Duke Law Class of 2012 Forum

[aer]

Thanks again. What is FAT32? I am going to try and get XP, but may have to deal with Vista.

FAT32 is a file system. It is the old version compared to NTFS, which is mostly used on Vista (maybe XP, I can't remember). Mac uses a different file system, though, like HFS or something.

Honestly, I never partition my hard drive. I don't really see a good point to it and wouldn't suggest it to anyone. I have another external HD that is 1 terabyte that I like to use for backing up, etc... so I don't need a partition to use as a backup archive or something. I honestly have no earthly idea why anyone would want to partition off their OS... If one of your partitions gets screwed up, it is likely that your whole HD is screwed so I don't think it is in any way helpful as a backup. To back up my stuff, I save an image of my laptop HD onto my external HD once a month and I always keep three images of my laptop HD on the external HD, two from the last two months, and one image that is just the operating system and essential programs like Office. I have a few USB drives that I use for short term backups. This just seems so much more efficient and reliable to me...

Is Windows 7 really scheduled to come out in October? I may hold off buying a new laptop...

When I talked to the people at the Apple store they said that to run bootcamp I would need to partition my harddrive. Part of me is in denial that I will actually have to do this.

[Bosque]

Is Windows 7 really scheduled to come out in October? I may hold off buying a new laptop...

Rumored, not scheduled. We will see what happens.

[chadstew55]

When I talked to the people at the Apple store they said that to run bootcamp I would need to partition my harddrive. Part of me is in denial that I will actually have to do this.

Oh, yeah, you will have to make a partition if you are trying to do that. Sorry if I mislead you about that, I thought you were just randomly making partitions on your Windows PC, hehe (which is actually quite common).

Because Windows runs on a NTFS file system and mac runs on a HFS file system, you will have to partition one section for NTFS for windows and then partition off a space for FAT32 to transfer files, or just use an external hard drive or USB to transfer files.

Are you going to install XP or Vista? XP only uses about 4-8 gigs but Vista uses a solid 10-12 gigs. Since you will likely be installing program files (programs that only run on windows) on the same partition you will probably want to make it quite a bit larger than just enough space for the Operating System. I asked my neighbor (who has this on his mac) and he said 15-20 gigs would be good unless you were going to try to install a whole lot of games or something.

[dmnshm]

I just got pm'ed asking me why I chose to go to Duke, so I guess I will share here:

I am also accepted to the JD/LLM. I, like you, have not and will not be able to visit the campus (currently overseas). So I can't give you any insight about the campus vibe, or other things like that. Although, there is an excellent thread on TLS that is linked to on the first page of the Duke Law Class of 2012 thread. With that caveat, I will begin.

Most of my decision-making this cycle was over before I applied. Due to funding constraints, I only applied to 6 schools, 1 safety, the others targets and reaches. I spent a lot of time choosing these 6 schools according to my interests; which are very specific. After applying, I used the following criteria:

I considered three aspects most important when choosing a school (in order of importance): academics/reputation (obviously), location, and the (somewhat nebulous) "vibe" one gets from a school.

Academics/Reputation: Obviously, Duke is an excellent place to get a legal education. I won't go into the details other than to say that I am impressed with the quality of the faculty and student body. Additionally, Duke places very well in BigLaw, and I feel that opportunities for high-level gov't work, clerkships, etc.--while maybe not as numerous as HYS--are out there for the taking.

What convinced me to apply and deposit at Duke was the quality of their international law program, which I feel is quite underrated; and particularly strong in Asia-related courses/focus. The opportunity to get an LLM and JD in three years certainly played a role in my decision, particularly as a chance to build my connections overseas, and to receive a leg up in my career.

Location: The one qualm I had going into applying to Duke; the "southern" location. Although unable to visit, I talked to enough people (who had my best interest at heart) to convince me that living in Durham would be pleasant and I always love to experience another part of the country. From pictures I have seen, I think the campus is nice.

Vibe: My vibe from Duke is great: an innovative, dynamic environment where intelligent people can come together to learn effectively. I have been impressed with all the communication I have received from the school. All interaction with the admissions and finaid offices has also been positive.

I hope this helps you in your decision.

Edit: maybe my criteria suck...if so, please refrain from mentioning it to me, thanks

[dmnshm]

Also, RE: Laptops

I talked to a friend (who is also tech savvy) about the laptop thing and he pointed out something cool. The lenovo T400 model with discrete graphics has this "hybrid" feature whereby you can switch between using the discrete graphics card and the integrated graphics card. Using integrated graphics with a 9 cell battery will get you 9 hrs of battery life. I think that has convinced me to go that route, particularly if bosque is right and the new windows will be out soon so I can get the hell away from vista.

