Recommended equipment for DMA majors

by Ben Dunkle, Assistant Professor
Canisius College, Digital Media Arts program

Updated 8/18/05

The following are recommendations for students who wish to make technological purchases to assist them during their course of study in the DMA program. Please note that DMA majors are provided with everything needed to complete the requirements of program, but the following extras may be helpful. They are not requirements, however.

Removable drive

Having a removable drive that can be plugged into any computer with a USB, USB2, or Firewire port is extremely convenient. Files can be stored on these devices (which can hold gigabytes of information), and accessed no matter where you are working. These drives are simply plugged into the port on the computer in front of you and the drive (represented by an icon) will immediately appear on the desktop (Mac) or in My Computer (PC). Furthermore, removable drives are an excellent way to back up the data on the hard drive of whatever computer you use on a regular basis.

External hard drives can either plug into your USB port (slow), your USB2 port (medium) or your Firewire port (fast). They essentially are comprised of two components:

Hard drive

Options and prices vary based on the following:

Physical size (2.5", 3.5", 5.5")
Capacity (20 GB up to 600GB)
Speed (4200, 5400, 7200, 10,000 RPM, 2MB 8MB or 16MB data buffer)
Manufacturer (IBM, Seagate, Maxtor, Fuji, Toshiba, Hitachi, Quantum, and Western Digital, and are all good brands)

Generally, a 2.5", 40GB, 5600RPM drive can be had for under $100. 3.5" is actually cheaper per gigabyte, and significantly faster, but must be plugged into an electrical outlet, whereas 2.5" drives are powered by your computer's USB or Firewire port.

Enclosure
This is the "shell" that surrounds the hard drive and contains the ports to connect a cord from the hard drive to the computer, and vary in price based on the following:

Types of ports (both USB 2.0 and Firewire or just firewire or just USB 2.0)
Model (these things can get very fancy, but they all do basically the same thing)

Generally, a USB2.0/Firewire enclosure can be had for under $50.

Removable hard drives can be purchased already put together (expect to pay ~$50 for this service), or can be built (cheaper, funner!). There should be instructions with the enclosure, and there are many tutorials on the web.

Formatting removable drives
This is where it gets tricky. There are lots of ways to format the drive, and the best way will depend on how you will use it. If you will mostly be using the drive on Macintosh, the drive should be formatted as HFS+. If PC, it should be formatted as NTFS. If both, FAT32 (an older, slower format) should be used.

USB "Pen/flash/thumb/jump" drive

Pen drive, flash drive, thumb drive, jump drive-the jury's out on what to call these, so pick a term you like. What these lack in terms of data storage, they make up for in portability. Like the name implies, they can be stuffed in a pocket, or even put on a key-chain. They hold up to 1GB of data (and more), but a reasonably priced one will run less than $100 and hold 256K. The nice thing about these is that they use "flash" memory, which doesn't need to be formatted for Mac or PC and will work equally well on either one.

Computers

Buying a computer can be a very difficult decision to make, since there are so many factors that can determine the success of the purchase. Every student has unique needs that the computer needs to fulfill, and there is no one "master" configuration.

One question to ask is, do you really need a computer right now? Canisius is very well stocked with labs throughout the campus, most of which have all the software DMA students need to get their work done. Labs are accessible, with the Palisano Pavilion lab open 24 hours and extensive hours at others. Also, consider that the software you are using will be very new to you, and by the time you are really good at it, upgraded versions and faster computers to run the software on will certainly be available. It might be best to save your money now while you learn how to really use the tools of the trade.

On the other hand, there's something to be said for having your own desk (or lap) where you can work. If this is the route you decide to take, consider the following before making a purchase.

New vs. used vs. refurbished
I'm partial to new, but sometimes used are at such great prices it's hard to pass up. One word you will come across during the buying process-refurbished. This means the item was sent back to the factory and any problems the machine was having were fixed. Often, the main mechanism causing the problem is simply replaced. I've never had a problem with refurbished computer stuff, and it's usually a good deal cheaper. Some folks even say that refurbished is better than new, since your equipment is scrutinized to a much greater degree when this occurs. YMMV.

If you are buying a new Mac in the Buffalo area, check out the Apple Store in the Walden Galleria mall in Cheektowaga. They will give you a student discount (I think it's 5%), and you'll have a chance to look at the latest hardware and talk to the knowledgeable staff there. If not, you can purchase your computer online at http://www.apple.com/store. Educational rates are available there as well.

Whatever you buy, get 3 years of applecare (somewhere between $200-$300). Applecare is Apple's extended warranty. You get a year for free, after which your computer will go straight to hell, trust me. It will pay for itself.

OPERATING SYSTEM DEATHMATCH: OS X vs. Windows XP

OS X

Pros
Most of the hardware and software used in the DMA program is running on OS X. This means that by getting a Mac, you'll have an easier time opening, editing, and saving files on multiple computers. This is true of any files that use non-standard fonts (in other words, all but a dozen or so that come installed on both Windows and Macintosh machines). Since we do quite a bit with fonts (at least in my classes), this will make your life easier. It's also the case that many times, even the same software package will treat cross-platform files unpredictably.

