Computers for Law School 2011 Forum

[23402385985]

http://www.circuitcity.com/applications ... CatId=3774

Thoughts?

[fatduck]

I've been skimming through this thread and I'm pretty impressed with the Lenovo laptops, but I'm wondering if someone can explain something to me.

Assuming that the main specs (RAM, processor, screen size, etc) are the same or close, what will be the difference between buying a ThinkPad T420 and some random Toshiba, such as this one? The cheapest T420s I can find run around $650-800 (depending on small modifications, and I like the reviews I'm reading, but I'm trying to justify the price difference to myself.

Thanks!

better components, better build quality. for example, the toshiba you linked has the same size HD as the thinkpad (320GB), but the thinkpad's hard drive runs at 7200rpm vs. 5400rpm. you can pretty much assume every part will be of better quality with Lenovo, and the build in general will be more solid, and the case will take a lot more punishment before little things start breaking.

[beach_terror]

The hard disk is about as easy to change as taking your laptop out of the case you keep it in.

Anyone could replace one, I'd think.

That depends a lot on the model of computer. Given we were talking about a MacBook Pro, it could be a lot more complicated. On Unibody models, it appears to involve removing a lot of screws, dismantling the case and detaching the keyboard and trackpad. I'd imagine the same might be true of some other thin and light laptops.

Equally, I've seen other laptops where it involves a single screw being removed, pushing a lever and the drive pops out and is ready to be replaced.

Yeah if you don't know how to do it, don't fuck around with it. It's not that difficult, but it's also easy to fuck shit up pretty fast. Just have a spare, if you take it to a store someone can put it in for you.

[haus]

http://www.circuitcity.com/applications ... CatId=3774

Thoughts?

My initial thought is, didn't Circuit City go out of business?

[geoduck]

http://www.circuitcity.com/applications ... CatId=3774

Thoughts?

My initial thought is, didn't Circuit City go out of business?

Just their brick and mortar, IIRC.

[23402385985]

http://www.circuitcity.com/applications ... CatId=3774

Thoughts?

My initial thought is, didn't Circuit City go out of business?

Just their brick and mortar, IIRC.

Yep. Now owned by the same people who own Tiger Direct and who bought CompUSA, IIRC.

So, any thoughts on that monitor?

[geoduck]

http://www.circuitcity.com/applications ... CatId=3774

Thoughts?

My initial thought is, didn't Circuit City go out of business?

Just their brick and mortar, IIRC.

Yep. Now owned by the same people who own Tiger Direct and who bought CompUSA, IIRC.

So, any thoughts on that monitor?

It's a 16:9 TV with a higher quality panel. It has less vertical resolution than a 16:10 24" monitor. That said, it's way better than trying to use something with the same resolution that's over 30". I'd recommend a 24" over it, but it'd probably do you fine.

[thepete]

how good is the graphic card on the lenovo T420/410? FKKK I shouldn't even be thinking about installing the demon game D3 on it but.. fk do you thikn it will run?

[geoduck]

how good is the graphic card on the lenovo T420/410? FKKK I shouldn't even be thinking about installing the demon game D3 on it but.. fk do you thikn it will run?

I think there is an option for a graphics card on the T420, but the standard model uses Core integrated graphics. I can't remember the model number right now, but they're good... for integrated graphics. Outside of Valve games and Civilization I'm not much of a gamer anymore, though, so can't really guide you as to whether or not it'd play.

[beach_terror]

how good is the graphic card on the lenovo T420/410? FKKK I shouldn't even be thinking about installing the demon game D3 on it but.. fk do you thikn it will run?

Integrated graphics are god awful, and will not even come close to running D3. Even WC3 hangs up on my Thinkpad. Yeah, seriously. If you're a 0L, it'll be a blessing come 1L.

[rangers0412]

I feel like video games and law school wont mix

[kalvano]

Just to throw it out there, I had to call Lenovo tech support last night. It was great. It was in Georgia, the guy spoke English (well, Georgia English), and the entire thing took 10 minutes. No messing about, straight to the point and how to fix the issue.

Very pleased.

[Stoic]

Anyone have a list (yeah I know this is greedy) of business-class laptops? I like to test laptops out before I buy them/ I know I'm not buying a Mac and all I hear is T420. I went to Best Buy yesterday and they didn't have it. I don't buy anything before I test out the keyboard.

[iwanta170]

Can anyone recommend a good mac-compatible laser printer?