Edit: again, I will not be buying this from the Duke computer store, so no worries

[Bosque]

Also, RE: Laptops

I talked to a friend (who is also tech savvy) about the laptop thing and he pointed out something cool. The lenovo T400 model with discrete graphics has this "hybrid" feature whereby you can switch between using the discrete graphics card and the integrated graphics card. Using integrated graphics with a 9 cell battery will get you 9 hrs of battery life. I think that has convinced me to go that route, particularly if bosque is right and the new windows will be out soon so I can get the hell away from vista.

Edit: again, I will not be buying this from the Duke computer store, so no worries

The MacBook Pro's have this too. It is nice.

[aer]

When I talked to the people at the Apple store they said that to run bootcamp I would need to partition my harddrive. Part of me is in denial that I will actually have to do this.

Oh, yeah, you will have to make a partition if you are trying to do that. Sorry if I mislead you about that, I thought you were just randomly making partitions on your Windows PC, hehe (which is actually quite common).

Because Windows runs on a NTFS file system and mac runs on a HFS file system, you will have to partition one section for NTFS for windows and then partition off a space for FAT32 to transfer files, or just use an external hard drive or USB to transfer files.

Are you going to install XP or Vista? XP only uses about 4-8 gigs but Vista uses a solid 10-12 gigs. Since you will likely be installing program files (programs that only run on windows) on the same partition you will probably want to make it quite a bit larger than just enough space for the Operating System. I asked my neighbor (who has this on his mac) and he said 15-20 gigs would be good unless you were going to try to install a whole lot of games or something.

I am going to try to get XP. Vista just seems unpleasant.

[iceman12354]

For any of you summer starters, I have Weistart's "Book" (It's actually a DVD) for contracts. If you want it I'll sell it to you. Lemme know if you need it and will be in town in mid-may.

[haliiehead]

hey, i'm a current 1L at duke. i didn't read this entire thread, but if you're thinking you have to partition your mac's hard drive, you don't - at least not for any of the law school stuff. the only software you need is electronic bluebook (for exams) and they just came out with EBB for macs in the fall.

also, if you want to be where the excitement is, live at pinnacle. it's the most 1L's, everyone tends to congregate there, and it's fun (i don't live there, but i would have if i had it to do over again). i live at alexan farms, it's very nice & private & secluded. there are just more law students at pinnacle & it's more affordable. most of the apartment complexes are all the same - it's like living in stepford.

[dmnshm]

Has anyone started looking into lenders for their student loans? A preliminary glance at the Duke preferred lenders chart makes me think that the College Foundation is the best way to go. I was planning on digging into some research tomorrow, but if someone beat me to it, or if any current 1Ls would care to comment, any knowledge would be appreciated!

[Charlemagne]

I'm also attending Duke Law in the fall, and I am a little behind the ball. I was hoping someone could answer my questions. Maybe a collaborative effort on TLS can do it. This will probably be useful for other students as well.

(1) When do I need to make a decision about apartments? I haven't been out there to see them, and I won't be able to make it out there until June. I will probably want a 1BR, at Alexan Farms or Pinnacle Ridge (but again, I haven't seen them).

(2) What are people doing re: cars? I assume all or most are going to have one. If I live a couple thousand miles away, how could I get my car to Duke other than driving it (which would be a tedious and expensive experience)?

(3) Duke starts August 17. How soon before that are people going to get there? A week before?

I am sure I will have more questions that TLS people can ideally answer.

[aer]

Thanks Hali, that is good news.

Charlemagne,

1. I'm not sure, but sooner is better than later. People on the Facebook group are talking about roommates.
2. I am driving from New Mexico. It will be tedious, but I can bring more of my stuff this way and don't know any other way to ship cars.
3. I'm a summer starter so I will be out there all summer.
I doubt if any of this helps you, but oh well.
EDIT: I googled number 2 and the website I checked would charge me $700 to ship my car plus airfare and baggage fees, while it would cost me less than $500 to drive out (assuming 25 mpg fuel efficiency, $4 per gallon gas, 2 nights in a hotel at $75 a night and $50 in food).

[syrahfan]

(2) What are people doing re: cars? I assume all or most are going to have one. If I live a couple thousand miles away, how could I get my car to Duke other than driving it (which would be a tedious and expensive experience)?

I am driving across the country. It will be a huge pain, but not as problematic as attempting to sell my car, fly out east and buy a new one. I have done that once already (car wouldn't have survived the trip) and it sucks. I also would like to take more with me.

