Supported Laptops

Laptop Policy

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU does not currently have a mandatory laptop ownership requirement. Approximately 98% of our students have laptops, using them to take notes, do research, complete assignments, and take exams. 

Purchasing a Laptop

If you do decide you want a laptop for your law school experience, we strongly recommend that you consider our requirements for IT support.

To receive support from the Information Technology Services Help Desk at the law school, we require that your laptop meet minimum requirements.  Those requirements are:

PC

  • Windows XP Professional operating system (not the Home version) OR Windows Vista (Not Home Basic) OR Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate (Not Starter or Home Premium)
  • 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 Leopard 10.6 or later (Printing is not available)
  • 512MB RAM
  • Get a 40GB+ hard drive
  • AppleCare 3-year Protection Plan 

 

The Easy Way to Purchase a Laptop for Law School

Choosing the right laptop that will take you through all three years of school can be a daunting task. Arizona State University has partnered with Dell Computing and Apple Computers as part of their 1:1 Computing Program and has negotiated discounted pricing on select laptop models that past students have found effective. 

For a PC laptop, we strongly recommend purchasing one of the suggested Dell laptops.  The laptops come with a 3-year onsite warranty. Our staff is well equipped to quickly resolve problems with Dell laptops.  Information about our preferred Dell laptops is located here (scroll down towards the bottom of the page and you will see the College of Law laptops): http://www.asu.edu/1to1/law.html.  You can also call Dell at 866.257.4711 and reference the ASU 1:1 Computing Member ID BS21885399.

If you wish to purchase a Macintosh laptop, ASU’s Macintosh deals can be found here:  http://bookstore.asu.edu/asu/MerchList.aspx?ID=6210.  While IT Services at the law school are limited in experience with Macs, there is help on campus at the main IT office, as well as an Apple Store with technical service in nearby Chandler, AZ.  Printing at the Law School is not available for Mac users.

Benefits of Purchasing Through ASU

Besides the good deals that ASU can negotiate because of the volume of laptops that are purchased, there are additional benefits to purchasing one of ASU’s laptop bundles.

  • Dell’s 3-year onsite warranty:   The benefit here is huge.  There is a full-time Dell technician on campus who will come out to the law school to service your laptop under this warranty.  Most items that need to be sent out return in less than 48 hours.
  • Apple’s 3-year AppleCare Protection Plan: Also an excellent warranty that will ensure your laptop is fixed quickly and correctly.
  • Law school IT Services support:   Buying through ASU ensures that the law school’s IT Services can quickly and easily help you, and that your computer will work with all of our applications (except for a few with Macs).
  • Discounted Software:  If you purchase a laptop through the 1:1 Computing program, you can buy MS Office Professional Version at an academic price of $69.00.  Or, you can opt to purchase MS Office Student/Teacher Version (without MS Access) and have it pre-installed before you get your laptop for $149.00, or you can get MS Office Professional (with MS Access) pre-installed for $179.95.

While you are free to purchase a laptop anywhere, we find that many times students get “good deals” elsewhere (such as at a local retailer) or buy other brands than Dell, then have frequent and repetitive problems.   Just like any piece of technology, laptops do have problems from time to time, but if you have a good warranty with a fast replacement time, you’ll have something invaluable:  peace of mind.  With Dell, you’ll have instant results, either from IT Services at the law school or from the campus Dell technician.  With Macintosh, more help is just a short drive away.  If you do decide to purchase elsewhere, please be sure to meet the minimum requirements stated above or we will not be able to provide support for your laptop.  This applies particularly to the 3-year warranty. 
 

Need More Information?

Please feel free to contact IT Services at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law with any questions you may have.   More information will be available on the Admitted Students Blackboard site in the Discussion Board area. 

Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law Information Technology Services
Ross-Blakley Law Library, Room 116
480-965-8181 or law-q@asu.edu

 

More Information About Buying a Laptop

  1. What is the difference between the Dell Latitude and Inspiron laptop models?

    Answer
     
  2. Can I get Financial Aid for purchasing a laptop?

    Arizona State University allows law students, once during their law school career, to add the cost of a computer (up to $1,500) to their Cost of Attendance for the academic year in which the computer was purchased. For instructions on requesting a student review to increase your Cost of Attendance, go toFinancial Aid Student Review . A computer purchase would fall under the "Other" section of the review form.
     
  3. Do you offer any free or discounted software for my laptop?

    Yes, ASU offers academic pricing(large discounts) at the computer store for various software products.  ASU also has various site-licensed products available for download.  For more information visit: http://computerstore.asu.edu/.  If you choose to buy software from local retailers or the internet, look for "academic pricing" which can significantly reduce the cost of the software.

     
  4. What is the 1:1 Computing program at ASU?

It is an innovative new program that aims to give every student a chance to have their own computer.  It ties in the nearly total wireless network coverage of the ASU campuses to the super negotiated deals with Dell Computing and Apple Computers to offer a unique experience to all ASU students.  Find out more about the 1:1 Computing program here:  http://www.asu.edu/1to1/.