Supported Laptops

       

If you have already purchased a laptop, you can jump ahead to Preparing your computer.

Laptops

We do NOT recommend purchasing a Mac. We offer limited support and they are not commonly used in the legal environment.  In addition, Mac users are not able to print using the law school printers.  Mac computers cannot be used in certain courses, such as, Technology in the Courtroom. 
 

Should you get a laptop and if so, what kind?

Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law recommends but does not require that law students purchase laptop computers to assist them in their studies and exam-taking while in law school. Usually about 97% of our students do have laptops.

ASU has partnerships with both Dell Computers and Apple Computers, which offer bundled computers through the 1:1 program at ASU.  If you purchase a laptop through the 1:1 program, you have a few advantages over those who do not. 

Mac laptopDell laptop

 

 

 

 

 

First, the computers (both Dell and Apple) come with very good 3-year warranties .  Since you will be in law school for 3 years, it makes a lot of sense for you to want to have that piece of mind that your computer will be taken care of for your entire law school experience. 

Second, both Dell and Apple have certified techs on or near campus to assist you (if you purchase through the 1:1 program). 

You can learn more about the 1:1 program here:  http://www.asu.edu/1to1/laptops.html.  If you want a PC, click the " Buy from Dell " link near the top right and then scroll down to the "Recommended Business Systems."  If you want to purchase a Mac, you can go directly to the selections by clicking on the "See Apple Bundles" button under the Mac laptop list.

Support Policy

IT Services will do its best to provide assistance to students needing help with laptops.  However, we may not provide services unless your laptop meets our minimum recommendations.  You may view hardware and software recommendations below.

PC

  • Windows XP Professional (Home Version not compatible)
  • Windows Vista/Windows 7 (Home Basic or Home Premium versions not compatible)
  • Processor speed of 1.5Ghz
  • Intel Pentium M or DUO processor
  • 1GB RAM
  • Hard drive of 40GB or more
  • CD-ROM (DVD or CD writable are optional)
  • Internal wireless network card 802.11g compatible
  • 3 Year On-Site Warranty minimum; 3 Year Complete Care Recommended

Macintosh

We offer limited support to Macintosh owners if they meet these minimum requirements:

  • Intel-based Mac with a wireless card (MacBook or MacBook Pro)
  • Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later
  • 512MB RAM
  • 10GB free hard disk space (Get a 40GB+ hard drive)
  • AppleCare 3-year Protection Plan 
     

Networking your Laptop

For information about connecting your laptop to the wired or wireless networks at ASU, see the next page Preparing your computer

Wired ports are now only available in the computer lab as the school now has a fully covered wifi network.

For incoming fall students, there is an introduction to IT Services during Orientation.  The IT help desk will be extremely busy for the first weeks of fall semester, so we highly recommend that you try to configure the applications before coming to school. We can assist you but we may need to schedule an appointment depending on our work load.

Working from off campus: You may also wish to use you laptop online while off campus. ASU does not offer dial up Internet access. From off campus, using the internet, you can access your email, H drive, and legal research services (West-Law and Lexis). However, you cannot access the student printers from off campus.
 

NEXT: Preparing your computer

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