Computer Recommendations

The Architecture Department at PennDesign

The Architecture Department at PennDesign requires incoming Architecture graduate students to buy, or bring, a personal computer for use during the Fall Semester. When purchasing your computer you need to decide between a workstation laptop or desktop model. While you lose mobility when choosing a desktop computer, you will definitely get more computing power (dual processor, dual hard drives). We have found that some of our students are using a desktop for their more intensive 3Dwork, and bringing in an older or a more basic laptop for other functions.

Please do NOT bring in a computer with the Vista Home operating system. Vista Business and Vista Ultimate are acceptable operating systems. Whether you chose a Windows-based or MAC computer; or are deciding between 32 and 64 bit, it is important that you carefully read our "Student Guidelines for Purchasing a Computer" at www.design.upenn.edu/comp

The School of Design, in conjunction with the University’s Computer Connection, is pleased to offer Architecture students several computer purchasing options which you can view online at our website (www.design.upenn.edu/comp). or in the Computer Connection brochure on pages 8 through 11. It is also very important that you secure your computer and all peripherals with a lock-down device. For your convenience, we have included computer lock-down kits in our offerings.

Pre-ordering your technology package through the University’s Computer Connection provides the convenience of having the items you ordered ready for you to pick up at the store when you arrive on campus. You may order online at campusexpress.upenn.edu by August 15, 2009. You must establish your PennKey ID and password (www.upenn.edu/computing/pennkey) before entering the Campus Express web site. If laptops are ordered before July 15, 2009 you may choose to have your order shipped to your home.

If you plan to purchase a system elsewhere, or want to evaluate a system you already own, please match the Specifications of your preferred systems to the ones offered by the Computer Connection. Many vendors will happily sell you cheaper systems with less RAM, a less powerful graphics card and/or lower hard drive performance. However, there is no guarantee that these less expensive systems will serve you well at PennDesign. Video card and RAM specifications are particularly important to Architecture students.

The University’s Office of Student Financial Services provides resources that can assist you in the purchase of your computer. If you have filed a FAFSA form and are eligible for financial aid, you can ask for a budget increase from the University’s Office of Student Financial Services. Download their budget Increase Form from www.sfs.upenn.edu/pdf/2008-09/education-budget-increase-08-09.pdf and return the completed form to them along with a receipt from the computer you’ve purchased or an estimate of the computer you plan to purchase. For more information stop by the PennDesign Office of Financial Aid, 110 Meyerson Hall.

If you have questions regarding the configurations or order placement, the Computer Connection staff can assist you. Please contact the store at 215-573-2850, or email the staff at ccxmail@pobox.upenn.edu. If you have specific questions about computing requirements at PennDesign, please feel free to contact me at 215-898-3160 or cathy@design.upenn.edu. Please visit our website, www.design.upenn.edu/comp, for more detailed information about which system is best for you, and which software packages we recommend you own.

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