Laptops

   
 

University of Arkansas School of Law Laptop Purchasing Recommendations for Incoming First Year Law Students

Recommendations for Fall 2008 (updated June 2007)

     

    Specifications for a NEW Laptop Computer Purchase


    If you are investing in a new laptop and meet or exceed the following specifications you should feel confident that the laptop will remain useful throughout your 3 year law school experience.
    Component
    Recommended
    Comments
    Processor
    Intel duo core processor at 1.6 GHz equivalent or better.
    Be careful not to confuse Celeron, Intel's value line of processors with the Centrino, or Pentium M mobile processor. Dual-core or Core 2 Duo preferred.
    Memory (RAM) 2 GB
    Regardless of your processor speed the easiest way to enhance the performance of your computer is to equip it with copious amounts of RAM. This is the minimum that I would recommend for use with Windows Vista.
    Hard Drive 80.0 GB
    You may wish to purchase a larger drive if you store music, video and or photos on your computer.
    Video Card Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB video RAM, Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware, WDDM driver and 32 bits per pixel These are necessary to support Microsoft's Aero desktop experience 
    Display Active/TFT
    The size of your display is a personal choice. I would avoid displays with a highly reflective finish
    Wireless Wireless card meeting the 802.11g standard.
    There are few areas within the law school that are without wireless coverage. 802.11a, b and g are supported.
    Operating System Microsoft Vista Business/Ultimate
    Although WindowsXP is a viable operating system it is impossible to predict whether it will meet your needs for the next three years
    Optical Drive DVD/CD-RW, DVD-RW
    Handy for installing software, burning files to disk for submission and backing up your data. You can also watch your favorite legal flicks.
    Anti-virus Symantec Anti-Virus
    Symantec Anti-Virus is available without further charge to all students
    Warranty 3 years
    A 3 year warranty will cover your laptop from manufacturer’s defects for the extent of your legal studies.
    Carrying Case Protect your investment
    Don't throw your new laptop in your backpack with all of your books.

 

Software The law school uses the following software applications:

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer)
  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite (WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, Presentations)
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Adobe Reader download
  • Symantec Anti-Virus download
  • Lexis-Nexis
  • Westlaw
  • Examsoft (currently when option offered by professor it is optional for student)

 

Microsoft Vista

If you are purchasing a new computer at this time we recommend that you select Microsoft Vista Business or Ultimate edition as its operating system. If you have an existing computer, we recommend that you NOT upgrade to Microsoft Vista.
Microsoft Windows XP is compatible with all of the School of Law's applications. It is also compatible with the University of Arkansas' network. Windows XP should meet your needs for at least the 2007-2008 school year.

 

Apple Laptop Computers

If for some reason you choose to purchase a Mac laptop instead of a PC we recommend you purchase a new Intel-based Mac to accommodate Apple's dual-boot software, Boot Camp. Note that you will have to purchase a copy of Windows XP and download Boot Camp in order to run Examsoft if you wish to use your Mac notebook to take exams when the option is offered. Future versions of Apple’s OS X will probably have Boot Camp built in to them. We do not currently support this configuration and you will be on your own with regard to technical assistance should problems arise

 

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