13” MacBook

Starting at $949

• 13.3-inch widescreen
• 1280x800 pixels
• 2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
• 2GB Memory (Recommend upgrade to 4GB)
• 160GB Hard Drive
• 8x SuperDrive (burns CD, DVD±R DL)

15” MacBook Pro

Starting at $1599

• 15.4-inch widescreen
• 1440x900 pixels
• 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
• 4GB Memory
• 250GB Hard Drive
• 8x SuperDrive (burns CD, DVD±R DL)

As students and parents prepare to start their academic careers 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. Review this document so you can make the best decision on what you need.

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, Interactive Media, Photography, and Advertising are taught in a computer lab. While there are nearly 70 open lab hours per week 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 Interactive Media are considering implementing such a requirement in the near future. Currently more than two thirds of the students in these majors have their own laptops and that number will continue to increase.

On the back of this page 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 Dave Lennie.

Bradley’s custom online Apple Store

Frequently Asked Questions

Which machine should I get?

What kind of upgrades from the base model would you recommend?

For most students, the 13” MacBook will suffice. Students in Graphic Design or Interactive Media are strongly encouraged to purchase a 15” MacBook Pro. As for upgrades, more memory (RAM) always makes a machine run better and have a more useful lifespan. Whichever computer you purchase, I would recommend getting at least 4GB of RAM (4GB comes standard on the 15” MacBook Pro machines). Students may also wish to connect their laptop to a podium or projector for presentations or speeches. In order to do this, you’ll need the VGA adapter for your laptop. This $17 adapter is located on the customization screen for the laptop when you order it, near the bottom. You can also opt for a larger hard drive, but a smarter purchase would be to get an inexpensive external hard drive. This can be used for both automated backup of your system (built into OSX) as well as transporting large files if needed. These can be purchased anywhere computers are sold.

What software will students need?

All students will need Microsoft Office or Apple’s iWork for all their classes at Bradley. Beyond that, it depends on their major. Interactive Media and Graphic Design students will need the Adobe CS4 Design Premium Pack. This bundle includes Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, PhotoShop, Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks, and Acrobat. Advertising, Public Relations, and other students may need the Adobe CS4 package as well, but the best strategy is to wait on purchasing it until it’s definitely needed for a class. Academic discounts for Microsoft and Adobe software packages are available through the Bradley Bookstore or various places online including Journey Ed (www.journeyed.com/select) and the Academic Superstore (www.academicsuperstore.com). The average student price for Microsoft Office 2008 is about $85. Adobe CS4 Design Premium Pack is more expensive, but still a value at around $310. Shop around and find the best deal. Some students may need additional software in advanced courses but again, I would advise waiting until you need it.

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 free 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 on your computer, able to run OSX or Windows. A valid Windows installer and license key for Vista or Windows XP is required. Another option is to run Parallels (www.parallels.com), which allows Windows to be run from within the Mac operating system. This allows for instant switching between the two operating systems.

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 both 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 inside the building. This coverage does NOT include accidental damage or theft (see “Can I insure it?” below).

What about the other Apple laptops?

The 13” aluminum-body MacBook offers slightly better specs than the base-level MacBook at a price that’s less than the 15” MacBook Pro. This makes for an attractive upgrade from the base model, offering better performance for only a slight increase in cost.

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 via the network 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.

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. If you purchase your laptop from Best Buy, you can opt for their extended warranty that covers a variety of problems. We do also 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.