The Ideal Law School Laptop Forum
- superflush
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
No I don't find it incovenient. It's the only thing I plug in when I'm out usually.
Also I run XP and pairing Bluetooth (at least with a headset isn't exactly seemless).
The other concern about using Bluetooth is that if your notebook isn't plugged in you'll be going through the notebook battery.
But if the Bluetooth pairing is seemleaa, they are probably almost the same thing.
Although, I don't know whether Logitech has the same offerings in both USB dongle & Bluetooth. If they do, then it could make sense to get the bluetooth version.
Also I run XP and pairing Bluetooth (at least with a headset isn't exactly seemless).
The other concern about using Bluetooth is that if your notebook isn't plugged in you'll be going through the notebook battery.
But if the Bluetooth pairing is seemleaa, they are probably almost the same thing.
Although, I don't know whether Logitech has the same offerings in both USB dongle & Bluetooth. If they do, then it could make sense to get the bluetooth version.
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
superflush et al: how would you explain to someone (say maybe your not so tech savvy grandpa?) why a netbook would not suffice as your primary computer throughout law school? i'm struggling to make a simple arg. here to show netbooks < everything else (yes i know, potential law student/lawyer fail).
i'm just looking for layman lingo
i'm just looking for layman lingo
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
i mean it could be... there are exactly 3 major issues:deadatheist wrote:superflush et al: how would you explain to someone (say maybe your not so tech savvy grandpa?) why a netbook would not suffice as your primary computer throughout law school? i'm struggling to make a simple arg. here to show netbooks < everything else (yes i know, potential law student/lawyer fail).
i'm just looking for layman lingo
1) Small Screen
2) No CD drive
3) Slow speed / low specs
1 & 2 are easily rectified, and 3 may not matter for people who only browse the web and take notes...
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
thanks db... i've shared these 3 so far though and the old folk (jk grandpa!) are still not convinced why you'd pay more for, you know, everything else that matters.disco_barred wrote:i mean it could be... there are exactly 3 major issues:deadatheist wrote:superflush et al: how would you explain to someone (say maybe your not so tech savvy grandpa?) why a netbook would not suffice as your primary computer throughout law school? i'm struggling to make a simple arg. here to show netbooks < everything else (yes i know, potential law student/lawyer fail).
i'm just looking for layman lingo
1) Small Screen
2) No CD drive
3) Slow speed / low specs
1 & 2 are easily rectified, and 3 may not matter for people who only browse the web and take notes...
on a related note, what's the longevity of a netbook, depending of course on how its used? i'll google this (and rpt back if noone else has commented on this thus far), but would love to hear any informed feedback. i just feel like they'll conk out so fast... idk why.
thanks again!!
- superflush
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
Well, its interesting because I don't believe this is necessarily the case for everyone. I think the biggest issue, though, is typing. All netbooks have pretty similar specs, but some of the keyboards aren't as good as others. imho, amongst the keyboards I've tried out, there were a lot I didn't like: the acers, asus's, & lenovos I looked at just didn't cut it for me. I can't remember how I felt about the HP minis & Dell minis when I tried them. And I have yet to play with an MSI. But when I checked out the Samsung NC10, I found that I could get down with this keyboard. (I made the transition from a 12'' ultraportable that already had a somewhat small keyboard). But I don't know if everyone can adapt to using this keyboard. And while I have been using this as my primary PC for now, I haven't been typing huge papers, or outlines, or notes. I personally will be getting a new notebook for when I start law school, but I'd want a full fledged notebook (pref MB or MBP) anyways. The UNC guy in this post got his NC10 and he felt he couldn't get down with this keyboard, and he returned it. I believe AmyLAchemist is getting along fine with the keyboard size and I think others as well.disco_barred wrote:i mean it could be... there are exactly 3 major issues:deadatheist wrote:superflush et al: how would you explain to someone (say maybe your not so tech savvy grandpa?) why a netbook would not suffice as your primary computer throughout law school? i'm struggling to make a simple arg. here to show netbooks < everything else (yes i know, potential law student/lawyer fail).
i'm just looking for layman lingo
1) Small Screen
2) No CD drive
3) Slow speed / low specs
1 & 2 are easily rectified, and 3 may not matter for people who only browse the web and take notes...
