Laptop System Recommendations
and Requirements
CCA students, faculty, and staff can purchase Apple computers, such as a Mac Pro or MacBook, directly at an Apple retail store by using your CCA ID, or through the CCA online custom Apple store, at Apple's academic price. Academic pricing for Apple software, such as iWorks, iLife and Final Cut Studio, is only available through Apple's website. The CCA Apple laptop promo bundles will be announced at the beginning of each semester.
CCA Laptop Recommendation
The CCA recommended laptop bundle is specially-configured for CCA and offered at a promotional discount available only through the CCA custom online Apple store (the bundle is not available at an Apple retail store). The promotional price is discounted below Apple's educational pricing for this system:
CCA Recommended Laptop Bundle
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Macintosh Emphasis
CCA is primarily a Macintosh-based campus and our laptop recommendation is based on available Apple macintosh models.
First-Year Program Recommendation
Incoming Freshman are strongly recommended to purchase the CCA recommended bundle and to also buy the software relevant to the CCA core art and design curriculum. This software includes:
- Adobe CS4 Design Premium Bundle
- Apple iLife '09
- Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac
Obtaining this laptop and software will further enhance your ability to be successful in your studies at CCA and beyond. The Adobe CS4 suite and Microsoft Office can be purchased at special, discounted prices through CCA's software shop. iLife '09 can be purchased through the CCA custom apple store.
For more information, please see the CCA Computer Ownership policy.
Why Do We Recommend This System?
The CCA Recommended Laptop Bundle has been specially configured to meet the curricular demands that art and design students will encounter during their tenure at CCA and after. The BArch, MArch, Graphic Design and Graduate Design programs require its students to have laptop computers. This requirement applies to BArch and Graphic Design students entering their 2nd year of undergraduate work, as part of CCA's Laptop Initiative. The MacBook Pro is strongly recommended for the Media Arts and the various design programs. This system is also highly recommended for all entering first-year students.
How is CCA's MacBook Pro bundle different than any other MacBook Pro I can buy?
The MacBook Pro specified above includes three advantages:
- The AppleCare Protection Plan
In general, because of the jostle from every day use, laptops are much more susceptible to suffering from hardware malfunctions than desktop computers. Because of this, we include the three-year AppleCare extended warranty. It is good peace of mind to know that if something should go wrong, you'll be covered. - An External, 1TB FireWire Hard Drive
When you're working with motion graphics, video files, or 3D rendering, a great deal of storage space is needed, as well as a drive that spins fast enough to push and pull real-time data. A laptop's internal hard drive won't sufficiently compensate for the demands that architecture and design students face. It is also good practice to backup your files. As such, we include this fast, high-capacity external drive. - A 7200 RPM Internal Hard Disk
Apple's standard, internal hard disk for the 15" MacBook Pro is a 5400 RPM hard disk. The upgrade to the 7200 RPM drive increases system performance when working with graphic-intensive software (particularly motion graphics) as the drive spins faster than Apple's standard drive. Over the life of the laptop, software demands will continue to increase and this faster spinning drive will help to ensure top performance.
To purchase a laptop bundle, login to the CCA apple store. Periodic promotions on bundles will be announced at the beginning of each semester.
 | Apple MacBook |
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Printing from Laptops
Need to print from your laptop to a lab or library printer?
Find Out How »
CCA Laptop Support
Need tips or guidance with your laptop?
Get Help »
Apple Support Reservations
Having technical problems with your laptop? Get hands-on help at your local Apple store "Genius Bar":
Downtown-SF Store »
Emeryville Store »
Stonestown-SF Store »
Chestnut Street-SF Store »