Laptop Requirements

for Admitted Students Fall 2010

Below is a list of common questions about the laptop program at MCAD. Additional questions or concerns should be addressed to admissions@mcad.edu.

 
Do I need a laptop to attend MCAD?

Yes. All incoming undergraduate, degree-seeking MCAD students are required to own a laptop computer.

 
 
Why does MCAD require laptops for new students?

The laptops are part of a comprehensive academic program at MCAD called the Core Four Curriculum. One focus of this new curriculum is to prepare students for the changing local and global job market, which is increasingly defined by digital technology and team-based workspaces. Students will need these computers to participate in classrooms, complete assignments, and engage in critiques. Students will also conduct research, enter class discussion groups and communicate with both teachers and administrators through a digital infrastructure. Nearly all of the courses that students will take during their first two years at MCAD will require the use of a laptop in some manner.

 
 
Where do I buy the laptop?

Because the laptops are a custom build designed specifically for the MCAD curriculum, students are required to purchase them through MCAD. The cost will simply show up on the student's tuition statement. Students will pick up their laptops during orientation.

 
 
What kind of computer is offered in the MCAD laptop bundle?

MCAD will offer Apple laptops running OS X, fully loaded with industry-standard software needed to complete course assignments for a student's first two years at MCAD. More than 100 high-powered computers are also available for more advanced, specialized computing in MCAD's computer labs. The minimum hardware configuration for the Fall 2010 MCAD laptop bundle will be:

  1. 13-inch MacBook Pro (aluminum unibody enclosure)
  2. 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
  3. 4GB DDR3 SDRAM memory (2x2GB)
  4. 250GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive
  5. SuperDrive 8x (DVD+/-RDL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW)
  6. NVIDIA GeForce 9400M Graphics Processor
  7. AirPort Extreme Card and Bluetooth
  8. 2 Year Custom AppleCare Protection Plan
For more information on the technical specs and what comes with your laptop hardware bundle, visit the following URL: http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs-13inch.html

 
 
What kind of software is installed on the MCAD laptop?

The following core applications are installed on the MCAD laptop:

  1. Apple OS X
  2. Microsoft Office 2008 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  3. Adobe Creative Suite - Master Collection
  4. auto-des-sys form*Z
  5. OmniGroup OmniGraffle and OmniOutliner
  6. Final Draft
  7. TypeTool & ScanFont
  8. MaxMSP w/Jitter
These applications are also part of the MCAD laptop: Audio Recorder, Firefox, Safari, Opera, Cyberduck, Font Book, Mozilla, iChat, iCal, Mail, Address Book, TextEdit, Stickies, Calculator, Corel Painter

 
 
Which programs are group licensed?

The software applications listed below are part of a group license package ONLY for new students that purchase the MCAD laptop bundle. These software licenses are owned by MCAD and require a live Internet connection to launch properly.

  • All Adobe Creative Suite applications
  • auto-des-sys form*Z
  • OmniGroup OmniGraffle and OmniOutliner
  • Final Draft
  • TypeTool & ScanFont
  • MaxMSP w/Jitter
Students will not pay any additional fees or upgrade costs to use these software applications for the first two years of their time enrolled at MCAD. Support and access to most of the group licensed software applications will expire at the end of two years and will revert to MCAD ownership.

 
 
Which licenses do I personally own as part of this bundle?

Each student personally owns the licenses to OS X and Microsoft Office for Mac. Installers for OS X and Microsoft Office will be distributed during orientation. Beginning with newly admitted students in fall semester 2010, upon successful completion of two years at MCAD, those who purchased the laptop bundle from MCAD will then assume ownership for the versions of Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Dreamweaver installed on their laptops. Any software updates at that point will then be the responsibility of the students.

 
 
Why don't I own all of the software?

The group licensed software reduces the student laptop cost during the first two years while students need access to a full set of applications for their foundation and introductory classes. After a student declares a major, their computer needs (both hardware and software) will vary considerably. For example, Animation or Filmmaking majors will benefit by using more powerful MCAD lab computers with specialized, professional software applications to handle their class assignments. Other students may not need any additional software, and may decide to continue to use their laptops. Our aim is to avoid increasing the original bundle cost for software that students may not wind up using during their junior and senior years.

 
 
How much does the MCAD laptop bundle cost?

The final price of the laptop will not exceed $1400. You will receive notification in the summer updating you on the final hardware, software and pricing specifics.

 
 
Do I own it or is this a lease?

Students fully own the computer from the time that they pick it up at orientation. If you use financial aid to cover the cost of the laptop you are responsible to pay the balance if you withdraw. There are no refunds or return options. In addition, group licensed software use is only supported for currently enrolled degree-seeking students. If you transfer to a different college or withdraw from MCAD, you will no longer be able to use the software licensed to MCAD. You will only leave with the full ownership rights to OS X and the installers that came with your laptop from Apple.

 
 
Can I buy one at the Apple Store or another retailer?

There is no good reason to buy the computer at a retail outlet. The cost would be significantly higher - perhaps as much as $1,000 more for the laptop and software applications. In addition, if you purchase the laptop or software from a retailer you will have to pay sales tax. The laptop that MCAD provides is custom built for the curriculum and students' needs and has been tested to work with our network, printers, classrooms, library and other infrastructure.

 
 
Is there a warranty?

Yes. Your laptop includes a customized AppleCare Protection Plan, which provides a minimum of two years of service and support directly with Apple.

 
 
Is there technical support on campus for my computer?

Yes. MCAD has on-site support and training for students who purchase the MCAD laptop bundle.

 
 
What if I want to use a different make, model or size?

The computers that we offer are specifically built for the curriculum and classes. If a student uses a computer not custom designed by MCAD, we cannot fully guarantee that it will work within our technology landscape. In addition, there are a number of required software applications a student will have to buy and install just to complete classroom assignments. We estimate that these software programs alone may cost a student well over $1000 during their first two years at MCAD. Although we will assist students with laptops not purchased through MCAD, we cannot provide maintenance and troubleshooting for these machines. Nonetheless, if you decide not to participate in the laptop program, a waiver form must be signed. Please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@mcad.edu to receive a copy of the laptop waiver form.

 
 
I want to use a Windows laptop for class work. What are my options?

At this time, MCAD does not support Windows laptops within the classroom environment.

 
 
Does MCAD provide insurance for my computer?

No. MCAD does not provide insurance for student laptops. If your computer is stolen, lost or accidentally damaged, you will have to buy another one. Please check your homeowner's insurance policy to determine if your laptop is covered. Renter's insurance is recommended and may also cover your laptop. Please contact your insurance agency to make sure your machine is insured. MCAD does have some spare computers for students to temporarily check out during classes if their machine is being repaired or replaced.

 
 
When will I get my new laptop?

First, you must complete Required Enrollment Authorization during orientation weekend. Laptops will then be distributed during a special laptop orientation session on Sunday, August 22, 2010.

 
 
Can I also participate in any other promotions if I buy the MCAD-configured laptop?

Because of MCAD's special laptop bundle pricing, you are ineligible to participate in any other back-to-school or promotional rebate offers for hardware/software included in the bundle.