Recommended Computer Specs

What kind of computer should you get?

Well, that's largely going to depend on your budget and your personal preference! But here's some information to get started:

Any machine purchased in or after 2022 automatically comes with Windows 10 or Windows 11 automatically installed, which is what Artisan® 6, Historian™ 6, and Valet™ can run on. For our purposes using FOREVER® desktop software, there is no difference between the Home and Professional versions. However, we do ask that you avoid Windows S Mode (found in the Home version) as it won't allow you to install our desktop applications.

Additionally, Windows 11 usually has OneDrive installed and activated right away. Be warned, FOREVER software content saving to a cloud system can lead to software usability issues and even corrupt projects or memories. For this reason please read this article on OneDrive and how it affects FOREVER applications to ensure proper steps are taken so these issues don't happen to you.

Computer Specs to Consider

Below are the specs we would recommend looking into further for anyone utilizing FOREVER's line of products. We have it sorted into minimum required (good), recommended by us (better), and no expense spared (best) quality for each important part of a computer. Feel free to mix and match depending on what else you'll be using your device for, and consult a knowledgeable computer technician if you're not entirely sure!

• Processor
• Memory Amount
• Hard Drive
• Video Card
• Wireless connection
• Native Display Resolution
• Warranty

Looking for a quick list of the minimum computer requirements?

Artisan 6 and Historian 6 you can follow this quick list for an overview on Windows only.
Valet you can follow this quick list for required specifications on either Windows or Mac.

Processor

This determines how fast your computer can complete a task. You will have the same processor for the entire time you own your computer, so make sure you get a good one!

Memory Amount

Also known as RAM (which stands for Random Access Memory), this is the "short term memory" on the computer. It determines how many applications or tasks that can be performed at once.

Hard Drive

While higher storage quantities can be more expensive, the SSD/NVM drives have become the standard drive type installed in newer equipment because they're faster, quieter, cooler, and less prone to failure. If you plan to store your vault, projects, and content onto an external hard drive, then the size of your internal hard drive on the computer itself doesn't matter much.

Video Card

Also known as the GPU (which stands for Graphics Processing Unit), this is what handles the picture quality. Most laptops come with an Intel Graphics Card by default, which can always be upgraded. Companies like AMD and Nvidia make higher end graphics cards for even better picture quality.

Wireless

This is how much information can be sent wirelessly. Wireless AC is the latest and greatest adopted standard for Wi-Fi. The cost difference between N and AC compatible equipment is negligible at this point in time, so we encourage users to opt for AC between the two.

Note that getting a laptop with Wireless AX/Wi-Fi 6 compatibility requires a router/wireless access point that also broadcasts in that standard to take advantage of it!

Native Display Resolution

These numbers are based on pixels that can be displayed in width and height. They run the same as a TV screen, with 1080p or (1920 x 1080) being Full HD. 1920 x1080 is plenty good for most people. For people who do a lot of design work something higher might make sense, but that also makes icons on the desktop and such smaller and harder to see.

Something to keep in mind is that most laptops these days will come with a 13 to 15 inch display, though you can get them as small as 11 inches and as large as 17 inches. A good rule of thumb is the larger display the heavier the laptop.

Warranty

This is to help you in case something happens to your computer in the time you are using it.

Looking for a quick list of recommended computer specs?

For Artisan and Historian you can follow this list, otherwise, for Valet (on either Windows or Mac) you can follow this list.