Netbook for Law school? Forum

[Tekuo]

Hi.

My law school emphasizes bringing a laptop to orientation and classes. I have a disability that makes it difficult to lug around a heavy laptop (heavy = 5+ lbs for me). I've decided to buy a netbook instead. Any tips on what I will need to look for? Should I buy something with a CD-rom?

[ben4847]

You can't say this enough times:

Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop. Buy a laptop.

[Tekuo]

That was very unhelpful. Why might I need a laptop over a netbook? I can save documents on both and connect via USB. A Macbook Air is nearly a netbook but without a CD-rom. I asked for advice on what to look for in a netbook not "should I buy a laptop?"

Edit: I already have a laptop. I stated that I need something light to carry to class. I need something for class. Your reading and interpretation skills seem poor. Did you get a 130 on your LSAT?

[ben4847]

You are going to be spending up to 12 hours a day on it. You want it be easy to type, and easy to read off the screen.
A mac-book air is a very good idea.

[cinephile]

The above responses seem pretty silly. You don't need a laptop for class. Sure, typing your note may be easier but it's also way more distracting. Several of our professors didn't allow laptops in class so people took notes by hand and it honestly didn't make any difference for outlining or anything else.

Also, yes, people had netbooks in class. The only time you'll want an actual laptop is for the exam (some software don't work right with the dimensions of a netbook).

[Tekuo]

The above responses seem pretty silly. You don't need a laptop for class. Sure, typing your note may be easier but it's also way more distracting. Several of our professors didn't allow laptops in class so people took notes by hand and it honestly didn't make any difference for outlining or anything else.

Also, yes, people had netbooks in class. The only time you'll want an actual laptop is for the exam (some software don't work right with the dimensions of a netbook).

Thank you. This was very helpful. Thanks for reminding me that I will mostly need my laptop for exams. Your response has made me realize that the best solution for me will be getting a netbook for class (I have rheumatoid in my hands so I can't write for too long) and bring the laptop when necessary (I.E. exams).

[Tekuo]

You are going to be spending up to 12 hours a day on it. You want it be easy to type, and easy to read off the screen.
A mac-book air is a very good idea.

I asked what equipment would be good for CLASS. I don't think anyone has 12 hours of class a day. I will have a computer to study with at home.

[homestyle28]

I'd buy this:
http://www.lenovo.com/products/us/lapto ... ries/x230/

or the x130e(available on Amazon)..I used last generation (X120e) during my 1l and thought it the perfect laptop. You don't need a CD rom (if you do buy an external USB one) small and lightweight while still having an exam worthy keyboard. I don't know why people drop the $$ for a macbook for law school...it's overkill...but if money is no concern you can find plenty of lightweight ultrabooks that have solid power and are light weight. Also, plenty of people use 10" netbooks in law school.

[cinephile]

The above responses seem pretty silly. You don't need a laptop for class. Sure, typing your note may be easier but it's also way more distracting. Several of our professors didn't allow laptops in class so people took notes by hand and it honestly didn't make any difference for outlining or anything else.

Also, yes, people had netbooks in class. The only time you'll want an actual laptop is for the exam (some software don't work right with the dimensions of a netbook).

Thank you. This was very helpful. Thanks for reminding me that I will mostly need my laptop for exams. Your response has made me realize that the best solution for me will be getting a netbook for class (I have rheumatoid in my hands so I can't write for too long) and bring the laptop when necessary (I.E. exams).

Glad I could help. Happy netbook shopping!

[ilovelawtays]

Price out a better attitude, too.

[nickb285]

.

[kalvano]

I love it when people ask questions but only want answers that support what they want to hear.

[vpintz]

Price out a better attitude, too.

seconding.

[Tekuo]

Price out a better attitude, too.

I love it when people ask questions but only want answers that support what they want to hear.

Yeah? So asking for suggestions on a netbook and what traits it should have and then getting upset when the answer I recieve is "get a laptop" means I need a better attitude? Makes sense.

