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Computer for law school
Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 12:56 pm
by user101
I am looking for any advice of what type of computer to purchase for law school. I was thinking about getting a netbook because of the portability and ability to type notes in class. I am a pc user and don't want to switch over to a mac right now. I am curious to know what other current students use for their computer and any suggestions or advice. Thank you
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 12:59 pm
by nealric
Netbook would be a PITA for writing papers or exams. Even with a full-size keyboard, the small screen would be a problem for me.
Macs are fine, but more expensive than they need to be.
Just go with a regular Laptop. A $400-500 laptop will work fine- there is no need for anything fancy.
I would only go with a desktop if you have a laptop too and want extra computing power for something like gaming or video editing.
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 1:01 pm
by beach_terror
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 4:03 pm
by ChewbaccaDefense
Check out the Asus UL30VT. I just picked it up and it's pretty darn nifty. 13" screen is just big enough, decent enough power so I can have a bunch of stuff running, nice keyboard, and a 8 - 10ish hour battery. It's also nice and light, so not too much extra weight. No DVD drive, but I never really use them anyways.
http://www.amazon.com/UL30Vt-A1-13-3-In ... B0032FOKXS
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 6:03 pm
by 270910
You need a laptop. The only people I know who regretted their choice were those who either A) got a laptop that was too large and got annoying to carry around or B) got a netbook without making sure they'd be happy with the small size, even on exams / for papers.
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 6:05 pm
by wiseowl
Netbook people were loving it until exam time.
If you're a Mac person, a Mac's probably fine, but until full OneNote is on a Mac (always rumored, never delivered) I can't justify paying more for less.
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 9:31 pm
by steve_nash
Definitely not the Netbook -- too small for exam purposes, as already mentioned. I recently switched from a PC to a Macbook, and I love it. I miss OneNote a lot, though. Since you don't want to switch to the Mac, I'd stick with a regular laptop as they're cheaper.
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 11:02 pm
by zeth006
steve_nash wrote:Definitely not the Netbook -- too small for exam purposes, as already mentioned. I recently switched from a PC to a Macbook, and I love it. I miss OneNote a lot, though. Since you don't want to switch to the Mac, I'd stick with a regular laptop as they're cheaper.
VMWare+Office 2007 or Boot Camp+Office 2007/2010
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 10:02 am
by Warhawk
nealric wrote:
I would only go with a desktop if you have a laptop too and want extra computing power for something like gaming or video editing.
For the price of a laptop AND a desktop for that purpose, you might as well just get yourself a tricked out laptop.
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 7:19 pm
by go4hls
If you're looking for a really good laptop, go for the HP Envy 14 or HP Envy 13. They're just the right size with great battery life and awesome looks.

Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 7:20 pm
by bk1
Facepalm at standard laptop and Macbook being separate options.
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 7:44 pm
by wiseowl
bk187 wrote:Facepalm at standard laptop and Macbook being separate options.
i'm sure he just meant "PC". plenty of reasons why they are different have already been mentioned.
easy on the trigger Macboi.
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 8:23 pm
by SeymourShowz
This is what I'm working with next semester...the best of both worlds
Lenovo 12"
For exams and typing outside the classroom.. Logitech laptop stand w/ regular keyboard and mouse

Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 9:49 pm
by bk1
wiseowl wrote:bk187 wrote:Facepalm at standard laptop and Macbook being separate options.
i'm sure he just meant "PC". plenty of reasons why they are different have already been mentioned.
easy on the trigger Macboi.
I dislike Macs, fyi. But I was pointing out that they should be a single option named "laptop."
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 9:13 am
by NonTradHealthLaw
Any updated recommendations from 1Ls now that you've had a couple months to try it out? Any accessories or peripherals you wish you'd have gotten?
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 12:17 pm
by GeePee
NonTradHealthLaw wrote:Any updated recommendations from 1Ls now that you've had a couple months to try it out? Any accessories or peripherals you wish you'd have gotten?
2nd screen is so clutch in so many situations. Not having to tab back and forth while doing memo research is worth the price alone.