So, I don't believe that those reasons you cited are necessarily a problem for everyone. Lets face it, you don't need a superpowerful processor to take notes and look at cases. You need a powerful processor for streaming HD video (even Hulu at 480p can make a netbook choke if you have other stuff open). But thats more of a personal thing, as would be photo editing, video editing, games , etc.
Screen size may be a big issue, although I'm not in law school yet, so I don't know what exactly my typical use scenarios will be. I can tell you that reading cases and typing notes/outlines at the same time might be a bit rougher on a 10'' screen than say a 15''. If any current law students out there have opinions on screen size with ideal use scenarios, let us now. I personally own 2 external LCD monitors, and although I haven't been in a permanent place for the last few years, you can bet that they'll both be on my desk when I start law school. So, for anyone wanting to use a netbook as primary, picking up an LCD would make sense. Although that wouldn't solve anything if you do a lot of your work in the library.
2) No optical drive doesn't matter at all. My ultraportable didn't have one and it rarely made a difference. Plus, I got a Lite-On Slim External DVD player/burner for $100 3 years ago. For $100 now I think you can even get one that plays (but not burns) blu-ray. I'd recommend at least getting some sort of slim external optical drive if you are using solely a netbook.
So, to summarize I think the major issues are screen size and keyboard size are the major issues. And I think only a light computer user/law student could pull off just a netbook. People who have large music, photo, or video collections will probably be better suited to have a full-fledged notebook or desktop. But for people who have either desktops or somewhat new notebooks, that want to complement that with a netbook for daily note taking and carrying around, that may make a lot of sense.
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- superflush
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
I think longevity is a complex issue. People could say "well if this laptop ran fine 4 years ago, why doesn't it now."deadatheist wrote:on a related note, what's the longevity of a netbook, depending of course on how its used? i'll google this (and rpt back if noone else has commented on this thus far), but would love to hear any informed feedback. i just feel like they'll conk out so fast... idk why.
There are hardware constraints: the battery is going to get very weak
There are software problems: if you're running Windows and you haven't reformatted every year or two, that's likely causing trouble.
And the, I think the overlooked part is that the computers 4 years ago weren't made to do what people are doing now. At least not most computers. There was no YouTube or Hulu 5 years ago, and streaming these videos with flash is very processor intensive. iTunes didn't use of as much memory as it does now. Things that they've implemented like Coverflow make it more of a memory hog, and that damn genius thing was so annoying I just turned it off. 5 years ago, I didn't have a browser where I could open 20 tabs, although later in 2004 I did.
Personally, I think upgrading the RAM right away is important. And reinstalling Windows every year or so will help it stay running well. But, ultimately the things it can run well now (clearly not everything) should run well in a few years.
Last edited by superflush on Tue Jun 02, 2009 12:41 am, edited 1 time in total.
- superflush
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
Lol, I think a not so tech savvy grandpa would have enough reasons not to use a netbook. I don't think the elders would be happy about a smaller keyboard and smaller screen.deadatheist wrote:superflush et al: how would you explain to someone (say maybe your not so tech savvy grandpa?) why a netbook would not suffice as your primary computer throughout law school? i'm struggling to make a simple arg. here to show netbooks < everything else (yes i know, potential law student/lawyer fail).
- superflush
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
amyLAchemist wrote:My SO is making a HUGE deal about getting bluetooth so I don't have said "dongle." (My new netbook has bluetooth) I don't really see the big deal about the dongle (esp since my netbook has 3 USB ports). Do you find it inconvenient? Non-bluetooth wireless is way cheaper......which i like....
So, out of all of Logitech's notebook mice, only 1 is Bluetooth (V470, laser), and the layout of the mouse doesn't look as good as the one I already have (VX Revolution, laser). Ehsuperflush wrote:Although, I don't know whether Logitech has the same offerings in both USB dongle & Bluetooth. If they do, then it could make sense to get the bluetooth version.
- lucydog
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
What does everyone think of the Lenovo Ideapad Y450? The T400 is just to business/corporate for me.
