also recommends that all students purchase:

1. a 4GB or larger flash drive for backup and easy transport of files;
2. carrying case or laptop backpack;
3. the extended warranty;
4. either an external hard drive for backup or a remote backup service.

Software requirements:

• Microsoft Office (student edition)
• Adobe Creative Cloud Design Standard (education version) (www.adobe.com).
• Adobe Creative Cloud Design Standard Collection is strongly recommended for students interested in the Graphic Design option.
• Students accepted into the Graphic Design program beginning their junior year would be expected to subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud (education version) at that time. 

Before you purchase your computer and software for your college career, you should check the pricing available for computer and software bundles through the EIU Bookstore. Very reasonable pricing for software is often available. The EIU Bookstore is located in the MLK Student Union and can be reached at 217-581-5821 or 800-242-0757 or on the web at www.eiubookstore.com.

Laptop FAQ (pdf).