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Laptop Purchasing Advice
Updated March 2012
*** IMPORTANT ***
OS X 10.7 Lion has been tested and is compatible with the Law School's technology services.
Buy for 3 years OF use
You may be tempted to buy the cheapest laptop you can find; however, be aware that over the life of the laptop, this seeming price advantage could easily be offset and exceeded by wasted time, money, and inconvenience spent on repairs.
The configuration below does not necessarily reflect the current configurations available to be purchased from a retailer; use it as a guide to help you purchase a good laptop that will adequately serve your law school needs for the next three years with as few problems as possible.
Purchase adequate warranty coverage
Laptop repairs tend to be very expensive. We urge you to purchase a 3-year service contract to last you through your law school tenure, preferably complete care with screen replacement. Think about how long you can afford to be without your laptop during the semester or during exams. Also find out where you can get the laptop fixed and what the turn-around time is for warranty repairs. For instance, do you need to mail it back to the manufacturer or can it be serviced locally in Ann Arbor.
ITS Repair Contacts has information on available computer repair services, on and off campus.
Shop around
Please note: there is no obligation to purchase hardware/software from the UM Computer Showcase; links to products are provided simply as a courtesy.
Hardware
Check out prices both online and in stores for laptop deals. Be sure to include the UM Computer Showcase (734.647.2537) in your search, as it offers attractive laptop prices for registered students and all computers include a 3-year warranty. Dell computers even come with Complete Care, which covers accidental damage. Showcase discounts are available to incoming law students in May and August. When you contact the store be certain to tell them you are an admitted law student.
Software
To fully use the Law School's network resources, we strongly recommend that your computer have either Windows 7 (any version) or Mac OSX 10.5 or higher operating systems. Home editions (XP Home, XP Media Center, Vista Home Basic, Vista Home Premium) are not fully compatible with the Law School's network and may prevent access to some networking features.
In case you need to upgrade your operating system to one of those recommended by the Law School, the Showcase offers software at deeply discounted prices for enrolled students, including:
Before finalizing your laptop order, calculate the cost of buying your laptop with the operating system and Microsoft Office installed by the manufacturer versus purchasing these software packages separately through the Showcase and installing them on your own. If you can save some money and you feel comfortable installing your own operating system and/or productivity software, you may want to consider this option.
Recommended Laptop Configuration
[Use as a Guide]
| Features |
Windows |
Apple |
| Operating System |
Windows 7 (any version) |
Mac OS X 10.4.11 - 10.7.x |
Processor
(computer speed) |
Dual-core or higher
2 GHz |
Memory
(RAM) |
4 GB |
2 GB |
Hard Drive
(storage space) |
Min 80 GB |
| Removable Storage |
USB Flash drive |
Wireless
(internal) |
IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n or IEEE 802.11 a/b/g |
| Optical Drive |
CD/DVD-RW Combo |
| Virus Protection |
The University now recommends Microsoft Security Essentials.
More information |
Up-to-date antivirus program
(download Sophos free from U-M) |
| Warranty |
3-yr labor & parts (complete care) |
| Printer |
Laserjet or Inkjet |
1 A 4GB flash drive is recommended for backing up your important data.
2 Most newer laptop computers are equipped with a built-in IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n or IEEE 802.11a/g/b wireless network card.
3 We recommend that you have a personal printer to supplement the Law School printers.
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