13" MacBookStarting at $999.00
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15" MacBook ProStarting at $1,799.0015.4-inch widescreen display 1440x900 resolution 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 2GB memory 200GB hard drive 8x SuperDrive (burns CDs and DVDs) |
AppleCare Protection Plan is also recommended for any computer. AppleCare extends your computer’s support to three years and covers both hardware repair and phone support. AppleCare does not cover accidental abuse such as liquid damage (i.e. spilled drink on computer) or cracked screens.
As students and parents prepare for the coming semester at Bradley University, we are commonly asked questions about how necessary a desktop or laptop computer is, what type of computer we recommend, and what software the students will be using. This document should answer many of these questions.
Students in several programs where computers are one of the primary tools used for creative production are strongly encouraged to purchase an Apple MacBook or MacBook Pro. Many of the classes in the Graphic Design, Multimedia, Photography, and Advertising majors are taught in a computer lab. While there are open lab hours in all six computer labs located in the Caterpillar Global Communication Center and the two satellite labs in the Heuser Art Center and Constance Hall, most students find they can be more productive when they have a laptop that can be used wherever they are, in or out of class. Currently there is no laptop requirement for any CFA major, but both Graphic Design and Multimedia are looking to implement such a requirement in the near future. Currently about half of the students in these majors have their own laptops and that number will continue to increase.
Below you will find answers to the most common questions parents and students ask. After reviewing this information if you still have questions, feel free to contact me via e-mail at dlennie@bradley.edu.
Dave Lennie
Director of Instructional Technology
Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts
Frequently Asked Questions
What software will students need?
Most students will need Microsoft Office and the Adobe CS3 Design Premium Pack. This bundle includes Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, PhotoShop, Dreamweaver, Flash, and Acrobat. Academic discounts for Microsoft and Adobe software packages are available through the Bradley Bookstore or online at Journey Ed (www.journeyed.com/select). The student price for Microsoft Office 2008 is $85. Adobe CS3 Design Premium Pack is more expensive, but still a value at $310.
What about a Windows laptop?
While Windows dominates the personal and business computing markets, Macintosh is still the tool of choice for creative production. Our faculty are experts in their respective fields. The majority not only use Macs for their own personal work, but also feel it is the best computer for students in their area of study. If your student has never used a Mac before, we provide streaming video training that covers everything from the basics of OSX (the Mac operating system) to the various software packages used in the courses.
Students who wish to still be able to use Windows are encouraged to use Apple’s BootCamp software. This free software built into Intel-based Macs allows you to create a “dual-boot” system, able to run OSX or Windows. A valid Windows installer and license key for Vista, XP Home or Professional is required. Another option is to run Parallels (www.parallels.com), which allows Windows to be run from within the Mac operating system. Switching between the two operating systems is then much faster.
What is Ruckus?
Ruckus is a digital media service that Bradley University has licensed to provide music, videos and movies to students. The service is free for any Bradley student. Unfortunately, this service only runs on Windows; it is not compatible with OSX or iPods. A Mac user could run BootCamp or Parallels to access the service, but Ruckus is somewhat limited in functionality. On the other hand, it is completely free to students. Students will still have access to other legal media services (like iTunes), but the University promotes Ruckus as its official music service. It should be noted that the use of illegal file-sharing programs will not be tolerated on campus. For more information, visit www.bradley.edu/irt/ruckus.
What do students do when they have a problem with their laptop?
We strongly encourage everyone to purchase AppleCare with their MacBook. The AppleCare Protection Plan is an integrated service and support solution that extends the warranty coverage on your Mac to three years from the date of purchase. This comprehensive plan includes expert telephone assistance and hardware repair. Hardware repair may be able to be done on-site or Apple will pay for next-day shipping to and from the student. They even provide the box! While the laptop is out for repair, the College offers laptops for temporary checkout.
What about the 17” MacBook Pro or the MacBook Air?
The 17” MacBook Pro is just too big to be convenient for most students to carry to and from class. We recommend that students interested in a larger display purchase an external LCD monitor for their apartment or dorm. Some LCD monitors can double as a TV as well. Look for a flat panel TV with a VGA or DVI input at any electronics retailer.
The MacBook Air is the thinnest, lightest computer out there, but it does not have an optical drive (DVD or CD). The computer comes with software to install on any nearby PC or Mac to “borrow” that computer’s drive in order to burn or read from discs, but that takes time. Burning discs for class projects or personal work is commonplace, and it may end up being less convenient in the long run. The Air is also a very expensive machine.
Can I finance the laptop?
Financing is available through Apple, but the interest rate is similar to the average credit card. The cost of a laptop cannot be included in federal student loans unless the laptop is a requirement, and currently it is not. However, many families simply add this cost to bank loans.
Can I insure it?
Most insurance companies require an additional rider to cover the laptop from theft or accidental damage. This is often very inexpensive. Check with your homeowners insurance provider. We do recommend that students purchase a “laptop lock”. These can be found at most electronics stores or online. This small cable lock fits into a slot designed into all laptops and can be used for quickly and easily securing the laptop to a desk in a dorm room, library or a classroom if the laptop will be left unattended for even a short amount of time.