Interactive Journalism Program

Download recommendations - updated May 2012

Film & Media Arts Graduate Programs 

Requirements and Recommendations - updated June 2012

Computer Recommendations:

If you find that you have questions about any of the specific recommendations, please call the SOC Techline at 202-885-3570.

Equipment  

Recommended Laptop

1- "GOOD"

This is the entry-level laptop that will run FCP with HD media. Please add Apple Care in your purchase.

15-inch MacBook Pro

Specifications

• 2.3GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7
  
• Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz
• 8GB 1600MHz memory
• 500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
  
• Intel HD Graphics 4000
• NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 512MB of GDDR5 memory
• Built-in battery (7 hours)
• MacBook Pro 15-inch Glossy Widescreen Display
• Backlit Keyboard (English) & User's Guide
  
• Accessory Kit

2- "BETTER"

This is the choice for a 15-inch laptop that combines portability with a bigger and faster hard drive that runs FCP more efficiently and quickly, and a higher-resolution antiglare display. Again please consider adding Apple Care to your purchase.

15-inch MacBook Pro

Specifications

• 2.3GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7
• Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz
  
• 8GB 1600MHz memory
  
• 750GB 7200 rpm hard drive
• Intel HD Graphics 4000
  
• NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1GB of GDDR5 memory
  
• MacBook Pro 15-inch Hi-Res Antiglare Widescreen Display
  
• Display Backlit Keyboard (English) & User's Guide
  
• Accessory Kit

3- "BEST"

This is has a faster processor, the bigger and faster hard drive, and the higher resolution, antiglare display. Apple Care is highly recommended.

15-inch MacBook Pro

Specifications

• 2.6GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7
  
• Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz
  
• 8GB 1600MHz memory
  
• 750GB 7200 RPM hard drive
• Intel HD Graphics 4000
  
• NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1GB of GDDR5 memory
• Built-in battery (7 hours)
  
• MacBook Pro 15-inch Hi-Resolution Antiglare Widescreen Display
  
• Backlit Keyboard (English) & User's Guide
  
• Accessory Kit

If you are not purchasing a new computer, the minimum computer specs for your existing computer is a 2.3GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7.

Any MacBook Pro purchased in the last year will have the right processor and video card. It is easy to determine if the computer is a MacBook vs. a MacBook Pro. RAM upgrades are available and affordable through MacUpgrades in Bethesda, Md.

Recommended Peripherals
- Portable RAID array for media storage and backup, minimum 1 GB: $285. Alternatively, 2 500 GB drives ($240) and Shotput Pro software ($100): $340. For video editing, external hard drives should be Firewire capable.
- Flash Drive, 16 GB or 32 GB: ranges from $20 to $80, depending on size and brand

Recomended Software Applications (4)
- iLife (comes free with a new MacBook Pro)
- iWorks ($71) or Open Office (free)
- Graphics: Adobe Creative Suite Design Premium Edition
- Video Editing: Apple Final Cut Pro X, Compressor, and Motion: ($400)

If you like, you can buy the recommended hardware and software from Apple through SOC's online store where you will find pricing and offers for SOC students. Or you can visit academicsuperstore.com. If you are new to this type of technology, don’t worry - our Techline staff members are happy to answer questions.