Recommended Studio Computers

Under Revision for Fall 2025

APDesign partners with Dell, Lenovo, and the CatTech K-State Campus Store to offer high-performance computers at academic pricing. We recommend Dell Precision and Lenovo ThinkStation or ThinkPad workstations for their reliability, industry certifications, and 4-year onsite support. These systems are tested to run the core software used in APDesign, including Rhino, Revit, Adobe Creative Cloud, and ArcGIS.

Each year, APDesign faculty, IT staff, and students review these recommendations to ensure they align with curriculum needs. We strongly encourage students to purchase their systems in late spring or early summer. Working with Dell or Lenovo using the information provided ensures students receive the right specifications, academic pricing, and dependable long-term support.

We do not recommend custom-built systems, consumer-grade laptops, or devices without multi-year warranties. Apple macOS, Linux, and virtualized Windows environments are not compatible with many required programs. Students who choose unsupported systems may face performance issues or be unable to complete coursework.

Note on Vendor Recommendations:
APDesign does not receive any compensation, commission, or financial benefit from purchases made through Dell, Lenovo, or any other vendor. Our computer recommendations are based solely on performance needs for studio-based coursework. All purchases are private transactions between the student and the vendor. APDesign is not a party to the agreement and assumes no responsibility for warranty, support, or service related to personal purchases.

Please select your program of study to review the recommended hardware specifications. Additional instructions are available in the Technology Preparation and Setup Course on K-State Canvas.

• Environmental Design (ENVD)
  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 (ARCH)
  Students will need to purchase a computer for studio before beginning the 1st semester of 2nd year.
  
  
• Interior Architecture & Industrial Design (IAID)
  Students will need to purchase a computer for studio before beginning the 1st semester of 2nd year.
  *Interior Design Students, Follow this link.
  
  
• Landscape Architecture (LA)
  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 (RCP), Real Estate and Community Development (RECD)
  Bachelor of Science RECD Students and non-baccalaureate (NB) RCP 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) RCP Students will need to purchase a computer before they begin their 1st semester.