Best Law School Laptop for the Money Forum

[HBK]

Quick question before I order - is the Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 wireless worth the extra money?

How much?

Like $30.

Ordering from the Lenovo site? I have the same question.

[ResolutePear]

Quick question before I order - is the Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 wireless worth the extra money?

How much?

Like $30.

Ordering from the Lenovo site? I have the same question.

Does the laptop already come with a bgn adapter? If not, get it. If it does, consider this:

Do I need 450mbps *when available*(Probably never in a LS setting).

In other words - unless you plan on downloading torrents(lolz), skip it unless you don't have a wireless adapter already available.

[Matthies]

[Does the laptop already come with a bgn adapter? If not, get it. If it does, consider this:

Do I need 450mbps *when available*(Probably never in a LS setting).

In other words - unless you plan on downloading torrents(lolz), skip it unless you don't have a wireless adapter already available.

I disgree, go with fastest network card you can, in 3 years everything will be 450mps or sooner. HD, ram, all that you can upograd esialy, wireless card not so much on laptop, and while you can get a USB one later, that's one less usb slot

[nealric]

I disgree, go with fastest network card you can, in 3 years everything will be 450mps or sooner.

450 megabit is already plenty fast for streaming HD movies. What would you use the bandwidth for? It's like buying a 1TB hard drive 3 years ago. Sure, every non-solid state drive these days is 1 tera byte plus, but most people still don't use more than 50-60 gigs.

I think people way overthink the whole law school laptop thing. Computers have pretty much reached commodity status. Just find something that works ergonomically for you and call it a day. You could do all the necessary law school tasks on a 10-year old computer.

[ResolutePear]

[Does the laptop already come with a bgn adapter? If not, get it. If it does, consider this:

Do I need 450mbps *when available*(Probably never in a LS setting).

In other words - unless you plan on downloading torrents(lolz), skip it unless you don't have a wireless adapter already available.

I disgree, go with fastest network card you can, in 3 years everything will be 450mps or sooner. HD, ram, all that you can upograd esialy, wireless card not so much on laptop, and while you can get a USB one later, that's one less usb slot

I'm 90% sure it's a PCIe Half Mini Card; so it's also upgradeable. And besides, you're looking at 450mbps vs 300mbps for regular n-wireless; either one will give more than enough to do anything the laptop is capable of minus downloading huge files - provided the wireless connection is rated at 450mbps.

I also heard that it gives greater range, though. So that's probably another factor to consider.

[MD/JD2B]

I have a 4GB Toshiba with a T3400 processor, 160 GB HDD, 15.4" screen; will this suffice for school? I don't play games or do anything except word processing, i-tunes, and photos; I bought sugar synch so I can use any computer and download to a remote source. I'm not a computer guy so please let me know if I'm missing something obvious that is needed. Thanks.

[nealric]

I have a 4GB Toshiba with a T3400 processor, 160 GB HDD, 15.4" screen; will this suffice for school? I don't play games or do anything except word processing,

Yes, it's fine. Any computer that runs reliably and satisfies your school's exam software (if any) system requirements is fine. At schools without exam software, you could conceivably get by with a computer from 1999.

[Matthies]

I disgree, go with fastest network card you can, in 3 years everything will be 450mps or sooner.

450 megabit is already plenty fast for streaming HD movies. What would you use the bandwidth for?

Porn and WoW duh

[kalvano]

Just ordered.

Thinkpad Edge 14", Matte Black.

Stuck with the Core i3, upgraded to 3GB of RAM, added Bluetooth and the fingerprint reader and 1 year of on-site warranty.

Tax and all, $760. Not displeased.

[clint4law]

So I have a macbook which I plan on using for my personal use and would like to purchase a laptop (thinking ASUS or Thinkpad) which I would use 100% for law school (no movies, no games, etc). Any recommendations?

[Leeroy Jenkins]

So I have a macbook which I plan on using for my personal use and would like to purchase a laptop (thinking ASUS or Thinkpad) which I would use 100% for law school (no movies, no games, etc). Any recommendations?

use your macbook

[clint4law]

So I have a macbook which I plan on using for my personal use and would like to purchase a laptop (thinking ASUS or Thinkpad) which I would use 100% for law school (no movies, no games, etc). Any recommendations?

use your macbook

i was thinking of that but I'd like to have a backup in case of emergencies....besides this damn macbook air has sensitive hinges

[clint4law]

what do you guys think of ASUS N81 Series N81Vp-X1 NoteBook Intel Core 2 Duo P8700(2.53GHz) 14" 4GB Memory 320GB HDD 7200rpm DVD Super Multi ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6834220634

[ResolutePear]

So I have a macbook which I plan on using for my personal use and would like to purchase a laptop (thinking ASUS or Thinkpad) which I would use 100% for law school (no movies, no games, etc). Any recommendations?

use your macbook

i was thinking of that but I'd like to have a backup in case of emergencies....besides this damn macbook air has sensitive hinges

bump

Dropbox everything and sync between your home computer, your laptop, smartphone, and off-site server if you're *that* paranoid.

2GB free and if you need more, it's nominal - but chances are you won't.

You can also use it for projects and handing out files to a large amount of people.

