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- Technical Requirements
1. What if I already have a laptop?
Great. Just make sure your laptop meets the minimum specifications.
Technical Requirements
As a student at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, you are required to own a variety of essential tools.
In addition to an Apple MacBook Pro laptop, you must purchase a prescribed list of accessories and software and make sure everything is up and running prior to orientation in August. This means you have to set up accounts, install software, and verify everything is working.
Your out-of-pocket cost will depend on what equipment and software you already own, how powerful a laptop you want, and what degree program you choose. If you’re starting from scratch and meeting our minimum requirements, you can expect to pay between $3,000 to $5,000. We include ballpark prices for separate items below. The actual prices you pay will vary depending on the models you choose.
This may sound daunting. But our tech staff is here to help. Please contact us now at newbies@journalism.cuny.edu for recommendations, guidance, and support.
Essential Tools
APPLE LAPTOP
Minimum specifications:
- A MacBook Pro from 2016 or newer
- An Intel processor is recommended because Avid Pro Tools is not yet fully compatible with the M1 chip on the latest Macs. As of 07.09.2021: The M1 chip will run Avid Pro Tools, but in a version that cannot natively run at full power.
- 8GB of memory (RAM)
- 256GB solid state drive (SSD)
Recommended specifications:
- A MacBook Pro from 2016 or newer
- An Intel processor is recommended because Avid Pro Tools is not yet fully compatible with the M1 chip on the latest Macs. As of July 9, 2021: The M1 chip will run Avid Pro Tools, but in a version that cannot natively run at full power.
- 16GB of memory (RAM)
- 512GB solid state drive (SSD)
Purchasing:
- Factory new from Apple starting $1,799
- Refurbished from resellers ~ $1,299+
- Please note that we cannot make recommendations on resellers
Common laptop question(s):
- Can I use a Windows laptop? Newmark J operates exclusively on Mac, therefore instruction will only be provided on macOS during your time at the school. Please be mindful that your ability to follow along in class may be negatively impacted by being on Windows should you elect to use a Windows laptop; a gap that the faculty and support staff cannot bridge.
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Why isn’t a Mac laptop with an M1 chip recommended versus one with an Intel processor? As of 07.09.2021, the M1 chip will run Avid Pro Tools, but in a version that cannot natively run at full power because it is being run by an emulator built into macOS and not enough has been documented to ensure an experience that won’t affect your ability to do work.
SMARTPHONE
~$600 plus data plan
For shooting high-quality photos and HD video
EXTERNAL DRIve for time machine
~$79.99 and up
Purchase a 3/4/5TB external hard drive drive that you’ll use for backups using the Time Machine application on your Mac. Because you will not be carrying this external hard drive every day, it does NOT need to be a solid state drive (SSD). The Information Technology Services and Support team at our school will be available to assist you with setting up Time Machine.
external drive for everyday carry
~$169.99 and up
Purchase a 1TB external solid state drive (SSD) that you’ll carry with you every day.
SDHC MEMORY CARDS
~$60
Allows use of our recording and field equipment
ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD SUITE
For video and photo editing, graphic design, PDF creation, etc.
You will receive a license to Adobe Creative Cloud from the school for the duration of your enrollment at the school. Look for an email with activation information as we get closer to Orientation.
PRO TOOLS
For recording and mixing audio
You will receive a license to Pro Tools from the school for the duration of your enrollment at the school. Look for an email with instructions for checking out a license as we get closer to Orientation.
AUDIO HIJACK
$42 with academic discount
An application for capturing and recording audio
SOPHOS HOME
Free
Business-grade cybersecurity for real-time protection against viruses, malware, Trojans, worms, bots, potentially unwanted apps (PUAs), ransomware, and more
Insuring Equipment
In your pursuits at the Newmark J-School, you will use video and audio gear from our equipment room – including taking it out into the field. To borrow equipment, you are required to have personal property insurance. We’ve arranged for a simple $200 policy through Haylor that covers you for 18 months. This insurance also protects your laptop and many other personal items, such as your bicycle.
You will need to provide us with a certificate of insurance before you can borrow gear.
FAQs
2. Can I buy a used laptop?
3. What if it doesn’t meet the minimum specifications?
4. Do I have to buy my laptop from Apple?
5. When should I buy?
6. Can I use my student loans to purchase equipment and software?
7. Why can’t I use less expensive alternatives to Pro Tools and Creative Cloud?
8. Do I really need to get all of this extra stuff?
9. This is all overwhelming. How do I get technical support?
Have tech questions?
Our Help Desk is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
Contact us at newbies@journalism.cuny.edu if you’ve got questions prior to attending orientation or help@journalism.cuny.edu during the academic year.