Recommended Studio Computers

Fall 2022 - Spring 2023

APDesign faculty, students, and IT staff review these computing recommendations annually to ensure recommended computing systems and software meet curriculum requirements.

APDesign works closely with Dell and the K-State Union Computer Store to ensure systems are negotiated for best value while maintaining dependable quality and performance that meet our expectation of excellence. We recommend Dell Precision Workstations because of 24/7 technical support, on-site warranty service, and industry certifications (pdf) from Adobe, Autodesk, and ESRI.

New for this year, we have partnered with CDW and Lenovo to offer the Lenovo ThinkStation and ThinkPad workstations. Our efforts ensure the same educational discount, excellent hardware, and on-site warranty support that is paramount. We have worked with CDW for many years and the service is the best. With this additional partnership, we are hopeful all students can order a system in advance of classes and avoid supply chain slowness and product backorders. The professionals at CDW can guide you through stock inventory and expected shipping times.

APDesign does not support or endorse Apple, Mac OS X, Virtual PC, or Parallels for studio work. Additionally we do not advise purchasing or building a PC that doesn't match Dell's service and support. 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 KSOL.

• 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. Exciting!
  
  
• 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: A tablet is needed for LAR 430 summer studio between the 1st and 2nd year.
  
  
• 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.