The Ideal Law School Laptop Forum

[superflush]

yea
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows ... 406&sr=8-1

Definitely sounds promising. Wish it wasn't $120, but that's probably a fair price. Forget IE8, though. I'll stick with Firefox.

It was $50 for a while, but they sold out already.

[abl]

Sorry to bug again, but am I being crazy or is the friends and family discount no longer working? Does anyone know of anything similar?

[deadatheist]

Thought I'd share a small bit of feedback about the mbp 13" I got: overall I'm really happy with it: I wanted a durable computer to cart around daily with a battery thatd last a majority of the day, and that's exactly what I got: the size and weight are perfect, and don't take up too much room in my bag in the case/sleeve. And though 13" may be small, I'm already really digging the trackpad's convenient pinch and zoom feature, or w.e. It's technically called- no strained eyes issues with that.

However, bc of the sleek design I've found it a little uncomfortable when I rest my wrists on the edge of the base like I normally do: it's a pretty sharp edge, so it's still taking me some getting used to to find that comfortable and functional, ergonomic position. I think I experience this probably bc I'm little (5'2) so my wrists hit where say, a larger person's palms might. I'm not really sure, just thought I'd share those thoughts though- this thread is awesome and I hope that can kind of help.

[sheltron5000]

nope. 5'10" male here, I have the same issue. Eventually you get used to it.

[deadatheist]

Maybe you've little manhands Jk. Ya that's seriously my only complaint- It's not really an issue as much noe, but it does take some adjusting to.

[356a]

nope. 5'10" male here, I have the same issue. Eventually you get used to it.

Same thing, and got used to it. took a while - several weeks. Now I no longer notice it.

the pinch zooming and three/four finger swipes are pretty amazing. go to the control panel - track pad - to figure out what they all do. Really useful.

[superflush]

Forget IE8, though. I'll stick with Firefox.

Oh, I missed this part, yea forget IE

[superflush]

Great news on the laptop scene:
Apple is bringing back a [strike]Matte[/strike] Anti-Glare option for the 15'' MBP.
So glad, as Matte screens are where its at.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/appl ... o-charges/

[huarwfn]

Does anyone do their exams on a netbook? I want to do an iMac/Samsung N10 combo (I'm a gamer, major multitasker, Mac user, and trying to get myself out of the habit of sitting in bed with my laptop), but it seems like most people lug the big laptop to exams. Is there a particular reason why? I have tiny hands and never get eye strain from a screen if that makes a difference.

[superflush]

Does anyone do their exams on a netbook? I want to do an iMac/Samsung N10 combo

I guess you could do that. I have the NC10 now, but I'll be getting a MBP when I start law school.

[daviddel03]

hey guys, i'm a bit of a newb when it comes to computers, but what do you all think of the lenovo G550:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6834146706


Thanks!

[missinglink]

Great news on the laptop scene:
Apple is bringing back a [strike]Matte[/strike] Anti-Glare option for the 15'' MBP.
So glad, as Matte screens are where its at.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/appl ... o-charges/

I wish they'd bring that back for the 13" MBP.

My 2006 15" MBP is really showing it's age, but I don't really want to "upgrade" to a glossy screen.

[superflush]

I can't believe this thread is back!

I don't really want to "upgrade" to a glossy screen.

Yea, don't get a glossy screen.

[legalease9]

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I am considering an Asus UL80Vt-A1. Its a really good, ultra portable laptop, but I'm concerned about this...

1.3GHz Intel SU7300 Core 2 Duo Processor


Does the fact that its 1.3 GHz going to make it too slow. I don't want to do gaming, but I DO want to be able to run law school exam software and MS office with ZERO hiccups (or as close to that as any laptop can get).

[SuperFreak]

This was just posted; I swear it was. Can you guys suggest something cheap?

[burvowski]

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I am considering an Asus UL80Vt-A1. Its a really good, ultra portable laptop, but I'm concerned about this...

1.3GHz Intel SU7300 Core 2 Duo Processor


Does the fact that its 1.3 GHz going to make it too slow. I don't want to do gaming, but I DO want to be able to run law school exam software and MS office with ZERO hiccups (or as close to that as any laptop can get).

If you don't want to do gaming, you'll be fine. It's not just 1.3 ghz, it's Core duo, so it's at least 1.3 ghz x 2, but these days, it's more important to look at more than just sheer Ghz (stuff like front-side bus speed, etc.). According to reviews (you can look up video reviews of it in action on YouTube btw), that computer can handle playing HD videos fine, which is a sign that its processor will be more than enough for you.

