Computer Question: Screen size and multiple window usage Forum

[2807]

Howdy,

I am an 0L, prepared to buy a new Mac if needed to replace my 13", 3 year old, Macbook Air. Although it works great, I am open to getting a bigger screen and the newest model.

What I am wondering is how often do you need 2 (or more) windows open? I am picturing a window for a paper/notes and then another for Lexis/Westlaw etc..

Is that common? I made it thru UG with this 13" and am very savy at switiching screens and making it work, but I thought it would be nice to have a big 17" and not have to deal with it.

I am very aware of Mac v. PC, Bootcamp, Fusion, all of that stuff.
I am mostly concerned with the value of a bigger screen on a daily basis. Is it really even a concern?

Thanks!

[pixytree]

if you've managed to get through undergrad with it, it's probably not a big deal. I think it all comes down to what you feel like lugging around. You're obviously used to and can manage working with the smaller screen. Having a larger screen definitely makes things easier, but I prefer a 14 or 15 inch laptop and a larger desktop screen at home that I can connect to when I have a heavy research load.

[arhmcpo]

No its not a big deal. You don't need to have multiple screens going at a given time. Your computer use will be similar to undergrad likely.

[09042014]

I like using double screen on exams. Outline on one side, word on the other. But don't get 17in. It's a bitch to lug around. 15.6" is a decent standard.

[2807]

Hey, thank you. So, do you do a lot of multi-window work?

I have no idea what to expect. Sorry. But is it common to use Lexis/Westlaw and juggle back and forth a lot? Plus notes, and teacher outlines? i am wondering what system others use to toggle between these things. Thanks!

Although I am good at it, I am also open to not having to do it...

I agree 17" is very big. Especially after 3 years with a 13" Macbook Air. But, I am willing to get whatever is best

[09042014]

Hey, thank you. So, do you do a lot of multi-window work?

I have no idea what to expect. Sorry. But is it common to use Lexis/Westlaw and juggle back and forth a lot? Plus notes, and teacher outlines? i am wondering what system others use to toggle between these things. Thanks!

Although I am good at it, I am also open to not having to do it...

I agree 17" is very big. Especially after 3 years with a 13" Macbook Air. But, I am willing to get whatever is best

It's a personal choice. There are people with 17in and some with 10.

I'd bring that computer you already have and see if it works. There isn't a need to buy a new computer for law school.

[D-hops]

If you are doing some memo/brief writing or outlining at home, get a cheap monitor and hook it up to have a dual display. Other than that a standard laptop should be fine for everything you need in class. Also, learn to use alt-tab or whatever the Mac equivalent is.

[2807]

Again, thanks everybody. Good info.

I do have a home desktop too so that is nice. The good news is everyone is clearly indicating that a large laptop is not "needed". That helps.

One last thing: What is Alt-Tab on windows?

[leobowski]

Alt-tab lets you switch between different applications quickly. I wouldn't worry too much about laptop size, although anything over 12" is desirable because you will be spending so much time on it.

That's what she said.

[kalvano]

I like using double screen on exams. Outline on one side, word on the other. But don't get 17in. It's a bitch to lug around. 15.6" is a decent standard.

Not everyone can do that. If you use Examsoft, you can only open one window.

[LoriBelle]

All these responses are credited. Personally, I have an 11" netbook for everyday class use and exam taking. (Note: RAM, HDD, etc. exceed that of the typical netbook, and the keyboard is full-sized.) As a 1L, at home, when writing a brief/memo/whatever, I used a desktop for Lexis/Westlaw and usually my netbook for the actual writing. I do use my netbook for exams, and it's never hurt my performance - I'm in the top 5% of my class.

As a 2L Law Review member, I use my husband's iPhone for Lexis/Westlaw when Bluebooking. While I could use my own computer, it helps me to be able to see the passage in the original source versus how the author quoted it. I guess I could also do that with my larger-screen desktop, but why?

My classmates who went the 17-19" route have generally expressed disappointment. They say they wish they had purchased something smaller, because the larger-screen machines are heavier, eat battery life faster, and are awkward to carry around or stuff into a backpack. None of my classmates seems truly happy with such a big laptop, but YMMV.

