Which computer for the bar exam? Forum

[kellohitty]

Hey guys, I'll keep it short.

My current computer (Macbook 2008 model) is 8.5 years old. I've been using it since day one, have made some upgrades (RAM and hard drive), and it still works like a dream. However, I'm nervous about using it for the bar exam because it is so old, and I don't want to take any chances in the event that it finally decides to die during the exam. I have the opportunity to use a friend's computer (higher-end Lenovo with Windows 10), and it is about a year old. However, I'm also concerned about using a computer that I'm not familiar with in the event that I might need to troubleshoot it (or don't like typing on it).

Thoughts?

[ndp1234]

If your computer worked well enough for law school exams, I would use the same one unless it exhibits signs that it will not be okay for the exam.

[melmelcoolj]

Hey guys, I'll keep it short.

My current computer (Macbook 2008 model) is 8.5 years old. I've been using it since day one, have made some upgrades (RAM and hard drive), and it still works like a dream. However, I'm nervous about using it for the bar exam because it is so old, and I don't want to take any chances in the event that it finally decides to die during the exam. I have the opportunity to use a friend's computer (higher-end Lenovo with Windows 10), and it is about a year old. However, I'm also concerned about using a computer that I'm not familiar with in the event that I might need to troubleshoot it (or don't like typing on it).

Thoughts?

In general, don't use a computer you don't know very well. In my opinion, the Windows 10 system is not very easy to use without prior experience.

[Neve]

I used a four-year Dell for the bar exam - it went with me all through law school including some bad falls. It was a champ and made it through three days. I say use your Mac - it's earned its keep.

[rcharter1978]

Use your Mac. Bring an extra power cord. Also, even if it does fail I think examsoft saves every 10 seconds so you dont have to write the whole thing.

A guy next to me had his computer give him the blue screen of death during the exam. He had to write from where he left off, not from the beginning.

[kellohitty]

Thank you everyone for your responses. I was definitely leaning towards using the friend's computer, but your input has changed my opinion. I still have about a month until I need to decide, but I am definitely considering using my own computer more now.

Side note: Would your opinion change if you knew I had a couple weeks prior to the exam to use the computer and get used to it?

[cnk1220]

Thank you everyone for your responses. I was definitely leaning towards using the friend's computer, but your input has changed my opinion. I still have about a month until I need to decide, but I am definitely considering using my own computer more now.

Side note: Would your opinion change if you knew I had a couple weeks prior to the exam to use the computer and get used to it?

Also- examsoft/most stated BOLEs recommend having access to the computer you use for the exam in case anything goes wrong with accessing your exam files, you are expected to help assist them in gaining access (since mac will save your exam files on your computer) although this is unlikely, but still- it's recommended to use your own computer so you'll have access to it for the 2-2.5 months that grading takes.

If possible maybe get a new macbook for the exam?

[kellohitty]

Thank you everyone for your responses. I was definitely leaning towards using the friend's computer, but your input has changed my opinion. I still have about a month until I need to decide, but I am definitely considering using my own computer more now.

Side note: Would your opinion change if you knew I had a couple weeks prior to the exam to use the computer and get used to it?

Also- examsoft/most stated BOLEs recommend having access to the computer you use for the exam in case anything goes wrong with accessing your exam files, you are expected to help assist them in gaining access (since mac will save your exam files on your computer) although this is unlikely, but still- it's recommended to use your own computer so you'll have access to it for the 2-2.5 months that grading takes.

If possible maybe get a new macbook for the exam?

This is another good consideration. I could get a new Macbook, but the finances are tight until I start working in September. If I can keep my Macbook alive for a couple more years, I definitely want to try, so buying a new one is definitely a last resort for me.