Graphic Fundamentals, Graphics Empower & Web Design
Design Alive does not assist with helping you buy a computer suitable for the course, but below are suggested computer specs and details of a computer technician/salesperson who can help you.
Students doing 3D rendering (Revit, Enscape) or video editing/animation will need a top-end computer whereas students doing graphics only can get away with a slightly lower spec. Web design does not usually require a top end computer as students mainly use Figma for software.
Please refer to these computer specs that are appropriate for all of our courses ranging from Interior & Graphic Design to the very robust 3D modeling applications (Autocad & Revit) and a link to selected computers is linked below
- An i7 or i9 CPU
- At least 16GB of RAM & 256GB of storage
- A 64-bit operating system
- A dedicated (internal) graphics card (ex. NVIDIA) – not integrated!
- Besides being more expensive, we do not recommend a Mac for AutoCad especially because our instructors use a PC (and Revit is not supported on Macs.)
- While a 17 inch laptop is easier to see what you are designing, it would be too heavy to carry when visiting clients. Instead; we suggest a standard 15.6 inch screen and when working from home, you can opt for a secondary & larger 27” monitor (about $200).
- An (external) SSD drive to safely hold your projects and ensure that your computer does not get overloaded.
Design Alive has partnered with B&H Photo in NYC to handle all of these technical requirements and queries. They are a well-known and established company and are up-to-date with the most current specs and performance.
Here is a link to the current computers they currently suggests which are priced from low to high. Bear in mind that spending more money does not necessarily mean you are getting anything better. Please feel free to do your own research for comparisons. (If this link becomes invalid then please let us know)
Disclaimer: You are under no obligation to purchase a computer from BH and would advise doing your own research before buying, We are not recommending you buy a computer from BH and Design Alive does not profit in any way by sending students..
Design Alive does not take any responsibility for the information shared on this page and we recommend you consult with a computer technician before purchase.
Motion
Interior Design
Digital Illustration
Personal Computer Assistance
Design Alive has partnered with B&H for all computer and technical requirements and queries. They are a well-known and established company and are up-to-date with current specs and performance.
Here is a link to the type of computers they currently recommend although feel free to do your own research for comparison. (If this link becomes invalid then please let us know) It’s also worth checking the Dell outlet for deals.
Disclaimer: You are under no obligation to purchase a computer from BH and would advise doing your own research before buying. We are not recommending you buy a computer from BH and Design Alive does not profit in any way by sending students. Design Alive does not take responsibility for any links posted here and we recommend you check with a computer person before you purchase