i'm going to be a b.arch student this coming fall and I need some computer advice.
i've always been planning on getting a laptop but it seems like a desktop might be a good thing because supposedly the computer labs are always full and unless i get some super expensive powerful laptop, it won't be good enough for rendering. and since i'll probably be in studio 24/7, will i really be needing a laptop when desktops come at a cheaper price and with good graphics cards? a good desktop will probably last me a good 4-5 yrs whereas a laptop will only last me around 2-3 yrs.
i might not be doing much rendering in the 1st year (cornell university) so a desktop might not be that important. i was wondering what your take was on that?
Cornell also offers good deals on macbooks but i hear they're not that great and autocad can't run on macs so for now I'm avoiding them. Plus, only the high end macs come with graphics cards that aren't integrated so I'm avoiding them for now.
as for pc laptops, i'm looking at a Lenovo T60 or Toshiba Tecra m5. Both are pretty high end right now and my parents think they're kind of expensive so .... i'm thinking maybe a desktop might better serve my needs right now.
sorry my post is a little bit scrambled
so in summary....
laptop or desktop for a 1st year student?
and looking at my next 5 yrs, perhaps getting a desktop now and maybe a laptop later might be a better option?
i think a good desk top can last you 5 years with upgrades but notebooks really have a life of 3 year max - taking them back and forth to studio really trashes them physically.
there's usuall an architecture kit that the incoming students always get--i wouldn't suggest it. Bare minimums:
Drafting Board
X-actos (get the ones where you can snap off the blades)
Straight Edge / Ruler (arch and metric)
Cutting Matt
Adjustable Triangle
Lead Holders + Sharpener
I graduated from Cornell about a year ago, and 3d renderings hadn't picked up so much, I think it might be changing now though.
Are there second year students that you can ask?
Might be a good idea to wait and see what the environment is like when you get there.
And good luck at Cornell, I loved my time there.
i would say a lap top right off the bat isnt really necessary... i made due without a laptop till 4th year, i would doubt you actually NEED one until 2nd year is over...
just my guess
go with a good desktop... i built myself one summer before i started college, i graduated with my b arch a month ago and my desktop is still running strong
hey everyone! thanks so much for your advice. I think i'm going to get an affordable laptop for now just for personal use and hope that the computer labs aren't full if i ever need to use them. Then 2nd or 3rd year, i'll buy a beastly desktop for all my rendering needs.
thanks so much!
Jun 26, 06 2:29 pm ·
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computer advice for incoming b.arch student
hey everyone,
i'm going to be a b.arch student this coming fall and I need some computer advice.
i've always been planning on getting a laptop but it seems like a desktop might be a good thing because supposedly the computer labs are always full and unless i get some super expensive powerful laptop, it won't be good enough for rendering. and since i'll probably be in studio 24/7, will i really be needing a laptop when desktops come at a cheaper price and with good graphics cards? a good desktop will probably last me a good 4-5 yrs whereas a laptop will only last me around 2-3 yrs.
i might not be doing much rendering in the 1st year (cornell university) so a desktop might not be that important. i was wondering what your take was on that?
Cornell also offers good deals on macbooks but i hear they're not that great and autocad can't run on macs so for now I'm avoiding them. Plus, only the high end macs come with graphics cards that aren't integrated so I'm avoiding them for now.
as for pc laptops, i'm looking at a Lenovo T60 or Toshiba Tecra m5. Both are pretty high end right now and my parents think they're kind of expensive so .... i'm thinking maybe a desktop might better serve my needs right now.
sorry my post is a little bit scrambled
so in summary....
laptop or desktop for a 1st year student?
and looking at my next 5 yrs, perhaps getting a desktop now and maybe a laptop later might be a better option?
thanks!
Here is the list of the tools you really need in your 1st year:
Pencils (4H, 2H, HB, 2B, 4B)
Rapidograph pens (.13, .35, .60)
Pantone markers
Rubbers
Ruler
Squares
T-square
French curves
Compass
With these very cheap tools you will do amazing drawings and renderings and they are timeless.
desk top. definitely more bang for the buck
i think a good desk top can last you 5 years with upgrades but notebooks really have a life of 3 year max - taking them back and forth to studio really trashes them physically.
is that rubber as in eraser or contraceptive or both???don't forget the eraser shield!!!
Arubber that erases "last night"? Hmmm... you may be on to something.
people still use T-squares??
there's usuall an architecture kit that the incoming students always get--i wouldn't suggest it. Bare minimums:
Drafting Board
X-actos (get the ones where you can snap off the blades)
Straight Edge / Ruler (arch and metric)
Cutting Matt
Adjustable Triangle
Lead Holders + Sharpener
I graduated from Cornell about a year ago, and 3d renderings hadn't picked up so much, I think it might be changing now though.
that's what I thought 6 years ago and it really hasnt' changed
Are there second year students that you can ask?
Might be a good idea to wait and see what the environment is like when you get there.
And good luck at Cornell, I loved my time there.
i would say a lap top right off the bat isnt really necessary... i made due without a laptop till 4th year, i would doubt you actually NEED one until 2nd year is over...
just my guess
go with a good desktop... i built myself one summer before i started college, i graduated with my b arch a month ago and my desktop is still running strong
hey everyone! thanks so much for your advice. I think i'm going to get an affordable laptop for now just for personal use and hope that the computer labs aren't full if i ever need to use them. Then 2nd or 3rd year, i'll buy a beastly desktop for all my rendering needs.
thanks so much!
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