For Mac users, often a Macbook Air will be sufficient for your course. For more serious production work however, the Mac book pro is more suitable. Compare models here.

For PC users, find updated reviews here. Make sure to filter out the Mac Models on the left.

Perhaps this is obvious but if you buy in BE, you will be presented with a selection of laptops: not exactly the same models as we find in the US or Asia. You will get a BE power plug ( but with an adapter it can be used worldwide). You normally will get a AZERTY keyboard which is not so great for using Adobe or Autodesk software ( consider a QWERTY keyboard layout.)

If the selection of the model is difficult, please mention what you will be using it for ( Photoshop or 3D ). Most sales people will know what kind of model to propose. Make sure you see the quality of the screen as some screens still have washed-out colors or display too much glare.

Ask yourself if you would like a screen with touch-screen - some people by it, but later regret it as it ads very little in terms of graphic creation. So without the touch functionality it could be cheaper.

Optical USB mice are now available at low cost for both Pc and Mac. For any design course we think this is the hardware that is best to start with. Consider using a tablet later, read about tablets here. For 3D software, make sure the mouse is a 3-button mouse or is equipped with a clickable scroll wheel.

If you are on a budget, try to spend a bit more on RAM memory rather then on the latest CPU. Try to get a min of 8GB of ram installed. Your hard disk total minimum size is best between 500GB - 1TB.

When you buy, make sure guarantee papers are in order, ask for the shop name card, make sure you get a proof of payment. This in case some thing goes wrong it. It does not happen often, but it does happen.

If your language skills allow it, ask to have an English Windows 10 or 11 or more recent installed. For Mac OsX make sure they enable the English version.

Most mice feature a scrolling wheel, that can be used as a zoom-in/zoom out tool in various software. Note that the wheel may cover a middle-mouse-button, this is helpfull when learning the 3d packages.

Try to avoid one-button mice as most graphical software makes use of the right-button mouse to access contextual menus.

Before you buy, try to get a detailed quotation ( model name, CPU, amount of memory...) so you can compare prices with other shops ( sometimes in the same mall ).

Before you buy, make sure you have asked and understood the product warranty and return policy. Ask for the shop business-card, make sure you get a proof of payment.

After taking delivery of your new toy, make sure to use it. Disk-drive failures happen sometimes within the first 3 months of use (for any brand of computer). The sooner you reveal hardware failures, the more chances it will be covered by the product warranty.