Laptop Program Information

Am I required to purchase a laptop?

If you declared a major in Journalism and Mass Communication in Fall 2007 or later,
you are required to purchase a recommended Apple laptop.

When do I need it?

Students who are part of the laptop program must purchase a recommended system
upon enrolling in 200-level MCOM courses. The first courses where you’ll need a lap-
top are MCOM 210: Newsriting and Reporting, MCOM 220: Introduction to Digital
Media, and MCOM 225: Introduction to Digital Production. You’ll need to purchase
your computer and software BEFORE you begin any of those classes.

What hardware is recommended?

We have a minimum hardware requirement of an Apple MacBook with 2 GB of RAM.
Students may opt to purchase a more expensive MacBook Pro if they wish.

What software is required?

All students should have a Word-compatible word processor (Apple iWork or Micro-
soft Office 2008), a copy of Final Cut Express for video editing and a copy of Adobe
Creative Suite 3 Design Standard Student Edition.

How much does it cost?

Our minimum hardware and software bundle totals approximately $1,690, including a
3-year extended AppleCare warranty.

Where do I go to buy my computer and software?

SDSU has its own Apple Store online:
1. Go to: http://esdsu.sdstate.edu/apple/login.asp
2. Enter “jackrabbit” and on the following page, click “individual purchase”
3. Click “recommended systems” in the top right of the page.
4. Choose any of the three listed configurations
5. Go to the SDSU Bookstore and purchase an iWork/Final Cut Express bundle for
$149 and a copy of Adobe CS3 for $209.

Help!
Contact Dr. Matthew Cecil (matthew.cecil@sdstate.edu) if you have any questions
about the program.

Department of
Journalism and Mass Communication