EIU Journalism Department Laptop Initiative

Beginning fall 2009, the Eastern Illinois University Department of Journalism will require all entering freshmen majors to purchase an Apple Macintosh laptop computer.

For students entering the program prior to fall 2009 and returning students considering a laptop purchase, here are our recommendations:

Hardware: 15-inch MacBook Pro: 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo; 2 GB SDRAM; 200GB Serial ATA Drive @ 7200 rpm; SuperDrive 8X; AppleCare Protection Plan; external mouse. This package includes a service agreement on the computer for three years that covers all repairs and maintenance. Service can be performed on campus or at any authorized Apple repair facility.

Software: Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Premium. Additional software may need to be purchased later depending on your specific course of study. Other required software, such as NeoOffice (an open source alternative to Microsoft Office), will be available at little or no cost.

Journalism majors purchasing the laptop and software through the EIU Bookstore will receive special pricing resulting in substantial savings. Visit the bookstore or call 217-581-7234. Be sure to mention you are a journalism major.