Cons
None. OS X is the best operating system on the planet.

Windows XP

Pros
The default OS running on the fastest hardware, used by the most people. Therefore, many software developers either write programs exclusively for Windows, or optimize it for Windows. Either way, if sheer horsepower and speed are crucial to the digital work you will do (basically, animation and game development), a PC might be the way to go. That's about it, unless you are used to Windows, already have Windows software.

Cons
Prone to spyware, adware, and viruses.
Not the primary software used in our labs.

The Winner:
OS X, although some DMA students will benefit more from owning a PC.

Notes:

This is not to say that by using a Mac as your primary machine, you will be less competent/versed in digital media. Although many firms use PC's exclusively, there are very few applications in use that don't have an identical or equivalent Mac version. Photoshop, Illustrator, Quark, and Flash (to name a few) are almost exactly the same in either platform.

DEATHMATCH: Laptop vs. Desktop

Laptop

Pros:
Work wherever you want. Take it home on vacations, the bus, the library, or the game.

Cons:
Laptops are significantly slower (I'd say about 40% slower dollar for dollar) than desktops. They are subject to theft/loss/breakage. They are less upgradeable; you can't swap in a faster video card or bigger hard drive (well, maybe you can but it's tough). They are harder on your eyes if they have smaller screens, which they usually do.

Desktop

Pros:
They are faster, more powerful, more expandable, and more upgradeable.

Cons:

They have a larger footprint (that's tech-talk for take up more space). You're also not going to be hauling that desktop with you to the coffee shop. localized, immobile.

The winner:

Draw

Notes:
Your choice depends on what kind of work environment is best for you, but an important consideration is that a desktop is much better equipped to handle digital video, audio, high-resolution image editing, and animation. If these are areas of interest for you, I would recommend desktop. If, however, you are more interested in graphic design, layout, web design, writing/research, a laptop is the way to go.

Remember, with a desktop, you may also need to get a monitor, mouse, keyboard, and speakers. Also, consider that you may need desk, chair, lamp/accessories to make a comfortable desktop environment.

LAPTOP DEATHMATCH: Powerbook vs. iBook

Powerbook

Pros:
They're made out of aluminum which I guess costs more than plastic. They have better screens (brighter, more pixels, more VRAM). They have bigger hard drives. They can output a digital video signal to another monitor, as opposed to an analog one. They have a PCMA slot where things can be plugged in (I've never used mine; instead it has an extremely tempting button for my 1 year old to gleefully press, so it will probably break at some point).

Cons:
costs ~$500 more

IBook

Pros:
costs ~$500 less

Cons:
Really underwhelming VRAM. The latest revisions, which were recently released, pack a lame 32 megabytes. Most PC laptops ship with at least 128 megs, so I was disappointed when I heard this.

The winner:
Ibook. Spend the $500 on software. New iBooks were just released (summer 2005), something that doesn't happen very often.

Notes:
If you're getting a laptop, I don't recommend getting a Superdrive -- a CD/DVD drive that also writes both CDs and DVDs -- on your powerbook unless it's a good deal. The ones that come on apple laptops are slow, and if you are going to be creating DVD's (which is what superdrives are used for), you should probably get a desktop since they are better suited for the heavy-duty processing that DVD development requires. If you do decide that you want to do this stuff, you can always buy a speedy external DVD burner later.

Do get one with at least 14" screen, and with as much RAM as the computer can handle (512k minimum). Don't buy the RAM from the Apple store. Get it from the cheapest reseller listed at dealmac. RAM is easy to install and doing it this way will save you a chunk of money. Get a wireless card-with one you can access the internet at broadband speed while lying on your beanbag cushion or lounging in a cushy library seat. Apple calls this the "Airport Extreme" card. If the laptop you're purchasing gives you the option of adding one of these on, don't buy it from Apple. Take a look here for deals: http://dealmac.com/search.html?search=airport+card&x=0&y=0 Also, smalldog.com often has good deals on these cards.

DESKTOP DEATHMATCH: High end vs. budget

High end-Powermac G5.

Pros:
Apple's newest computer line is very fast, and the G5 chip behind it all not currently available in laptops. Any of the three currently offered would be fine, but the dual processors add a considerable amount of kick.

Cons:
It's a big investment for a machine that you'll be mostly learning on.

Budget-Imac G5, Mini G4 or Emac G4.

Pros:
Cheaper. The iMac comes with a great screen.

Cons:
With the Mini you will need to buy additional equipment (see below). The Superdrive models cost considerably more, but the drives write faster than the Superdrives in Apple's laptops, so it may be worth it to spring for one.

The Winner:
Budget, and more specifically, the iMac. The latest iMacs are fast, quiet, and have great screens. These are also the machines we have currently installed in our main lab, in Lyons 312.

Notes:
An additional 512 MB of RAM (not from apple, but from the cheapest place here: http://dealram.com/) and an airport extreme card (again, not from apple) will make for a fast machine. Adding more RAM from http://dealram.com/ should be the first thing you do after buying one.

