Selecting a Laptop Computer for NQSC Majors
Today, NQSC majors are just as likely to encounter PCs and Macs in the classroom and the workplace. The choice to buy a PC or Mac should depend on the student’s major, which will determine what software the student will use on a regular basis. Computer labs in the School of Communication make all instructional software available to students but some may choose to purchase software to install on a laptop for personal use.
When a PC or Mac is a good choice:
- Sport Management
- Strategic Communication
When the primary needs of the work place revolve around writing well, either platform is a good option. Use of business applications and the ability to blog and create podcasts play important roles in the workplace.
Recommended Configuration:
PC or Mac Laptop Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 (64 bit) or higher or latest OS Processor: Multicore Intel or AMD processor. 64 bit. RAM Memory: 16GB minimum (32GB recommended)
Hard Drive: 100GB+
Recommended Software:
Word processor of your choice (Microsoft Office, Apple Pages, Google Docs, Libre Office)
Optional Software: Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, Celtx
When a PC is the better option:
- Game Design
PCs are generally used by programmers, game designers and developers, and 3D modelers, animators and digital artists working in the game industry.
Recommended Configuration:
PC Laptop Operating System: Windows 11 or higher
Processor: Multicore (8 or better) Intel or AMD processor. 64 bit.
GPU: Nvidia Geforce 2080 or better (or equivalent)
RAM Memory: 32GB
Hard Drive: 1TB+
Recommended Software:
Word processor (Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Libre Office), Celtx
Optional Software (Games): Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite (3ds Max Preferred)*, Blender, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, video game creation software (Unreal Engine, GameMaker, Gamebryo, Game Salad), video game recording software (Action or Fraps), Steam Account
*Autodesk provides free 3-year educational licenses to users with .edu email accounts.
When a Mac is the better option
- Media Production
- Strategic Communication (Graphic Design and Creative Production)
- Journalism
- Sports Media
- Social Media and Digital Communication.
The Mac platform is the computer of choice for producers, directors, writers, and editors in television and film and for creative teams at work in ad agencies.
Recommended:
Apple MacBook Pro 14” (preferred choice)
M4 Processor (2025)
10-Core CPU
10-Core GPU
16GB Unified Memory
1 TB SSD Storage
16-core Neural Engine
14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, MagSafe 3 port
Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
Force Touch trackpad
70W USB-C Power Adapter
Optional Upgrade:
32GB Unified Memory
Recommended Hardware for MPE:
Lacie or G-Drive external hard drive with Thunderbolt or Firewire 800 support. (Prepare to pay in the $200 range)