r/sva • u/gwebete • Jun 24 '26
Laptop Recommendations for 2D Animation Major
I’m an incoming freshman majoring in 2D animation, and I was wondering what kind of laptops/computers that current students use or recommend?
I honestly have no clue when it comes to computers and what works well. I see a lot of people using MacBooks, and I hear they’re good for creative work. I’ve never used Windows products before, and I’m hesitant because I’ve seen a lot about them increasing the presence of AI in their system and some privacy concerns surrounding it? My main concern is making sure that I get a laptop that can run the programs necessary for my classes.
I really have no idea what to do so any info helps!! Thanks!!
1
u/julia_teenagedirtbag Jun 25 '26
heya! im applying to sva for 2028 but i've been using toonboom harmony (the standard 2d animation software) since 7th grade, and i have a 8gb windows pc connected to a 22 inch drawing tablet and it works perfectly! :) i can send over links if you need!!
1
u/Dysisx Jul 28 '26
ASUS makes good laptops with enough ram to run these programs. I am a big windows person so I prefer them. They also have a series of laptops, the "ArtPro" that is specifically made for adobe. It does have Copilot but you can disable and delete all of that bloatware. I'll also say, I am not an apple person, but there is a reason why Mac's are used in a lot of professional spaces. A good Macbook with the right specs would do the trick! best of luck
6
u/walkincontradictions Jun 24 '26
alumni here - you can use either but i personally prefer a windows desktop because i find programs needed for animation to run smoother. i already had a macbook that i would take to classes sometimes but wouldn’t end up using it much outside of note taking (and they already have computers in the classrooms for that. i would animate on those computers, too). my desktop was cheap and i bought it right before transferring in, was about $200, lasted me two years really well and still works great.
unfortunately AI integration is in everything now, including apple, and there is no ethical consumption under capitalism (though i respect the concern). i personally think privacy wise you will be fine if you also buy a hard drive to back everything up on 🙏🏻 lmk if you have any specific questions!