What type of laptop computer do I need for Law School?

What type of laptop computer do I need for Law School?

Check the vendor's computer requirements for taking exams
If you plan to use your laptop computer for exams, then make sure you review, Examsoft exam taking software laptop computer requirementsto determine if your current or any future laptop computer meets the requirements to run Law School applications like Examsoft's exam-taking software, Examplify.

Take advantage of your student discount
Educational Discounts

SCU Law students are eligible for the standard discounts available by the computer manufacturer. Learn more about SCU student purchases here.


Buy the best warranty while you are SCU Law student
When you purchase a laptop computer, we strongly recommend getting at least a 3 or 4 year warranty. We also recommend that you consider the "spill protection" add-on warranty, which cover drops, spills, and other mishaps that is not normally covered under a standard warranty. 

Please note that the Law Technology Help Desk, as mandated by the University, is not authorized to re-install OS software, do any data recovery, hardware upgrades (storage, RAM), etc.   If you have any hardware issues with your notebook, then we will help you with any initial diagnostics on your issue and then refer you to a local vendor to do any warranty repairs or recommended that you contact your laptop computer vendor.

Check out Law Technology's recommendation


Other factors to consider...

Size/weight
Laptops are not "one size fits all." If you plan to be on campus for most of the day attending classes, then you will want to consider an ultra-portable laptop computer. However, if prefer a larger screen size and performance matters to you, then consider a business-grade laptop computer.
 
Performance/Screen Size
As mentioned above, smaller laptops are more portable but lack the screen real estate. Bigger laptops may have larger screens, but have lower battery life. The average screen size that most students prefer is 13 or 14 inches for ultra-portable laptops and for business-grade type laptops, 15 inches.  As for performance, buy as much as you can afford, but take in consideration your daily workload and work style.
 
Battery life
The choice depends on your style of work. Modern laptops have an average battery life of at least 7-12 hours.

Standard features
Modern laptop computers are equipped with built-in Bluetooth, WiFI, and webcams. Make sure to check your next laptop has these features because remote learning will require all of these standard features.


Special Note on iPads & Tablets
Please note that Apple iPads & Android tablets are not supported during law school exams. 


SCU Law exam taking software does not run on Linux or Chrome OS.