Recommended Technology
Is there an easy way to purchase a computer appropriate for my major with an educational discount?
Loyola College of Music and Media has partnered with Dell Computer to offer a convenient way to purchase computers that meet the requirements of your major. Apple Macbook Pro computers are also a good choice.
You are not required to purchase from these vendors. This service is offered as a convenient way for you to purchase a computer that will work for your major.
This site has a selection of Dell computers that are pre-configured to meet the minimum requirements for majors in the college and allows you to take advantage of the educational discounts offered to Loyola University. Additionally, computers on the Loyola Approved page include a 3-Year Accidental Damage warranty.
Apple runs thier own educational store which offers some discounts. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that computers meet the minimum specificationslisted below when purchasing from this site. Mac Book Air is not recommended for any major. It is highly recommended that you purchase 3-4 years of Apple Care for your computer in the event that you have hardware problems or drop or damage it.
Do I have to purchase a computer?
Access to a computer capable of running video and media creative software is required for many classes in the College of Music and Media. Students residing on campus will have access to computer labs while on campus. Students who are online only are expected to provide their own computer.
If conditions require that classes move online or that an individual student self quarantine, all students MUST have access to a computer capable of running the software used in classes in order to continue working remotely.
You need to make sure that the computer that you purchase has enough memory (RAM), storage (Hard Drive), and power (CPU) to allow you to work with media without bogging down. It must also be compatible with the software that is used in your courses.
What type of laptop do I need for my major?
Minimum Specifications
- Operating System:
- Mac OS 10.13 or Higher or Windows 10 Professional 64 Bit
- CPU:
- Minimum Intel Core i5 4-core, 2.2GHz or higher
- Recommended i7 6-core 2.6 GHz
- RAM:
- Minimum 16GB
- Recommended 16GB - 32GB
- Hard Drive:
- Minimum 256GB 7200 RPM,
- Recommended 512Gb SSD (Solid State Drive)
- GPU:
- Minimum Intel HD or Iris Plus,
- Recommended nVidia or AMD Radeon GPU with 4GB VRAM
- Screen:
- Minimum 13 inch 1920 x 1080
- Recommended 15 inch, 1920 x 1080 Retina, Dream Color, Wide Gamut up to 4K.
The minimum specifications on this site will work for most majors, but if you are interested in Design or Filmmaking, the minimum requirements are higher, and you should consider getting the highest performing computer that your budget will allow. A computer meeting the minimum specifications will not perform well in these majors. If you are undecided in your major, but think you want to work with video, 3D, motion graphics, or large graphic images, you should opt for the highest performance you can afford in the event that you find you want to transfer into those majors.
Required/Recommended Laptop for Design and Filmmaking Students: MacBook Pro (Education Pricing Available)
For students enrolled in design and filmmaking programs, we recommend the MacBook Pro (14-inch or 16-inch) as the primary laptop for coursework.
The MacBook Pro is widely used across the design industry and is well-suited for creative applications such as Adobe Creative Cloud, video editing, animation, and 3D workflows. Its combination of performance, display quality, and reliability makes it an ideal choice for both academic and professional work.
Why Choose MacBook Pro?
- High Performance: Handles demanding film and design software, including motion graphics and rendering tools
- Professional Display: Color-accurate Retina display, ideal for visual design work
- All-Day Battery Life: Reliable for use in classes, labs, and remote work
- Industry Standard: Used in creative studios and design programs
Recommended Specifications
To ensure optimal performance throughout your program, we suggest the following minimum configuration:
- M4 Chip: ( or higher)
- Memory (RAM): 32GB (motion, video editing, 3d)
- Storage: 512GB or higher
14-inch vs. 16-inch Models
- 14-inch MacBook Pro: Best balance of portability and performance; recommended for most students
- 16-inch MacBook Pro: Larger display and increased performance; ideal for advanced motion design, video editing, or 3D workflows
Educational Discount
Students can purchase the MacBook Pro at a discounted rate through the Apple Educational Site. We encourage all students to take advantage of this pricing when preparing for their coursework.