Required MacBook Pro Laptop Purchase

Incoming freshmen to our digital media and animation programs will be required to purchase an Apple MacBook Pro laptop. This particular laptop will ensure a seamless Macintosh environment within the program, as well as provide students experience with industry-standard programs and platforms. We are also asking students to buy a copy of the newest version of Adobe CS4 Design Premium suite. The laptop is available through the digital media and animation Apple Store for Education (requires an Alfred State login students will recieve after paying their admissions deposit). Through this site the student will receive their educational discount along with an additional discount negotiated by digital media and animation. The Adobe software will be available through the ACES campus bookstore at a discounted price and is also available at many student software Web sites. Financial aid may cover all or a portion of these purchases. To find out how much, please contact Deb Neu by phone: (607) 587-4253 or e-mail: neuda [at] alfredstate [dot] edu.

This computer is something that you will rely on for quite some time, even after graduation. We have found Macintosh computers to be a reliable and technologically advanced asset throughout our own careers and expect our students to share the same experience.

Some of the benefits to having an Apple MacBook Pro in our program are:

• They come standard with two graphic cards for accelerated 3D graphics and one of them is standalone so it can be turned on and off manually, if needed.
• By using boot camp, part of the OS, you can install and run Windows XP or even Vista along with Windows software so it is like two computers in one.
• While working in the Mac Pro lab, the student can be using the laptop and multi tasking as well.

The professors teach software setup and maintenance such as setting up e-mail, connecting to the server, printing, etc. Hardware will be covered through the required Applecare you receive with the laptop.

If you have any questions about the laptop or laptop purchase, please feel free to contact Larry Neuberger, digital media and animation curriculum coordinator, by e-mail: neuberl [at] alfredstate [dot] edu or phone: (607) 587-4694.