Law Technology and Academic Computing
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Recommended Laptop Program

Santa Clara University School of Law does not have a laptop program nor do any classes require students to use laptops.  The purpose of this page is to recommend brands and perhaps models that we in Law Technology feel we can best support.  Should you have a computer problem, we want to minimize your downtime and can do so best with Apple or Dell computers. 

 

Please note:  All students at Santa Clara University (including the Law School) are eligible for the "regular" educational discount from Apple and Dell.   In the past, we have only been able to offer promotional discounts with Dell computers.

 

We are extremely happy that our relationship with Apple has allowed us to in fact do just this.  Students can now purchase a recommended MacBook Pro through our Custom Store that includes the current iPod Touch promotion.  These two models are the ones we recommend for students, and they include the three year Applecare. 

 

Support Notes

Students do not have to buy specifically Dell Windows laptops. However, we have the most experience supporting machines from Dell, and have special repair resources that the Student Help Desk can utilize that are not available for other brands.

 

We have a number of resources for working with Apple laptops as well. 

 

In either case, from wherever you purchase a laptop, we strongly recommend at least a 3 year warranty.  Note that neither Apple nor some of Dell's student-oriented deals have these included by default.

 

Choosing a laptop

One's choice in a laptop is and should be a personal one.  Other than choosing between an Apple or a Dell, one should consider the following factors.  This is a general list, and not comprehensive by any means.

  • Size/weight
    • Laptops are not "one size fits all."  Some will want smaller laptops with longer battery life and less weight, while others don't mind carrying a heavier but faster laptop.  Please note that "desktop replacement" laptops and Apple's 17" Macbook Pro are often too large for some of our desks.
  • Performance
    • As hinted above, smaller laptops are more portable, but tend to be a bit slower in order to consume less battery.  Bigger laptops are faster, but have less battery life or require a high-capacity battery at an extra cost.
  • Battery life
    • As you can see, size/weight, performance, and battery life are all related.  The choice depends on your style of work.  Note, however, that we have power outlets throughout the Law School Library and all of our classrooms.
  • Extra features
    • Wireless networking, bluetooth, a built-in camera, extra batteries, a DVD burner, etc - these add to cost.  Note that Santa Clara University has an "802.11g" wireless network.

 

Apple Macintosh Computers

Please see our Apple/SCU Law School Custom Store (login information below) to see our specially discounted, pre-configured options. Our recommendations include two of the available MacBook Pro notebooks.  These are actually the standard configurations from Apple, but with the warranty included so that you have a better idea of final price.  Our goal is to make an explicit recommendation.

 

Of course, you can still browse Apple's entire lineup through the Custom Store and any purchases will be at the normal educational discount.

 

To access the store, you will login with your Law School CMS password. All existing students should have this. Admitted students will receive this with their university account information packet from the admissions office.

 

Exams & Apple Notebooks

Please note that students wishing to use a MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air for exams will have to purchase a copy of Microsoft Windows (XP Home is the minimum requirement) in order to run the exam software.  This is a separate purchase above and beyond the cost of the laptop.  The Law Technology Help Desk can help with any questions regarding purchasing and installation options.

 

Dell Windows Computers

Please see the Dell Premiere Store Front for Santa Clara University. You can configure any of the available computers to your specifications and receive the standard educational discount.  The university has recently negotiated discounted configurations for students.  While these are not designed by the School of Law, they are still excellent options for students.

 

Questions?

If you have problems or concerns, with these programs, please contact the SCU Law School Law Technology Department at 408.554.5672.