Do I need a new laptop for law school? Forum

[The Dark Shepard]

Hey, so here's my situation

I have a 2010 13-inch MacBook Pro that has been updated to Maverick. For the most part, it still runs fine, though I've had some issues lately. Basically, half the time I shut the laptop when it's on, sleep mode doesn't seem to go away(the screen stays black when I put it back up, no matter what I do). Usually this leads to me having to do a hard reset

Otherwise though, everything is fine. Is it necessary/credited to invest in a new laptop?

And if so, what would be my best options?

Thanks!

[raininthedesert]

You're fine with that model (despite the issues)...law students over-invest in prep materials, computers, etc. All of your time will be spent reading, pulling cases online, and using word documents along with any additional note-taking tools work best for you.

Best advice is to purchase a new and inexpensive notebook to complement your laptop and an inexpensive large monitor to plug into your laptop at home. This way you can bring something even lighter into class and then utilize the larger screen and processing power at home.

[bulinus]

You need something that can run chrome, acrobat reader and word. Your testing software is wordpad with security bells and whistles.

[suzige]

Depends on you really. I know a few in my section who went thru 1L w/ a 2008 mac. I still have mine, but use it as a backup laptop in case my new MacAir poops out, which it did once already on me. A friend of mine used her old mac all year but she def complained about the speed issues and various login issues she had. If you're someone who will freak out at the tiniest computer problem (like me) and be paranoid at the thought of your laptop crashing, invest in a new one. If not, see how long you can hold out and be sure to back up your stuff.

[guano]

Any portable computer that doesn't weigh a ton and works properly in fine, though exam-taking software may require a not too old operating system

[Caesar Salad]

Best advice is to purchase a new and inexpensive notebook to complement your laptop and an inexpensive large monitor to plug into your laptop at home. This way you can bring something even lighter into class and then utilize the larger screen and processing power at home.

Ooo, this sounds like the play. Thanks for the advice!