Recommended Studio Computers

Fall 2023 - Spring 2024

APDesign continues to maintain its partnership with Dell, Lenovo, and the CatTech K-State Campus Store for sourcing high-quality computer systems at an optimal price. We recommend Dell Precision Workstations for their exceptional technical support, on-site warranty service, and industry certifications from Adobe, Autodesk, and ESRI. We also partner with Lenovo to offer the ThinkStation and ThinkPad workstations. Our partnership with Lenovo ensures that students have access to the same educational discount, excellent hardware, and on-site warranty support that we expect from our partners.

APDesign faculty, students, and IT staff review these computing recommendations annually to ensure recommended computing systems and software meet curriculum requirements. We are confident Dell and Lenovo provide excellent service and support to our students. We encourage students to order their systems in advance of classes, and the professionals at Dell and Lenovo can guide you through stock inventory and expected shipping times.

We do not advise purchasing or building a PC that doesn't match the warranty service and support offered by Dell and Lenovo. Additionally APDesign does not support or endorse Apple, Mac OS X, Virtual PC, or Parallels for studio work. Students who deviate from the recommendation should carefully consider the risk of not being able to meet studio work load.

Please select your program of study to review the recommended hardware specifications. Additional instruction may be found in the Technology Preparation and Setup Course on K-State Canvas.

• Environmental Design
  First year students in APDesign will not need a computer in studio. It is not advised to purchase your studio computer until required in the 2nd year.
  APDesign does provide incoming students with an iPad for their use while enrolled in the college.
  
  
• Architecture
  Students will need to purchase a computer for studio before beginning the 1st semester of 2nd year.
  
  
• Interior Architecture & Industrial Design
  Students will need to purchase a computer for studio before beginning the 1st semester of 2nd year.
  
  
• Landscape Architecture
  Non-Baccalaureate (NB) Students
  Computer/Peripherals: Purchase before entering the landscape architecture program.
  Tablet: A tablet is needed for LAR 430 summer studio between the 2nd and 3rd year.
  Post-Baccalaureate (PB) Students
  Computer/Peripherals: Purchase before entering landscape architecture program.
  Tablet: Purchase for the first semester of the program.
  
  
• Regional & Community Planning
  Non-baccalaureate (NB) Students will need to purchase a GIS-capable computer before they take GEOG 508 (4th semester) and then PLAN 510 and PLAN 640 (5th semester).
  Post-baccalaureate (PB) Students will need to purchase a computer before they begin their 1st semester.