However, Mac is a very popular choice. At our school, I would say it is half-and-half. So if you have support issues or whatever, half the class will be in the same boat with you and I'm sure you'll have no trouble getting the help you need.

[beach_terror]

14" Thinkpad

/thread

[dailygrind]

I'd recommend a second monitor.

Also, I'm moving your thread. This is the forum for law students, not the forum for 0L's who want a law student audience.

[ResolutePear]

14" Thinkpad

/thread

Before this thread can end - I must recommend Dropbox.

Hear my words: There is no reason to lose anything important on your computer in regards to law school now'a'days. Save yourself the headache and start using it now.

Follow this link if you want to give me some free space through referral: http://db.tt/RqXY56o

[pixytree]

14" Thinkpad

/thread

Before this thread can end - I must recommend Dropbox.

Hear my words: There is no reason to lose anything important on your computer in regards to law school now'a'days. Save yourself the headache and start using it now.

Follow this link if you want to give me some free space through referral: http://db.tt/RqXY56o

box.net is another good option and you get 5gb space...it's 2gigs with dropbox

[ResolutePear]

14" Thinkpad

/thread

Before this thread can end - I must recommend Dropbox.

Hear my words: There is no reason to lose anything important on your computer in regards to law school now'a'days. Save yourself the headache and start using it now.

Follow this link if you want to give me some free space through referral: http://db.tt/RqXY56o

box.net is another good option and you get 5gb space...it's 2gigs with dropbox

Last I checked, box.net's free acct doesn't have desktop syncing. Makes it very cumbersome in my opinion.

[2807]

14" Thinkpad

/thread

Before this thread can end - I must recommend Dropbox.

Hear my words: There is no reason to lose anything important on your computer in regards to law school now'a'days. Save yourself the headache and start using it now.

Follow this link if you want to give me some free space through referral: http://db.tt/RqXY56o

box.net is another good option and you get 5gb space...it's 2gigs with dropbox

Last I checked, box.net's free acct doesn't have desktop syncing. Makes it very cumbersome in my opinion.

Apple's "MobileMe" does all of this and syncs with iphone fantastically. If anyone has a mac and wants the best of it all, GET MOBILE ME. 20 gigs of storage online, can upgrade to more if needed. Do ALL of your notes and work IN mobile me and you will always have it backed up and saved as you type... it really is awesome. Works like a server too.

[ResolutePear]

Before this thread can end - I must recommend Dropbox.

Hear my words: There is no reason to lose anything important on your computer in regards to law school now'a'days. Save yourself the headache and start using it now.

Follow this link if you want to give me some free space through referral: http://db.tt/RqXY56o

box.net is another good option and you get 5gb space...it's 2gigs with dropbox

Last I checked, box.net's free acct doesn't have desktop syncing. Makes it very cumbersome in my opinion.

Apple's "MobileMe" does all of this and syncs with iphone fantastically. If anyone has a mac and wants the best of it all, GET MOBILE ME. 20 gigs of storage online, can upgrade to more if needed. Do ALL of your notes and work IN mobile me and you will always have it backed up and saved as you type... it really is awesome. Works like a server too.

MobileMe is only for OSX and Apple Products. Last I checked, they do not provide reverting to past timestamps either. If you ever get a PC or Android phone, MobileMe will become an encumbrance. It also does not have a Public Folder nor a sharing feature which is pretty handy in group projects and presentations.

Hell, I use my public folder to host everything I post on this forum in way of graphics.

[2807]

MobileMe is only for OSX and Apple Products. Last I checked, they do not provide reverting to past timestamps either. If you ever get a PC or Android phone, MobileMe will become an encumbrance. It also does not have a Public Folder nor a sharing feature which is pretty handy in group projects and presentations.

Hell, I use my public folder to host everything I post on this forum in way of graphics.[/quote]
---------------- quote ^------------------
(sorry, messed up the quote stuff somehow)

Nope. Absolutely has an incredible public folder. I use it all the time too. And I can password stuff, with time limits, and more. Nice way to transfer and share large files. And MobileMe works with PC's.

Not sure with the "timestamp" thing.

Either way, sounds like there are good options out there for those who are looking. Thanks

[jeff5170]

I am looking at the 12.5 in Lenovo Thinkpad...anyone have any experience with this size Thinkpad? Thoughts?