My friend recommended this one to me but I'm not sure if it's any good- http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-ML-2525-M ... s_172648_4

Also, is it necessary to have a scanner in law school and if the answer is yes, do you recommend I buy an all-in-one printer or a standalone scanner?

[23402385985]

Can anyone recommend a good mac-compatible laser printer?

My friend recommended this one to me but I'm not sure if it's any good- http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-ML-2525-M ... s_172648_4

Also, is it necessary to have a scanner in law school and if the answer is yes, do you recommend I buy an all-in-one printer or a standalone scanner?

I am pretty sure nearly all printers are Mac compatible.

HP laser printers are fucking phenomenal. I would recommend them in a heartbeat. I have a 10 year old one that has had zero problems and is absolutely bulletproof.

[albanach]

HP laser printers are fucking phenomenal. I would recommend them in a heartbeat. I have a 10 year old one that has had zero problems and is absolutely bulletproof.

Equally, they're expensive when you can pick up a brother or samsung for <$100 at staples and just replace it if it dies.

[albanach]

Just to throw it out there, I had to call Lenovo tech support last night. It was great. It was in Georgia, the guy spoke English (well, Georgia English), and the entire thing took 10 minutes. No messing about, straight to the point and how to fix the issue.

Very pleased.

This is a good point - if you're buying a Dell or something, the premium support gets you similar service. I don't know much about their consumer support, but Dell's gold level business support is very good.

[thepete]

Oh yeah.. Tech support is very important when it comes to deciding which laptop to buy. I don't want my laptop to break and take 2 weeks for the company to replace or fix it, which is equivalent to writing notes on a paper for two weeks. If I buy the Levanon computer from somewhere else other than the company's site, can I still purchase some sort of warranty service? I know Dell's business computers have overnight services.

[beach_terror]

Just to throw it out there, I had to call Lenovo tech support last night. It was great. It was in Georgia, the guy spoke English (well, Georgia English), and the entire thing took 10 minutes. No messing about, straight to the point and how to fix the issue.

Very pleased.

This is a good point - if you're buying a Dell or something, the premium support gets you similar service. I don't know much about their consumer support, but Dell's gold level business support is very good.

Dell techs are all morons.

[albanach]

Dell techs are all morons.

You've spoken to them all?

You really think Dell would land big corporate deals passing their support to morons? Frankly my experience has been nothing but good. Laptop down with a fried motherboard, engineer in the office before 10am the next morning. Server failure on a Sunday afternoon, a Dell tech on the phone for several hours straight, conferencing in high level techs who were paged a home and who were all experts.

I have no doubt that if you buy a $400 laptop and take the default support option that you're not going to get that sort of response. If you want quality suppot from Dell it's available.

[beach_terror]

Dell techs are all morons.

You've spoken to them all?

You really think Dell would land big corporate deals passing their support to morons? Frankly my experience has been nothing but good. Laptop down with a fried motherboard, engineer in the office before 10am the next morning. Server failure on a Sunday afternoon, a Dell tech on the phone for several hours straight, conferencing in high level techs who were paged a home and who were all experts.

I have no doubt that if you buy a $400 laptop and take the default support option that you're not going to get that sort of response. If you want quality suppot from Dell it's available.

Yes, I worked in IT for 2 years and we had an exclusive contract with Dell and had their highest level of tech support for all our machines. Like I said, they're nice but they're morons.

[bk1]

Yes, I worked in IT for 2 years and we had an exclusive contract with Dell and had their highest level of tech support for all our machines. Like I said, they're nice but they're morons.

I had Dell gold and it was fine. The techs seemed nicer than regular support but about the same level of competency (which basically meant they could read off a script). The people who did on-site repairs were competent at being able to replace the part they were told to replace.

[risktaker]

If anyone knows of a deal for a 22" or greater external monitor for $100 or less, please feel free to post it here. I am looking for one.

[ResolutePear]

Yes, I worked in IT for 2 years and we had an exclusive contract with Dell and had their highest level of tech support for all our machines. Like I said, they're nice but they're morons.

I had Dell gold and it was fine. The techs seemed nicer than regular support but about the same level of competency (which basically meant they could read off a script). The people who did on-site repairs were competent at being able to replace the part they were told to replace.

If they knew more, they wouldn't keep that job. lulz

[albanach]

If they knew more, they wouldn't keep that job. lulz

Or they will be promoted to 2nd line support for calls where the script fails.