I don't anticipate it to be too tedious. Or rather, I've had more tedious weeks.

[Bosque]

2. I am also driving from New Mexico. I am planning on loading up everything I own in a uhaul trailer (or competing brand) and making the trek in as little time as possible, which is where 3 comes in.
3. I don't actually graduate until August 8th, so the 9th/10th is when I am going to start driving. I probably would try and get there a little earlier if I could though.

[chadstew55]

I'm driving from Texas with a U haul, and the distance is somewhere around 1400 miles.
I plan to move in around the last week of July or first week of August.

[BarrelState]

I shipped my car across the country when I graduated from college. Depending on the plane tickets and the distance, it may still be cheaper to have it shipped and fly out. (You can usually still pack it full of stuff, though I would refrain from filling it with valuable items.) I can't remember the name of the trucking company I used, but I could look it up. Their service was great and the cost was fairly reasonable. If you are interested, just PM me.

[Bosque]

Bumpalump.

Also, my FedEx envelope arrived today according to the tracker. Once they cash that check...

[Back2School]

Bumpalump.

Also, my FedEx envelope arrived today according to the tracker. Once they cash that check...

Where is the tracker located? Couldn't find it on the admitted students site...thanks

[ObviouslyMasochistic]

Bumpalump.

Also, my FedEx envelope arrived today according to the tracker. Once they cash that check...

Where is the tracker located? Couldn't find it on the admitted students site...thanks

I'm pretty sure he's referring to tracking his package via the FedEx website.

In other news, I'm sending in my application for Alexan Place today! Oh, and have all of you already gotten your email accounts set up? I can't find any information on that.

[Back2School]

Aha, thanks obviouslymasochistic!

On the email front, from the "enroll at duke" portion of the admitted students site:

Duke E-mail/NetID/Duke Unique ID
After your tuition deposit is received, we will notify Duke's Office of Information Technology (OIT) and they will send you a packet containing information about your Duke e-mail account and informing you of your NetID and Duke Unique ID. The NetID and Unique ID are used to access various online university services, including insurance, parking, and address updates.

If you have an urgent need for this information, you can obtain it from OIT by calling their help desk at 919-684-2200. Please allow at least a week from the time you are notified that your tuition deposit has been received before you contact OIT.

[ObviouslyMasochistic]

Aha, thanks obviouslymasochistic!

On the email front, from the "enroll at duke" portion of the admitted students site:

Duke E-mail/NetID/Duke Unique ID
After your tuition deposit is received, we will notify Duke's Office of Information Technology (OIT) and they will send you a packet containing information about your Duke e-mail account and informing you of your NetID and Duke Unique ID. The NetID and Unique ID are used to access various online university services, including insurance, parking, and address updates.

If you have an urgent need for this information, you can obtain it from OIT by calling their help desk at 919-684-2200. Please allow at least a week from the time you are notified that your tuition deposit has been received before you contact OIT.

Thanks for that B2S. I sent in my deposit before the April 1st deadline, so it sounds like I need to call and find out what's going on.

[Bosque]

Aha, thanks obviouslymasochistic!

On the email front, from the "enroll at duke" portion of the admitted students site:

Duke E-mail/NetID/Duke Unique ID
After your tuition deposit is received, we will notify Duke's Office of Information Technology (OIT) and they will send you a packet containing information about your Duke e-mail account and informing you of your NetID and Duke Unique ID. The NetID and Unique ID are used to access various online university services, including insurance, parking, and address updates.

If you have an urgent need for this information, you can obtain it from OIT by calling their help desk at 919-684-2200. Please allow at least a week from the time you are notified that your tuition deposit has been received before you contact OIT.

Thanks for that B2S. I sent in my deposit before the April 1st deadline, so it sounds like I need to call and find out what's going on.

You got the email just telling you they got the deposit, right? If not, I would DEFINITELY call.

Oh, and I was referring to the FedEx tracker. I wanted to make sure I knew where the check was so I could call Duke at the first sign of trouble.

[ObviouslyMasochistic]

You got the email just telling you they got the deposit, right? If not, I would DEFINITELY call.

Oh yeah, the deposit receipt email is dated March 31st. The IT gods must be punishing me for wanting to change careers. *shakes fist*

[hoya2009]

To Summer Starters:

Anyone having difficulties with the fact that orientation starts May 28 but a lot of apartment leases start on the first of the month, for instance June 1?

Just wondering if anyone else is going to have some moving issues...

[aer]

They aren't letting you prorate it?