Be wary, though, that a lot of ASUS's UL laptop models do NOT have cd drives, which could be a deal breaker if you need that for final exams and aren't able to find an external drive (which isn't hard). I'm not sure about that particular model you mentioned though (I've been eyeing the 13" model myself).. Check with your school, my law school does't do exams on cd drives but has us download the software so that is not a issue for me. You will have zero hiccups using the software you mentioned. It'll have no trouble handling 10 browser windows + microsoft office + your music player at the same time.

Those are solid laptops that have been getting great reviews. I'm certainly considering getting one for my 1L year.

[legalease9]

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I am considering an Asus UL80Vt-A1. Its a really good, ultra portable laptop, but I'm concerned about this...

1.3GHz Intel SU7300 Core 2 Duo Processor


Does the fact that its 1.3 GHz going to make it too slow. I don't want to do gaming, but I DO want to be able to run law school exam software and MS office with ZERO hiccups (or as close to that as any laptop can get).

If you don't want to do gaming, you'll be fine. It's not just 1.3 ghz, it's Core duo, so it's at least 1.3 ghz x 2, but these days, it's more important to look at more than just sheer Ghz (stuff like front-side bus speed, etc.). According to reviews (you can look up video reviews of it in action on YouTube btw), that computer can handle playing HD videos fine, which is a sign that its processor will be more than enough for you.

Be wary, though, that a lot of ASUS's UL laptop models do NOT have cd drives, which could be a deal breaker if you need that for final exams and aren't able to find an external drive (which isn't hard). I'm not sure about that particular model you mentioned though (I've been eyeing the 13" model myself).. Check with your school, my law school does't do exams on cd drives but has us download the software so that is not a issue for me. You will have zero hiccups using the software you mentioned. It'll have no trouble handling 10 browser windows + microsoft office + your music player at the same time.

Those are solid laptops that have been getting great reviews. I'm certainly considering getting one for my 1L year.

Cool thanks for the info. Acctually, the one I'm looking at has both a CD drive and 512 GB Video Card. And it's still pretty cheap ($750)! The only downside is that its heavier than the 13 by a pound.

[rcharles]

Noob here.

Are there any potential compatibility problems that could arise if I use a PC at home (desktop), and a mac laptop?

[legalease9]

Noob here.

Are there any potential compatibility problems that could arise if I use a PC at home (desktop), and a mac laptop?

Yes there are potential compatibility problems. LOTS of them. However, Mac and PC have become more and more compatible with eachother over the years. However, make SURE your Law School can handle mac for things such as exam software and the like. Many schools can, but some can't.

[legalease9]

.

[goblue1646]

Is the only difference between the 13inch Macbook Pro and the normal Macbook the aluminum cover? Is there really no other difference? Because I love how the MBP looks, but is it worth an extra 200 bucks?!?!?!

[StrictlyLiable]

Yeah its definitely worth it. Can't beat a backlit keyboard and sturdiness of aluminum.

[superflush]

Is the only difference between the 13inch Macbook Pro and the normal Macbook the aluminum cover? Is there really no other difference? Because I love how the MBP looks, but is it worth an extra 200 bucks?!?!?!

Yes. Never question whether it's worth it.
You should really up it to 15, get the matte screen, and an SSD.
Btw, Cram & Jam has officially started.

[dextermorgan]

Is the only difference between the 13inch Macbook Pro and the normal Macbook the aluminum cover? Is there really no other difference? Because I love how the MBP looks, but is it worth an extra 200 bucks?!?!?!

I dropped my aluminum Macbook. Huge dent, which slowly returned to normal. The plastic one would have been cracked, or worse. It's worth it.

Oh and the backlit keyboard is amazing. Once you have one you won't go back.

[wakefield]

Is the only difference between the 13inch Macbook Pro and the normal Macbook the aluminum cover? Is there really no other difference? Because I love how the MBP looks, but is it worth an extra 200 bucks?!?!?!

I dropped my aluminum Macbook. Huge dent, which slowly returned to normal. The plastic one would have been cracked, or worse. It's worth it.

Oh and the backlit keyboard is amazing. Once you have one you won't go back.

My aluminum macbook has been dropped a few times, and it's not even dented. They're worth it.


That being said...should I be worried about taking exams on my mac using Bootcamp? Has anyone run into problems doing this?