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 12:29 pm
by beach_terror
Lenovo 14'' Thinkpad Edge. Got it for 600$. Added an extra 2gb of ram for 45 dollars from Newegg.
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 12:47 pm
by ResolutePear
beach_terror wrote:Lenovo 14'' Thinkpad Edge. Got it for 600$. Added an extra 2gb of ram for 45 dollars from Newegg.
This. Goddammit, *THIS*.
Get a thinkpad because your laptop reliability has an impact on your grade, especially during finals week.
I prefer a T-series since you can literally throw those things half way across the room with no problems - but each to their own. I personally wouldn't skimp on a laptop when spending 6-figures for three years.
As for the Macbook fanboys, yes - I own a "mac" myself. The point of a mac (turn on and go) is totally negated by the fact that you need to run an emulator, work around crap, debate notetaking programs, etc. Oh, and regardless what people say: You are a target for thieves with a macbook - a pro or con, depending on who you are.
I went over a bunch of this stuff in another topic which was posted by bk so I'll skip the rest.
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 1:26 pm
by kalvano
beach_terror wrote:Lenovo 14'' Thinkpad Edge. Got it for 600$. Added an extra 2gb of ram for 45 dollars from Newegg.
This. I've been very pleased with mine. Doing it over, I might have gone for the Asus UL80, but I might not, either.
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 1:27 pm
by sundance95
Do we really need another computer for law school thread? I believe the other one has over 60 pages of info...
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 1:29 pm
by ResolutePear
sundance95 wrote:Do we really need another computer for law school thread? I believe the other one has over 60 pages of info...
The nerd in me wants to continue this.
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 1:34 pm
by sundance95
ResolutePear wrote:beach_terror wrote:Lenovo 14'' Thinkpad Edge. Got it for 600$. Added an extra 2gb of ram for 45 dollars from Newegg.
This. Goddammit, *THIS*.
Get a thinkpad because your laptop reliability has an impact on your grade, especially during finals week.
I prefer a T-series since you can literally throw those things half way across the room with no problems - but each to their own. I personally wouldn't skimp on a laptop when spending 6-figures for three years.
As for the Macbook fanboys, yes - I own a "mac" myself. The point of a mac (turn on and go) is totally negated by the fact that you need to run an emulator, work around crap, debate notetaking programs, etc. Oh, and regardless what people say: You are a target for thieves with a macbook - a pro or con, depending on who you are.
I went over a bunch of this stuff in another topic which was posted by bk so I'll skip the rest.
Le sigh. Well, in that case, this one goes out to you RS.
--ImageRemoved--
You're welcome.
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 1:37 pm
by beach_terror
Subtract Ideapad failure rates out of there and you'll get a very different number.
You're welcome.
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 1:37 pm
by ResolutePear
sundance95 wrote:ResolutePear wrote:beach_terror wrote:Lenovo 14'' Thinkpad Edge. Got it for 600$. Added an extra 2gb of ram for 45 dollars from Newegg.
This. Goddammit, *THIS*.
Get a thinkpad because your laptop reliability has an impact on your grade, especially during finals week.
I prefer a T-series since you can literally throw those things half way across the room with no problems - but each to their own. I personally wouldn't skimp on a laptop when spending 6-figures for three years.
As for the Macbook fanboys, yes - I own a "mac" myself. The point of a mac (turn on and go) is totally negated by the fact that you need to run an emulator, work around crap, debate notetaking programs, etc. Oh, and regardless what people say: You are a target for thieves with a macbook - a pro or con, depending on who you are.
I went over a bunch of this stuff in another topic which was posted by bk so I'll skip the rest.
Le sigh. Well, in that case, this one goes out to you RS.
--ImageRemoved--
You're welcome.
You're welcome for what? What the fuck is this? A damn graph from Squaretrade which has been shown to me everytime I make the reliability argument?
Research a bit more into that graph before you start flaunting your "knowledge" on the subject. Or, look at the other topic where it was discussed 12 times.
EDIT: And for the love of god, it's "RP."
Re: Computer for law school
Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 1:37 pm
by ResolutePear
beach_terror wrote:Subtract Ideapad failure rates out of there and you'll get a very different number.
You're welcome.
You tell him/her, brother.