Computers for Law School 2012 Forum

[haus]

(I had a MBP which required *three* drive replacements, once.)

I am not sure that I have even used the DVD drive on my laptop three times in the last three years.

[jkpolk]

I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on that $280 dell @ newegg

[2014]

E- Nvm

[keladry]

(I had a MBP which required *three* drive replacements, once.)

I am not sure that I have even used the DVD drive on my laptop three times in the last three years.

To be fair, I haven't used one in years. The replacements were done back in the day when Apple still delivered OS updates/software on CD.

[anonymouse2828]

Be aware that some LexisNexis software, like Casemap, does not work with a Mac. Also, the legal field revolves mostly around a PC platform, so getting support for a mac may be tough in the future.

[msblaw89]

Currently have a MacBook pro that I love and going to buy an Air solely for law school
Purposes. Would 128 GB be enough for whatever software/ documents I need ?

[jetissent]

I got the refurb Dell XPS 14z (i5, 8MB, 750GM, integrated graphics) from the dell outlet with the 20% off coupon right now and an extra 100 off from american express (have to tweet at them). Ended up adding a year of accident insurance and the total was between 550-600. Highly recommended!

[anonymouse2828]

Currently have a MacBook pro that I love and going to buy an Air solely for law school
Purposes. Would 128 GB be enough for whatever software/ documents I need ?

Your documents will not take up that much space. I have a 60gb SSD on my laptop, and it's more than enough for all my applications, document, quite a bit of MP3's, and a few movies. You can always get an external 1tb drive if you need extra storage space.

Also, use dropbox (http://db.tt/7SEvczi) and you'll get 2.5gb of cloud storage (up to 16gb). Trust me, I've been saves several times when computer crashes or a memo/outline I was working on got corrupted. Having it backed up online, and accessible from any computer w/ internet is a life-saver! Thumb drives are not that stable either.

[msblaw89]

Currently have a MacBook pro that I love and going to buy an Air solely for law school
Purposes. Would 128 GB be enough for whatever software/ documents I need ?

Your documents will not take up that much space. I have a 60gb SSD on my laptop, and it's more than enough for all my applications, document, quite a bit of MP3's, and a few movies. You can always get an external 1tb drive if you need extra storage space.

Also, use dropbox (http://db.tt/7SEvczi) and you'll get 2.5gb of cloud storage (up to 16gb). Trust me, I've been saves several times when computer crashes or a memo/outline I was working on got corrupted. Having it backed up online, and accessible from any computer w/ internet is a life-saver! Thumb drives are not that stable either.

Thanks for the cloud recommendation. I will definitely look into that as well

[haus]

Dropbox is a very nice service, but I think that it is important to state that it is a file sync service not a backup solution. If you delete, overwrite, save unwanted edits, your sync files are likely going to provide you with no releif.

If you are creating information that is valuable to you, you should consider some form of backup and or version control solution.

[anonymouse2828]

Dropbox is a very nice service, but I think that it is important to state that it is a file sync service not a backup solution. If you delete, overwrite, save unwanted edits, your sync files are likely going to provide you with no releif.

That's when you open up "past versions" and select the version before the unwanted/accidental saves/deletes.

[haus]

That's when you open up "past versions" and select the version before the unwanted/accidental saves/deletes.

Yes, it does offer this feature, but it is not a core function of the product. If you feel the work that you are creating is important you should still consider utilizing a tool built for the purpose of backing up your data.

True, you may well never need the additional protection, but, it is better to have it and not need it than the other way around.

[ryanAbram]

Duke Law School Strongly Recommends JD Students Own a Laptop or Notebook Computer. A portable computer provides a versatile platform the student can use throughout the law school, elsewhere on campus, at home and while traveling. Duke's student financial aid budget includes for entering students $2,500 towards the cost of purchasing a new computer.
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SPAMOLA

[20130312]

Duke Law School Strongly Recommends JD Students Own a Laptop or Notebook Computer. A portable computer provides a versatile platform the student can use throughout the law school, elsewhere on campus, at home and while traveling. Duke's student financial aid budget includes for entering students $2,500 towards the cost of purchasing a new computer.
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URLOL

Oh hello spam.

[chickenalfredo]

Should I get 1499 13" MBP or the 1799 15" MBP.

Not worried about how heavy it is.

[haus]

Should I get 1499 13" MBP or the 1799 15" MBP.

Not worried about how heavy it is.

The 1.1 pound difference is not huge, but I personally tend to like smaller laptops. Not so much for the weight, but for the space they take up. When I am stuck on a flight or on a train, I find it more comfortable to be able to get work done with a smaller computer. That being said, most of the time, my laptop has not been my only computer, if it were I might feel differently about being willing to sacrifice the additional screen space on the laptop.

[YYZ]

Looks like Best Buy has the 15.6" Dell Inspiron (i-3 processor) for $399. That is a heck of a deal if you're looking for a PC. Also, HP has a new, slim ultrabook that I would seriously consider. That will save you a couple of pounds. Also, I think the HP has a very good, smooth keyboard for typing.

Whatever computer you buy, I would download OneNote. Be sure and sync your OneNote files to Windows Live so that you have a continuous backup of your files.

[AC Vegas]

Somebody suggest the best way to spend $500 on a laptop for school (won't be used for gaming). tyia

[CourCour]

Does anyone have a lenovo ideapad yoga? I'm currently a Mac user but am considering going back to PC for the options v. price ratio.