Student Laptop Recommendations

AAP strongly recommends that all students have a personal laptop computer powerful enough to support the demanding video and computational requirements necessary for coursework, as well as adequate storage to accommodate new software releases. Most students will build digital portfolios and render using Rhino/VRay/Enscape in addition to writing papers and email. Some AAP classes make extensive use of Canvas for class management and syllabus distribution. AAP is a fully mobile computing environment, we have no computing labs.  We do offer most of the original teaching lab software through a virtual desktop.

It is strongly suggested that each student own the recommended laptop computer, accessories, and base software listed below. The mobility of owning a laptop is essential as much of the work is collaborative and happens in a variety of locations. Please note that the AAP IT Solutions service team is available to provide free support for student-owned laptops.

A lightweight alternative: Students looking for an ultrabook that meets the recommended laptop specs should consider the Microsoft Surface Laptop (CRP/Real Estate only). These devices exist with several options but can be found with AAP’s specific recommendations. They can also be found heavily ($450+) discounted on sites like Amazon as refurbished or renewed.

Gaming-branded laptops: Most new gaming laptops will work well if the specs below are followed. We’ve had great luck with Razer and their robust materials. Some gaming laptops are less expensive than workstation-branded laptops but, unfortunately, can have lower build quality (plastic). The exception to this is the Asus ROG G16 laptops (or similar Asus), which has a decent spec sheet, build quality, and price.

BACKUP: While we have your attention, please ensure you utilize your OWN full method of backup and not fully rely on Cornell owned central services (Gmail/Box storage all reduced over the years). Utilize Google drive on your personal account for a full backup (a few $ per month), or, use an external hard drive for a full sync using the built in Windows Backup or Mac Time Machine.

Suggested Laptop Specs

Architecture/Design Tech

Intel i7 or i9 processor
Windows 11
32 GB of RAM
Dedicated video processor should be one of the following or greater:
Nvidia® Quadro, Nvidia® Geforce 4060, 5060 or greater.
At least a 1 TB hard drive (SSD hard drive)

Art

Apple MacBook Pro
Apple Silicon (M2/M3/M4/M5/M6 Arm CPU)
24 GB of RAM
Mac OS 26
At least a 512 GB SSD hard drive

City and Regional Planning/Real Estate

Intel i5 (i7 preferred)
Windows 11
32 GB of RAM
At least a 1 TB hard drive (SSD hard drive)

All Colleges

USB thumb drive (64 GB)
USB storage hard drive (1 TB)

Software

• Microsoft Office (free for Cornell students)
• Adobe CC (Adobe subscription is provided, please wait for an email at the start of each semester)
• AutoDesk Suite (free student edition)
• ArcGIS (ESRI subscription is provided, please wait for an email at the start of each semester)
• Rhino (no longer sold at the Campus Store) – Arch and DTECH Students
  • Studica (New York)
  • Creation Engine (California)
  • Novedge, LLC (California)

Notes

There are some apps in the Architecture/Design Tech/City and Regional Planning  programs that will not run on Mac hardware. Since Bootcamp is no longer supported on the new Arm chips, we strongly suggest you come prepared with a Windows based laptop (Intel or Arm). For students that do not heed this warning, we offer a virtual lab that can be connected to from a Macintosh computer that can run things such as ArcGIS, Revit, eViews, HDRScope, and more).

The use of Mac computers in art-related professions is rooted in the culture. However, for a lower price, a student can purchase a Windows-based computer with similar or more powerful specs. All but a few pieces of software will run on both (Final Cut Pro is Mac only but Adobe Premiere is cross-platform).

The Cornell Store carries equipment that matches some of the specs above.