And, you can get more free space by refering people.. speaking of which, click through here and help a fellow out if you decide on this solution.

https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/NTI3NzQ0NzM5

[clint4law]

what do you guys think of ASUS N81 Series N81Vp-X1 NoteBook Intel Core 2 Duo P8700(2.53GHz) 14" 4GB Memory 320GB HDD 7200rpm DVD Super Multi ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6834220634

[HBK]

what do you guys think of ASUS N81 Series N81Vp-X1 NoteBook Intel Core 2 Duo P8700(2.53GHz) 14" 4GB Memory 320GB HDD 7200rpm DVD Super Multi ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6834220634

That's way too expensive for what you get. Look at the Acer TimelineX on Amazon-$799 or the Lenovo Thinkpad T-410, $800 if you use the student discount.

Durability
Performance
Weight
Battery life

[ResolutePear]

I think the general consensus is: Thinkpad or Macbooks.

You're not going to get a better deal or build quality. They both have top-notch warranties depending on what you consider a bother(waiting for somebody to come on-site vs walking into a store).

[clint4law]

I think the general consensus is: Thinkpad or Macbooks.

You're not going to get a better deal or build quality. They both have top-notch warranties depending on what you consider a bother(waiting for somebody to come on-site vs walking into a store).

I'm leaning towards a Thinkpad (since i already have this fragile macbook air). Do you recommend I purchase an extended warranty? What particular Thinkpad do you recommend? I'd be using it solely for law school (so no gaming, etc).
Thanks

[kalvano]

I just bought the Edge. I'll post some pics and a review when I get it.



Though I'm really not sure what I'm going to do with a pretentious, has-been guitarist.

[ResolutePear]

I think the general consensus is: Thinkpad or Macbooks.

You're not going to get a better deal or build quality. They both have top-notch warranties depending on what you consider a bother(waiting for somebody to come on-site vs walking into a store).

I'm leaning towards a Thinkpad (since i already have this fragile macbook air). Do you recommend I purchase an extended warranty? What particular Thinkpad do you recommend? I'd be using it solely for law school (so no gaming, etc).
Thanks

I personally don't mind the SL and Edges. Some people like the T's. It's all about preference - just get the cheapest config with the stuff you need(CD-Drive, etc.) and you should be good to go.

I'm pretty sure that 2GB would be fine on Windows 7 for having a IM window, a couple word documents, spreadsheets, and a couple browser windows open.

I think each school has different specials.. but the Edges have a pretty good sale going on:
http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/cont ... 4F1DB57C85

Also, you can shop at outlet.lenovo.com if you don't mind refurbs.

Finally - the extended warranty... I've heard great things about their warranty. On-site service and all. If I weren't a tech. freak.. I would probably get the 3 year to get through school with as little worry as possible. Some people might just say that they'll grab a new one when it breaks or w/e. It's really up to you.

[clint4law]

I just bought the Edge. I'll post some pics and a review when I get it.



Though I'm really not sure what I'm going to do with a pretentious, has-been guitarist.

yea....i'm thinking of getting the ThinkPad Edge 15" Midnight Black - Glossy.....did you make any upgrades? get an extended warranty?

[kalvano]

I just bought the Edge. I'll post some pics and a review when I get it.



Though I'm really not sure what I'm going to do with a pretentious, has-been guitarist.

yea....i'm thinking of getting the ThinkPad Edge 15" Midnight Black - Glossy.....did you make any upgrades? get an extended warranty?

I upgraded to Windows 7 Professional, to 3GB of RAM, added Bluetooth (so I can use my phone as a mouse pad), and added the fingerprint reader.

The on-site warranty upgrade for a year was only $24, and I'd much rather have on-site than have to ship it out.

That's all I did though. I'm going to get a protective case for it.

On that note, if you need a sleeve, Waterfield Designs (SFBags.com, I think) makes the hands-down best. Custom-made by make and model, vertical or horizontal closure depending on bag type, all kinds of options, and very durable. Well worth the $40.

[clint4law]

I just bought the Edge. I'll post some pics and a review when I get it.



Though I'm really not sure what I'm going to do with a pretentious, has-been guitarist.

yea....i'm thinking of getting the ThinkPad Edge 15" Midnight Black - Glossy.....did you make any upgrades? get an extended warranty?

I upgraded to Windows 7 Professional, to 3GB of RAM, added Bluetooth (so I can use my phone as a mouse pad), and added the fingerprint reader.

The on-site warranty upgrade for a year was only $24, and I'd much rather have on-site than have to ship it out.

That's all I did though. I'm going to get a protective case for it.

On that note, if you need a sleeve, Waterfield Designs (SFBags.com, I think) makes the hands-down best. Custom-made by make and model, vertical or horizontal closure depending on bag type, all kinds of options, and very durable. Well worth the $40.

i wanna get the 3-yr warranty, but it seems a bit pricey

[kalvano]

Just don't throw it at people. That should keep it running for a long time.

[HBK]

I just bought the Edge. I'll post some pics and a review when I get it.



Though I'm really not sure what I'm going to do with a pretentious, has-been guitarist.

yea....i'm thinking of getting the ThinkPad Edge 15" Midnight Black - Glossy.....did you make any upgrades? get an extended warranty?

I upgraded to Windows 7 Professional, to 3GB of RAM, added Bluetooth (so I can use my phone as a mouse pad), and added the fingerprint reader.

The on-site warranty upgrade for a year was only $24, and I'd much rather have on-site than have to ship it out.

That's all I did though. I'm going to get a protective case for it.

On that note, if you need a sleeve, Waterfield Designs (SFBags.com, I think) makes the hands-down best. Custom-made by make and model, vertical or horizontal closure depending on bag type, all kinds of options, and very durable. Well worth the $40.

i wanna get the 3-yr warranty, but it seems a bit pricey

Square trade seems pretty solid, and it's less than half the price. No on-site though.