Technical Requirements

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:
Common laptop question(s):
  1. 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.
  2. 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

Buy Audio Hijack


SOPHOS HOME

Free

Business-grade cybersecurity for real-time protection against viruses, malware, Trojans, worms, bots, potentially unwanted apps (PUAs), ransomware, and more

Buy Sophos Home (Free)


EQROOM Image 1

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

Great. Just make sure your laptop meets the minimum specifications.

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.