Student Laptop & Software

"Students in all degree programs of the School of Architecture and Planning are required to own or have unlimited access to a laptop computer. The School recommends that all laptop computers meet a minimum specification. The minimum specification is published on the School’s website. Software requirements are specific to each academic program and/or to individual instructors. Software requirements should be communicated in program policies and faculty syllabi."
Excerpt from the 2008-2009 UNM Catalog, page 108

Hardware is offered in Mac and PC platforms at negotiated prices through the UNM Bookstore. Like software, students may opt to purchase machines from other vendors—as long as they meet the minimum computing requirements listed below.

Students may elect to use an Apple or Windows-based PC. If you decide upon an Apple computer, you will need to purchase a copy of Windows to run on your Mac (some software is only available for Windows). Please consult your program to evaluate how much of your time you will spend using Windows-based software.

See a Dell or Apple Campus Representative at the UNM Bookstore for additional information regarding educationally-priced laptops identified for the School of Architecture and Planning.

MINIMUM LAPTOP REQUIREMENTS

• 2 GB RAM
• 100 GB hard drive or greater
• CD/DVD Writer
• 256 MB of dedicated video memory, 512MB suggested
• Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X Leopard with Boot Camp and MS Windows
• 15” screen or larger
• Wireless G/N networking
• Extended warranty highly recommended
• 250 GB or greater external drive for backup and storage
• 4 GB Flash Drive