[moneybagsphd]

Edit: I already have a laptop. I stated that I need something light to carry to class. I need something for class. Your reading and interpretation skills seem poor. Did you get a 130 on your LSAT?

LOL.

[kalvano]

Price out a better attitude, too.

I love it when people ask questions but only want answers that support what they want to hear.

Yeah? So asking for suggestions on a netbook and what traits it should have and then getting upset when the answer I recieve is "get a laptop" means I need a better attitude? Makes sense.

Buy an Ultrabook and stop being an ass.

[Scotusnerd]

I'd buy something with a CD-ROM. It may be an older format, but people do still use CDs, particularly for things general use software. I got a deal with the college where I can get Microsoft Office for half price, but it's only in CD format. If I had a netbook, I wouldn't be able to do that.

Food for thought, if you plan on taking advantage of any deals like that. Most video games still use CDs (minus some digital download services), and, while netbooks use less power, they are slower and about as expensive. I don't see a major advantage for most people except for a businessman who is constantly travelling with a mobile office.

Side note: calling OP an asshole and not answering their question is a pretty lousy argument.

[laxbrah420]

You guys are being dicks to a disabled person

[glitter178]

You guys are being dicks to a disabled person

i dunno. kind of seems like the disabled person is being a dick.

[glitter178]

You guys are being dicks to a disabled person

i dunno. kind of seems like the disabled person is being a dick.

ETA: if you have a disability, the laptop/ netbook distinction isn't going to be a problem, but lugging around 40 pounds of casebooks is. buy a roller bag.

[laxbrah420]

I assume the disabled guy is more familiar with the constraints of his disability than you are.

[zanzbar]

I got a fully loaded 15 inch Sony Vaio S and it is under 5 pounds. Of course you don't need all the crap I added on mine for a law school comp, but if you already allocating about 700-900 bucks to one then you might want to take a look at one of the more basic models or check out sony's clearance site.

I used a 10 inch netbook for most of my UG career to take notes on because my school had those BS half desks so a normal laptop wouldn't fit without the threat of it falling off. The netbook was pretty good because at the time most laptops were 5+ lbs and the battery life was horrible for most where as my netbook was roughly 3 pounds and had 9 hours of battery life. I also went to a campus where I had a ton of walking to do between classes because I rarely lucked out and had two classes in the same building. In the last two years technology has really caught up on normal laptops and you can get one that is about 4.5 lbs and has pretty good battery life (I think my vaio gets about 5 hours plus, in law school I think every assigned seat has an outlet nearby unlike in those huge UG auditoriums) so the obvious pros of the netbook have really been harmed. Also the cons I personally experience with them were after awhile it just crept up on me how annoying the small text is in every window and this makes the snap function borderline unusable. If you haven't used a netbook before there is a strong adjustment period on the keyboard because it is very cramped and also they are pretty cheaply made so don't expect more then about 18-24 lifespan out of the lower tier ones.

If you also plan on being involved in study groups you have to remember this is probably the laptop you will bring with you so it will have more uses than just taking notes in class on.

[kalvano]

Or you can just buy an Ultrabook, which is a full-sized, fully functioning laptop that weighs under 3 pounds.

[moneybagsphd]

Don't buy a laptop with an optical drive. It's a dying format, and adds unnecessary weight. Also:

Or you can just buy an Ultrabook, which is a full-sized, fully functioning laptop that weighs under 3 pounds.

[zanzbar]

We have very different views of fully functioning. I always found ultrabooks not really worth the price for what you get. In the grand scheme of things we are talking about less than 1.5 lbs.

For that 1.5 lbs you trade away some combination of:
Processing speed
RAM
Hard drive space
inferior graphics card
CD/DVD/BR Rom/Writer
Nearly normal size keyboard
1080p Display
Functionality to some degree

With these like netbooks you are pretty much paying for reduced weight and increased battery life. Both of which I personally don't think are worth the reduction in overall performance. Of course OP might not mind that exchange I am just pointing out my own issues between using a netbook for note taking and how laptops aren't those big bulky ass 6 lb laptops most are accustomed to seeing.