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
Do you have a link to which schools do this? I have never heard of this before.sullidop wrote:Most schools give you free office for macs nowadays.
Also, when you run bootcamp do your battery life and multi-touch capabilities suffer?
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
thanks for all of the above thorough responses superflush... you are rocking this thread right now and keeping people like me very well informed with all your good insight- kudos!
- superflush
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
Are u gonna base where you go to school on this. Just check with your schools IT dept, bookstore, or computer store.tagc wrote:Do you have a link to which schools do this? I have never heard of this before.sullidop wrote:Most schools give you free office for macs nowadays.
Fwiw I don't think most schools give it away.
- vut
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
I was pretty excited when the Y450 first came out. But upon a closer look, I decided it didn't make sense for me to get it for a number of reasons.lucydog wrote:What does everyone think of the Lenovo Ideapad Y450? The T400 is just to business/corporate for me.
The first reason is it offers more features than I really need, especially the extra function buttons (Lenovo calls it Desktop Navigator). You get charged extra, but most likely they'd get used the least. I'm a big believer in minimalism and really in favor of Mac's keyboard layout. If you need to add more functions, integrate them straight into the keyboard.
Another downside is the color of the keyboard: white. Although I haven't had this particular model, I assume based on previous experience that this model will stain faster and easier, similar to the white Mac. I paid over 100 bucks to replace my Mac's faceplate. Plus, since there is a lot of typing in law school, that would only speed up the process. I could be wrong but that was the reason why I abandoned this model.
I would recommend the Y430 instead if the T400 doesn't work for you. Or may be the HP dv4t series because of the simple keyboard layout with sufficient specs.
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- vamedic03
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
UVA gives it to you for $10 (both Mac and PC versions)superflush wrote:Are u gonna base where you go to school on this. Just check with your schools IT dept, bookstore, or computer store.tagc wrote:Do you have a link to which schools do this? I have never heard of this before.sullidop wrote:Most schools give you free office for macs nowadays.
Fwiw I don't think most schools give it away.
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
http://www.bc.edu/offices/itwelcome/software.htmlvamedic03 wrote:UVA gives it to you for $10 (both Mac and PC versions)superflush wrote:Are u gonna base where you go to school on this. Just check with your schools IT dept, bookstore, or computer store.tagc wrote:Do you have a link to which schools do this? I have never heard of this before.sullidop wrote:Most schools give you free office for macs nowadays.
Fwiw I don't think most schools give it away.
There are a few schools that do this. Definitely check it out before you waste a couple hundred on useless upgrades. Also, some schools (such as BC) also offer windows upgrades from home to pro for free.
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6834220519
Just bought that one. I've been looking around for a while and that one has freaking amazing specs for only $899.99. P8600 processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB 7200 RPM hard drive, 1GB video card, and it even comes with an accidental damage warranty stock! Plus only 14" so it's light and portable!
Pretty sure that this IS the ideal law school laptop.
Just bought that one. I've been looking around for a while and that one has freaking amazing specs for only $899.99. P8600 processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB 7200 RPM hard drive, 1GB video card, and it even comes with an accidental damage warranty stock! Plus only 14" so it's light and portable!
Pretty sure that this IS the ideal law school laptop.
- superflush
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
That keyboard looks alright. Honestly though if you've been typing on a macbook and netbook, going to some full desktop keyboards might seem weird. In college I had a generic black external keyboard that I used with my laptop (& external LCD), and of course I used my notebook in the library, and sometimes the iMac keyboard (the slightly older white one) it labs. The other day I was using those older Dell desktops with its keyboard, and I found the keyboard to be so large, clunky, and not smooth (it required punching the keys down like a typewriter and had to harsh of a feedback). I think they keyboards on good notebooks just flow right. But that being said, Logitech is very good and I've always preferred their keyboards to whatever the Dell ones were on campuses. I'm actually curious myself to see whether if I started using my external keyboard again if I'd like it or if I'd find it not worth it. Regardless, if you are using your notebook on your desk at home and have an external monitor, it makes a lot of sense to have an external keyboard so that the position of the 2 screens is optimum (to do something like this: http://www.macobserver.com/review/2003/ ... ve_lcd.jpg . On a side note, if you're used to the macbook keyboard (and especially if you're using a potential external keyboard with your macbook, the Mac accessory specialists might have keyboards that are closer to the standard apple keyboard).amyLAchemist wrote:Any thoughts on this keyboard:
Logitech
Samsung, Asus, Lacie
Thanks superflush and the rest of TLS tech support!
