Student Computing
Recommendations and Requirements
CCA highly recommends that all students own a computer to assist in their studies. Whether or not a discipline of study is driven by digital technology, students will benefit greatly from having continuous access to computing to support research, communication and studio practice. Laptop computers are generally recommended as they enable more effective participation in digital-based classes.
Computer Hardware Recommendations
CCA recommends that all students wait until the term prior to entering their major (typically, Year 2) before making a major computer purchase. The reason we recommend this is because hardware needs can vary greatly depending on a student’s chosen major. For example, the hardware needs of an Architecture student are far greater than the hardware needs of a Writing student.
The following system represents our minimum hardware configuration for certain CCA majors. You may choose to configure your laptop with larger or faster components (e.g. faster processor, additional memory, larger hard disk, larger screen, etc.).
CCA Recommended Custom Mac OS X Specification
The Architecture, Graduate Architecture, Graphic Design and Graduate Design Programs all require the use of a laptop. The following specification is recommended for use by these programs:
- MacBook Pro 15-inch Hi-Res Antiglare Widescreen Display
- 2.66GHz Intel Core i7
- 4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB
- 500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 7200 rpm
- NVidia GeForce 9400M graphics w/256MB of GDDR3 memory
- SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
- 3-year AppleCare Protection Plan for MacBook Pro
Apple MacBook Pro Academic Price: $2,418
CCA Special Discounted Price: $2,318
There are cheaper systems. What's unique about this configuration?
The CCA Recommended Laptop is custom-configured to meet the demands of an Architecture, Graphic Design or Graduate Design student during the 2-3 years of instruction at CCA. It includes several upgrades over Apple's standard-equipped 15" MacBook Pro:
- 2.66Ghz Intel Core i7 (the fastest processor available for a 15" MacBook Pro)
- 7200RPM hard disk (5400RPM is the standard)
- Hi-Res, Anti-glare screen (standard-res, glossy screen is the standard)
- AppleCare Protection Plan (Is not included as standard. Highly recommended given the general jostle and abuse that laptops take vs. a desktop computer)
First-Year Program Recommendation
Computer Hardware
CCA recommends that incoming freshmen own a computer that meets the minimum system requirements needed to run the software programs used in the First-Year curriculum, as well as campus IT resources, such as lab printers and the CCA wireless network:
- Intel multicore processor
- 1GB of RAM
- A hard drive with at least 50GB of free space (more recommended)
- DVD-RW drive
- Wireless 802.11 a/g/n compatible network card
- Mac OS X operating system*
* needed to run Apple iLife suite used in the CCA First-Year curriculum. All software used in the 4D curriculum is available to students in all shared computer labs on campus, though we cannot always guarantee that a lab workstation will be available, particularly during peak usage times.
CCA generally recommends that students wait until the summer prior to entering their chosen major before making a major computer purchase. We recommend this because the software needs for our majors vary greatly. For example, an Architecture student will require a much higher-end computer than a Writing & Literature student. The cost difference in hardware can be over $1,000. We also recommend this approach as hardware is constantly being improved to meet the growing demands of the latest software. Purchasing a new computer prior to entering your major will ensure you have the latest, most advanced hardware.
Computer Software
The software relevant to the CCA core art and design curriculum includes:
- Adobe CS5 Design Premium bundle
- Apple iLife '09
- Microsoft Office
The Adobe CS5 bundle and Microsoft Office can be purchased at special, discounted prices through CCA’s online software shop. Apple iLife can be purchased through the CCA custom apple store.
External Storage Device Requirement
All First-Year students are required to purchase an external storage device. Please see the information below on external storage device recommendations for more information.
External Storage Device Recommendations
CCA highly recommends that students purchase an external hard drive for backup and storage of digital work. When working with high-resolution image files, motion graphics and video files, 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 of your student work.
We recommend an external storage device that has:
- Multiple connection interfaces, such as Firewire 800, Firewire 400 and USB 2.0 and/or eSATA
- At least 1 terabyte (TB) of storage space
- Disk speed of at least 5400 RPM
- Sufficient cooling system
- Ability to connect to Mac OS and Windows OS
Here is a list of external storage devices that suit our recommendations:
- G-Tech 1TB Portable Hard Drive
- LaCie 1TB d2 Quadra Hard Disk
- Western Digital 1 or 2 TB My Book Studio II Hard Drive
Each of these drives costs under $200 and can be purchased from various retailers, including the Apple retail store, CCA online Apple store and Amazon.com.
First-Year Program Requirement
The First-Year Program requires that all students purchase an external hard drive prior to starting classes. In the First-Year curriculum, students will be expected to create digital-based work, much of which will require a large amount of storage. The external drive is needed to ensure you have sufficient space to store all of your digital coursework. It will also serve you well as a backup drive and expanded storage once you move into your declared major.
How to Buy
CCA Apple Computer Promo Pricing
CCA special promotions on select Apple laptops will be announced at the beginning of each semester at special discounts below Apple's academic pricing. These promotions are only available to current CCA students, faculty and staff through the CCA custom Apple store.
Academic Pricing for Apple Hardware and Software
Current CCA students, faculty, and staff can purchase Apple computers at an academic discount at any Apple retail store by presenting your CCA ID, or through the CCA online custom Apple store. Academic pricing for Apple software, such as iLife and Final Cut Studio, is only available through the CCA custom Apple store.
Academic Pricing on Other Software
Current CCA students, faculty and staff can purchase software, such as the Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office, at academic pricing through the CCA custom software shop powered by our reselling partner, Journey Education. Adobe software, specifically, is discounted by as much as 80% off the commercial retail price (approximately 40% off Adobe's academic pricing).
 | Apple MacBook |
 | Apple MacBook Pro |  |
Printing from Laptops
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