Law Technology and Academic Computing

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.   We do have special, additional discounts on specific configurations from Apple, but do not offer additional discounts above and beyond the educational pricing for any other configuration from Apple or any machines from Dell.  Also note that the configurations from Apple are designed to maximize expansion options in the future, and therefore might actually be more expensive than what you feel you need or want now.

 

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.

 

Also, any discounts that we do offer through our agreements with Apple and/or Dell do not include any specials either may be offering.  For instance, if Apple is offering an iPod with the purchase of a MacBook, we cannot offer that same deal through our custom Apple store.  The same goes for any ads you might see in a magazine or online.  If you can get a better deal, by all means, we recommend that you do so.  We still strongly recommend that you purchase at least a 3 year warranty.

 

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.
  • 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.
  • Cost

 

Apple Macintosh Computers

Please see our Apple/SCU Law School Custom Store (login information below) to see our specially discounted, pre-configured options. We have specified a MacBook, MacBook Pro, and an iMac (a desktop machine). These discounted prices apply only to the listed configurations with the exception that you can add the 3-year AppleCare. Any other changes will negate the discount.

 

These systems can be found via the link in the upper right, under "Recommended Systems".  Please note that we strongly recommend purchasing the AppleCare coverage plan.

 

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.

 

[updated 9/30/08]

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 408.554.5508.