Technology recommendations & guidelines
Recommended laptop specifications
While having a laptop is a requirement as a CCAD student, it can be confusing knowing which one will best fit your needs. Use the table of recommendations below to help you purchase the right laptop for your intended area of study. You can purchase Mac laptops at the Apple Education Store, PC laptops at the Dell University Store, and Wacom MobileStudio Pro systems at the Wacom Student Discount page.
We support Windows or macOS; we do not support Linux or ChromeOS. Linux and ChromeOS cannot run most of the software titles you will need to use as a CCAD student.
You must get a laptop that meets the minimum requirements listed for your area of study in the table below. If you need any information about our recommendations, please reach out to the Chair of your intended major.
MFA Visual Arts students should refer to the major in the table below that most closely relates to their discipline. For example, MFA students whose work is photography-focused should refer to Photography, etc.
Mac
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Major
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OS
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Memory
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Processor
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Storage
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Video
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Battery
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Suggested model
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How much will this cost me?*
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Photography |
macOS 14 Sonoma or newer |
8GB RAM |
Apple M3 chip with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU |
512GB |
Integrated graphics |
standard battery (not customizable) |
13-in MacBook Air |
$1,199.00 |
Comics, Illustration, Advertising & Graphic Design |
macOS 14 Sonoma or newer |
16GB RAM |
Apple M3 Pro chip with 11-core CPU, 14-core GPU |
512GB |
Integrated graphics |
standard battery (not customizable) |
14-in MacBook Pro |
$1,849.00 |
Film & Video |
macOS 14 Sonoma or newer |
36GB RAM |
Apple M3 Pro chip with 12-core CPU, 18-core GP |
512GB*** |
Integrated graphics |
standard battery (not customizable) |
16-in MacBook Pro |
$2,699.00 |
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PC
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Major
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OS
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Memory
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Processor
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Storage
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Video
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Battery
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Suggested model
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How much will this cost me?*
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Interior Design, Fashion Design |
Windows 11, 64-bit |
16GB RAM |
Intel Core i7 13th-gen |
512GB SSD*** |
1080p display |
standard battery (not customizable) |
Dell Latitude 3440 Laptop** |
$1,319.00 |
Animation, Industrial Design, Game Design |
Windows 11, 64-bit |
32GB RAM |
Intel Core i7 13th-gen |
2TB SSD*** |
Discrete 6GB Graphics Card with 1080p display |
6-cell or higher |
Dell Precision 5680** |
$2,599.00 |
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Either Mac or PC
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Major
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OS
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Memory
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Processor
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Storage
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Video
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Battery
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Suggested model
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How much will this cost me?*
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Fine Arts, Art History |
macOS 14 Sonoma or newer |
8GB RAM |
Apple M3 chip with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU |
512GB |
Integrated graphics |
standard battery (not customizable) |
13-in MacBook Air |
$1,149.00 |
Fine Arts, Art History |
Windows 11, 64-bit |
16GB RAM |
Intel Core i7 13th-gen |
512GB SSD |
1080p display |
standard battery (not customizable) |
Dell Latitude 3440 Laptop** |
$1,319.00 |
*Prices are based on "student" or "educational" discounted rates. Prices listed are subject to change, and do not include additional, external storage or accessories such as a mouse, adapters, or extra charge cables.
**Dell stock is subject to change frequently. If you can't find the model with the exact specifications listed on this page, another model with the same specifications will also work.
***It is recommended to upgrade internal storage if available or purchase an additional external drive.
Adobe Creative Cloud
CCAD BFA and MFA students have full access to Adobe Creative Cloud apps using their CCAD email address. Click here for instructions to download and install the Creative Cloud apps.
Antivirus software
Our IT Help Desk can recommend software to keep your files safe. Contact us by emailing helpdesk@ccad.edu, or by calling 614.222.6174
Backing up your files
You have access to cloud storage on your Google Drive as part of your CCAD account. Store important files here to make sure they are safely backed up in the cloud.
A USB flash drive
Or some other form of external storage to move your files between classroom stations and your laptop. Make sure not to keep the only copy of your files on your external storage in case it is lost or damaged.
A digital drawing tablet
Tablets are available in person at the Ampersand Emporium. Funds for this are included in the Freshman Supply Kit.