Fashion Studies

Laptop Requirements for Fashion Studies

2024-2025 Academic Year

Fashion Studies students entering their first year of study are required to have their own laptop computer that meets or exceeds required minimum specifications.

Where should I buy my laptop?

These specifications can be met through a variety of manufacturers. Students may purchase their equipment from any source they choose.

Apple and Dell have discount pricing agreements with Kansas State University and are available for purchase at the K-State Student Union Campus Store. The store also has discounted pricing on required academic-licensed software programs that will be required in coursework.

Can I use an iPad, Tablet, MacBook Air, or Chrome Book?

Tablets can be a helpful ADDITION to your computer setup but due to the interactive nature of our classes, and to achieve a proper level of communication and feedback we require computers.

Chromebooks are NOT a good choice because they have difficulty running Zoom for online class participation.

MacBook Airs are NOT a good choice because they lack the necessary processing capacity.

iPads and other such tablets are NOT a good choice because you cannot run the same Adobe programs as traditional operating systems.

Laptop Maintenance

Technical support for all computer questions is available at Kansas State University's Information Technology Assistance Center (ITAC). There are numerous local retail outlets and private technical support services that can assist students as well.

Students will be responsible for resolving their own laptop technical issues. Therefore, an extended warranty or service agreement is recommended. Project deadlines will not be extended due to faulty equipment, slow processing, or other computer failures.

Technology Recommendations and Minimum Requirements

Recommended Laptop

  • Operating System (OS)
    • Windows 11
    • MacOS 14 or newer
  • Processor (CPU)
    • Windows: Intel ® Core i7 with 4 cores or more
    • Mac: Apple M1 or Intel ® Core i7 with 4 cores or more
  • Memory (RAM): 16 GB memory minimum.
  • Storage: HDD 512GB or higher.
  • Monitor: 14-inch or larger built-in display
  • Wireless (dual band) and wired network support
  • 3-year manufacturer warranty recommended

Additional Recommendations for Fashion Design (FD) Students

  • CPU: Intel ® Core i7 with 8 cores or more. Minimum 4 cores. Or, AMD ® Ryzen 7 processor.
  • Memory (RAM): 32 GB memory recommended. Minimum 16 GB memory.
    • GPU Memory Settings (VRAM): 8 GB or higher VRAM recommended. Minimum 4 GB VRAM.
  • Graphics card
    • Windows: NVIDIA ® RTX 3000 series / NVIDIA ® Quadro RTX, RTX A series are recommended. However, NVIDIA ® GeForce GTX 960 or NVIDIA ® Quadro P2200 are acceptable.
    • Mac: AMD Radeon ® R9 M375 or better.

Required Applications

Inquire at the K-State Student Union Campus Store

All FASH students

FD students (4th year in the program)

  • Browzwear VStitcher – an advanced 2D/3D clothing simulation software for fashion design and product development. No need to install until instructed to do so by a professor.

Required Accessories

  • External mouse with 2 buttons (optical mouse encouraged)
  • Minimum 2TB external hard drive for file backup (prices may vary)

Downloads Available Online

K-State Network Prerequisites and Antivirus Software

To use the campus wireless or wired network, security programs must be installed and procedures followed.

Students are required to protect their laptops by installing antivirus software. The software is required for all computers that access the K-State network. The software is available for free to K-State students on the Information Technology Services website.