Top Law Schools

Hello,

I am looking for some advice on a laptop purchase. I am looking to purchase one this month as mine is currently on its last legs and they have some good deals out for the holidays. I am looking for a laptop that will last me through law school (2020) and have sufficient power. I do not do any gaming or photo editing, but I do multitask and always have multiple tabs/programs open.

So far I am considering the Macbook Pro, especially since they just updated it. This was primarily my first choice. However, the more I read the more intrigued I am by the idea of having a tablet crossover to bring to class. This way I could type/hand write notes as I please. So, I am also thinking about the iPad pro with keyboard and pencil. The iPad pro with the Macbook Pro is a little too expensive for me, so I was considering the Macbook Air if I go with the iPad pro.

As I am not opposed to windows, I have also given some thought to the surface pro, but found that their surface book (laptop version) to be a little top heavy and awkward.

I am worried if I go with the MBA it will be outdated after a short time and I have heard rumors they may be phasing it out altogether. So, I'm led to the MBP, but it is more expensive, no longer has standard USB ports, and would take up my whole budget.

Thoughts on whether a tablet crossover is necessary/a good idea. And comments regarding MBA, MBP, or surface pro.

Thanks so much in advance, I look forward to hearing your comments.

.

Just go with what you're comfortable with. I agree this iPad seems a bit redundant and you would be just fine (and cheaper) using a regular notepad if you want to go that direction. The only thing I recommend is being comfortable with the OS. If you've been using Windows your whole life, don't get a MacBook the day before classes start. And vice versa.

As far as MBP v air, for your needs the air would be fine. Plenty of your classmates will be using this as well. MBP does have more power, but thats not absolutely necessary for law school - all you'll be using for school is an internet browser and word processor. I'm sure it would be fine to have, but if money is an object don't feel like you'll be missing something by only having an air. You can always get an external hard drive if you need more space.

Your school's exam software might not be compatable with a tablet. or it might function differently than on a laptop. Might be worth it to do a search/ask around.

.

If I could go back in time, I'd get a PC instead of my MBA just because Office sucks on a Mac, and that's really the only program you need in law school.

Thanks guys!
Yeah, one of the things I was thinking about was the exam software on a mac v. windows. I hear its usually more comparable with mac computers. As I feel comfortable with both, I think I am leaning toward the MBP at this point.

examsoft will work at least as well on a new PC as a mac (just remember to run as admin and turn off your AV).
I would suggest a PC for the much better Office functionality, but not a surfacebook since you're going to want a good keyboard.
Personally I'm a fan of Lenovos which traditionally have some of the best keyboards. My suggestion is go to a Microcenter or something and try out a bunch of keyboards to see what you like. As far as value, an Apple is almost always a waste of money unless you plan to do significant video editing (you won't).

BmoreOrLess wrote:If I could go back in time, I'd get a PC instead of my MBA just because Office sucks on a Mac, and that's really the only program you need in law school.

+1.

Wow, I am actually surprised to hear all of the positive feedback for PC. I seem to hear that examsoft is more problematic on PCs, but I know a lot of people do use them so maybe that isn't a relevant point to consider. Thanks!

I have no idea about examsoft issues. We don't have to use any exam software.

lcsslily wrote:Hello,

I am looking for some advice on a laptop purchase. I am looking to purchase one this month as mine is currently on its last legs and they have some good deals out for the holidays. I am looking for a laptop that will last me through law school (2020) and have sufficient power. I do not do any gaming or photo editing, but I do multitask and always have multiple tabs/programs open.

So far I am considering the Macbook Pro, especially since they just updated it. This was primarily my first choice. However, the more I read the more intrigued I am by the idea of having a tablet crossover to bring to class. This way I could type/hand write notes as I please. So, I am also thinking about the iPad pro with keyboard and pencil. The iPad pro with the Macbook Pro is a little too expensive for me, so I was considering the Macbook Air if I go with the iPad pro.

As I am not opposed to windows, I have also given some thought to the surface pro, but found that their surface book (laptop version) to be a little top heavy and awkward.

I am worried if I go with the MBA it will be outdated after a short time and I have heard rumors they may be phasing it out altogether. So, I'm led to the MBP, but it is more expensive, no longer has standard USB ports, and would take up my whole budget.

Thoughts on whether a tablet crossover is necessary/a good idea. And comments regarding MBA, MBP, or surface pro.

Thanks so much in advance, I look forward to hearing your comments.

A $600 windows laptop is the correct answer, but since that isn't an option then I would get a MBA or MBP. With regard to the MBA, it does not matter if it gets "outdated" if you don't plan to push its hardware to the limit. You'll just be doing basic processes and using basic programs.

So what's the budget?

I currently have Lenovo, it works just fine.
Lenovo Y700
15.6-Inch
i7-6700HQ 2.60GHz
1TB 5400 RPM
8GB DDR4
GeForce GTX 960M 4GB DDR5
Windows 10

BmoreOrLess wrote:If I could go back in time, I'd get a PC instead of my MBA just because Office sucks on a Mac, and that's really the only program you need in law school.

I would argue that Word 2016 on a Mac is a significant improvement over previous versions of Word/Office on the Mac.

Not exactly one of your options, but a few weeks into 2L fall I got a Surface Pro 3, and it is literally the only computer I use (except for the behemoth old Laptop I have that serves as a youtube/Pandora machine during studying). I have never had any issues and have never felt like I needed more. So I don't think you need to feel pressured to getting something more expensive/more powerful for that sake. Get what you're comfortable with and won't break the bank.

Look - the only objective consideration is whether your school has exam software and if your computer can run it. Beyond that, just get whatever you want. It's a fucking laptop.

I wish I had gotten a 15" instead of a 13". 15" is so much better for editing 2 docs at the same time, which you often end up doing when outlining and especially with journal work.

If these are your only options and the laptop is your daily driver, MacBook Air is under powered with insufficient screen resolution (scroll bar shows up just browsing). MacBook Pro > Surface Book because you can get MacBook Pro fixed same time at Genius Bar, even though it involves a lot of waiting. It's better than having no computer for 2 or 3 days.

And yes, do yourself a favor and get a 15". It will save you lots of time, especially if you get to use electronic notes during finals.

fwiw the latest gen of macbook pro has been having a lot of issues with responsivity and batterylife and the touchbar's a buggy piece of crap.
if you have to get a mac, would recommend the 2015 version as it's generally just better constructed and with far better bang for your buck.

mind you, it's still not worth it for the specs in terms of value but probably your best apple option nonetheless.


otherwise, would recommend dell xps latest gen or hp spectre or lenovo carbon for the super polished/professional work laptops

Not on your list, but you need to buy -- Dell XPS 13