If you buy a G5, you'll need to purchase a monitor. If buy a Mac mini, you'll need a keyboard, mouse, monitor, and speakers. If you buy an iMac or eMac, you're all set. Just make sure whatever you get has at least 512k of RAM in it, preferably more.

Monitor

If you don't get a laptop, you'll need a monitor.

DEATHMATCH: LCD (flat screen) vs. CRT (gigantic box)

LCD

Pros:
Small footprint (tech-talk for doesn't take up much desk space). Dell makes them now LCD (fantastic quality, and unbelievably cheap if you can find deals). Bright and sharp screens.

Cons: Expensive (but getting cheaper all the time.) Not for print work where perfect color matching is crucial (this is what the ad agencies and printers say, but I personally think they just don't want to have to upgrade their ancient equipment!)

CRT

Pros:
Cheaper. Supposedly more "true-to-life" color.

Cons:
Weighs more. A lot more. Takes up lots of space.

The winner:
LCD

Notes:
Keep your eye open for deals on the deal sites. If you do get an LCD monitor, make sure it has DVI (Digital), not just VGA (analog), input. Buy the biggest you can afford. There are many sizes, 17", 19", 20". 17 and 19" are typically very close in price, because they are the same resolution. You'll notice that things (text, images, videos) look larger on 19" because the pixels are larger than on a 17". Some folks like this, some don't. A 20" has higher resolution, and will therefore cost more. Anything bigger than 20" and you're talking major $. Bottom line, if I had some extra scratch right now, I'd pick up a 19" Dell.

Software

You will need a variety of software applications, depending on the class you are taking and your DMA concentration (Design, Technical, or Critical). Adobe/Macromedia design software and Microsoft Office are standard in almost every DMA class and at the very least your computer should have these applications installed.

Software can end up costing more than hardware. However, there are solutions for students working within a budget. Many applications are available for limited time use, which can be helpful if an application is to be used for only a portion of a class. Some heavily used applications are free.

http://www.campustech.com and http://www.micromasteronline.com/ offer the Adobe Design collection, which includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro and Indesign, at a good price. They also have Microsoft Office at greatly reduced prices.

Another way to save money on software is to buy older versions. A legal copy of Photoshop 5.5 can be purchased on ebay for under $100, and upgraded for $149 more to the latest version. Ebay is also a good place to look for used software, as long as it is an original copy (how's that for an oxymoron).

Be careful when buying software. If a deal seems to good to be true, it probably is. Many "retailers" offer outrageous discounts on expensive packages, when, in fact, they are not authorized distributors, and are distributing pirated copies with no packaging or documentation. If they don't have a phone number, preferably 1-800, don't bother.

Portfolio

One of the most important things you'll do in the DMA programs is develop your portfolio. The portfolio is your ticket to your dream job in digital media, and you should get started building it immediately. Your portfolio will likely span across several mediums, so expect to end up with printed, website, and CD/DVD-ROM versions of your portfolio.

One of the most important parts of your portfolio is your sketchbook. Some pros call it a process book, since it isn't just sketches. It's a collection of fragments of thumbnail sketches, doodles, writings, found-objects, cut-outs, photos, etc. that serve as the backbone of any project you undertake as a designer. We have had numerous graduates of our program testify to the importance of having one (or more) of these. It's often the first thing your interviewers will ask to see during an interview.

So, your portfolio checklist is as follows:

high-quality inkjet and laser paper to print your work on
a portfolio to present your work. There are lots of places to find these. Hyatts, the local art store, has lots of different styles. Go in and take a look, but don't buy. Order it online (like everything else) and save a bunch of money. Here are good places to look:

http://www.dickblick.com
http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com
http://www.cheapjoes.com
http://www.utrecht.com
http://www.pearlpaint.com
http://www.portfolios-and-art-cases.com
CDs/DVDs to burn work onto
Large (at least 8.5"x11"), hard-bound sketchbook
Lots of stuff to draw with (markers, pencils, scissors, glue)
A digital camera. It doesn't have to be expensive, but you should take lots of pictures of things you can use in your projects, either as content or inspiration. Alternatively, you can borrow these from the media center, but c'mon. There's tons of stuff to take pictures of, all the time. You're in college, get a camera.

Links

Hardrives, pendrives, enclosures:

http://www.macsales.com/
http://www.pcconnection.com/
http://www.pcmicrostore.com
http://www.transintl.com/
http://www.googlegear.com
http://www.meritline.com
http://www.tigerdirect.com/

Computers:

Apple buyer's guide:http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/. Check here before you buy to see if there's a good chance something new will be released in the near future.

Apple Store: http://store.apple.com (make sure you go to the educational section)

Dell: http://www.dell.com (not sure if they have an educational section, but this is where I'd buy a PC if I had to)

Bargain Sites

These links are a good place to start researching the best deals, which vary from day to day.

dealmac.com
fatwallet.com
xpbargains.com