Student Laptop Recommendations

The Law School is a very laptop friendly place with a wireless network throughout. Law students are expected to have a laptop and may use them to take exams and to participate in the first year Legal Research Workshop.

Laptop Recommendations

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing your laptop.

• Hardware specifications
  Hardware recommendations and estimated costs are in the University’s Notebook Purchasing Guide. Be sure to review the Required Laptop Specifications for running Examplify, our exam software as well as Zoom. NOTE: Not all Ultrabooks meet the Examplify minimum system requirements.
• Operating System
  The University supports Windows and Mac systems, and both can be used for printing and taking exams at the Law School. If you are considering purchasing a new laptop for law school, you may want to keep in mind that many government and private legal employers use Windows systems exclusively.  Some students have reported difficulties learning to use those systems for the first time in their summer or full-time jobs. Also, avoid the “Home”, “Home Premium” or “Starter” editions of Windows - they do not work with network printing. The central Penn site has more detailed recommendations.
• It’s worth paying extra for the warranty
  Your laptop will be an important tool for you over the next three years at the Law School. We recommend a warranty that includes next business-day and on-site servicing.
• Remember the extras!
  Certain “accessories” have became necessities…
  • A USB key gives you a way to backup and easily transfer files.
  • A laptop lock provides some security from theft (though you should not ever leave your laptop or other valuables unattended).
  • CompuTrace allows your laptop to be tracked if it is ever stolen (like “LoJack” for cars).  
  • Apple’s iCloud also offers a service that allows you to locate, track, and/or remotely delete your lost Apple devices.
    
  • An extra laptop battery is important since some seminar rooms do not have outlets.

Microsoft Office, Sophos Home, and Other Software

Students currently enrolled at Penn can download and install Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus free of charge.  Students will be allowed to install Office on up to five systems or devices.  Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote for both Mac and PC.

Please follow all instructions here: Downloading Office 365 ProPlus

Sophos is also available free of charge to all current Penn students for their personal computers. Sophos checks hard drives, removable media, and email attachments for known computer viruses and removes any that it finds. It also monitor yours computer and notifies you of any infection attempts. More information and a link to download is available on Penn’s Sophos Home page.

 

Where to Buy?

Latest Tips