About the optical drives. If any of those drives are completely capible of being USB-bus-powered, than that is a plus because you won't necessarily need to use the power cord. Sometimes with these things, it will work with a double usb cord, or powered USB hub, but not just the USB, and sometimes you'll need the power cord. Just check peoples review for what they say. The other day I plugged my Lite-On one into my netbook and it wouldn't show, I likely need to use the power cord or plug the Lite-On into a powered USB hub and the hub then into the netbook. So, if you get what I'm saying it be a plus to have it work over a single USB for mobility and ease. With those particular Samsung & Asus models, the review say it won't work with a single USB. So I would try to find reviews of the Lacie model. This is the same model as the one you linked: http://www.google.com/products/catalog? ... ps-sellers
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
Just got an Asus eee 1000HE running Ubuntu Linux. Can't argue with 9 hour battery and $350. It's light and portable. Does everything I'd need for law school (browsing, word processing, email, music...don't need anything else). Compliments a desktop well. Had a macbook pro, but that is overkill for class IMO
- iagolives
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
What do y'all think of this one?
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
WINNAR!!!Smoyf wrote:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6834220519
Just bought that one. I've been looking around for a while and that one has freaking amazing specs for only $899.99. P8600 processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB 7200 RPM hard drive, 1GB video card, and it even comes with an accidental damage warranty stock! Plus only 14" so it's light and portable!
Pretty sure that this IS the ideal law school laptop.
Got it, love it, get it!
Does it play?
Bioshock - yes
COD4 - yes
TF2 - yes
AOEIII - yes
CCTW - yes
What is anyone waiting for?
- vut
- Posts: 53
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
It looks like a good choice. By the way, you can get the same model on the official HP website for a little bit less. Current selling at $649.99: http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/rts_ ... R1002_USENiagolives wrote:What do y'all think of this one?
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- vut
- Posts: 53
- Joined: Wed May 06, 2009 9:35 pm
Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
Wow, I can't believe you're trying to persuade these lawyers by listing out games that they probably don't have time to play. FTW!The Environment wrote:WINNAR!!!Smoyf wrote:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6834220519
Just bought that one. I've been looking around for a while and that one has freaking amazing specs for only $899.99. P8600 processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB 7200 RPM hard drive, 1GB video card, and it even comes with an accidental damage warranty stock! Plus only 14" so it's light and portable!
Pretty sure that this IS the ideal law school laptop.
Got it, love it, get it!
Does it play?
Bioshock - yes
COD4 - yes
TF2 - yes
AOEIII - yes
CCTW - yes
What is anyone waiting for?
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- Posts: 1
- Joined: Wed Jun 03, 2009 5:36 am
Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
Thanks a bunch guys.
simulation credit auto
simulation credit auto
- hoffb86
- Posts: 313
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
That seems like a great setup, how is the Asus brand? I'm not too familiar with it.Smoyf wrote:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6834220519
Just bought that one. I've been looking around for a while and that one has freaking amazing specs for only $899.99. P8600 processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB 7200 RPM hard drive, 1GB video card, and it even comes with an accidental damage warranty stock! Plus only 14" so it's light and portable!
Pretty sure that this IS the ideal law school laptop.
Ultimately, I think my decision will be a matchup of Lenovo vs. Mac, but I will look at other systems as well.
- hoffb86
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Re: The Ideal Law School Laptop
If I got a macbook, and wanted to have a second monitor and external keyboard at my desk -
a) Can I got a non-mac Monitor and external keyboard? would it be fairly easy/"plug and play"
b) do I need a docking station of any kind?
a) Can I got a non-mac Monitor and external keyboard? would it be fairly easy/"plug and play"
b) do I need a docking station of any kind?
Seriously? What are you waiting for?
Now there's a charge.
Just kidding ... it's still FREE!
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