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Technology

What Type of Laptop Will I Need?

If you want to buy a laptop before coming to campus, we suggest one that meets the Option One specifications below. A laptop with those specifications will be suitable not only for Windows Vista, but also for Windows 7. If you already own a laptop or want to buy a computer that meets the minimum specifications, review Option Two and Option Three. Option Two is a middle-of-the-road configuration; Option Three is a minimum acceptable configuration.

Option One
  • Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or better (Example: T6600 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache))
  • Discrete graphics processing units (GPU) w/256MB
  • Hard disk: 320GB 7200RPM SATA or better
  • Optical Disk: 8X CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R)
  • System Memory (RAM): 4GB or more
  • Operating system: Windows Vista or 7 (Enterprise or
    Ultimate)
  • Screen specifications: at least 1024x768 pixel resolution
  • Integrated 802.11 wireless (b, g or n)
  • Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
Option Two
  • Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core or better (Example, T5850 (2.16GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache))
  • Discrete graphics processing units (GPU) w/ 128MB
  • Hard disk: 120GB 5400 RPM or better
  • Optical Disk: DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive
  • Memory (RAM): 2GB or more
  • Operating system: Windows XP (Professional) or Vista (Enterprise or Ultimate)
  • Screen specifications: at least 1024x768 pixel resolution
  • Integrated 802.11b or 802.11g wireless
  • Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
Option Three
  • Processor: T2390 (1.86GHz/533Mhz FSB/1MB cache)
  • Hard disk: 80GB (5400 RPM) or more
  • Optical Disk: DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Driv
  • Memory (RAM): 1GB or more
  • Operating system: Windows XP Professional
  • Screen specifications: at least 1024 x 768 pixel resolution
  • Integrated 802.11b or 802.11g wireless
  • Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
  • Integrated 56kb modem

Our recommendations reflect our belief that most people are best served by a medium sized, powerful laptop. But some students will prefer a desktop replacement laptop with a larger screen, and others will prefer a smaller, ultra-portable laptop. Generally, larger form-factor laptops offer more performance, while powerful ultra portable laptops are the most expensive. The latest category in laptops is the netbook. Both Dell and HP offer products in this segment under the Mini name.

We do not endorse any specific operating system. But to participate in the electronic exam process you will need a computer running Windows. If you buy a new computer using Windows Vista or 7, you should select the Ultimate edition. You may purchase Windows
Vista Ultimate and Windows 7 Ultimate ($20.00) from Indiana University at the Information Commons.

Apple's Macintosh operating system is supported by Indiana University Information Technology Services, and works with the Law School's wireless and wired Ethernet networks. But the Macintosh platform is not directly supported by the Law School.

Students equipped with the new generation of Apple MacBook laptops are now able to take examinations at the Law School using Boot Camp and Windows on those computers. The software vendor has authorized the installation and use of the examination application on the MacBook and MacBook Pro running Windows. The examination software cannot be used on older model Macs as they are not able to run Windows. It can only be used on the new generation models using Intel processors.

To use the examination software on these Macs, the student must install Boot Camp (included in OSX) and Windows (available on campus). We have tested this configuration during actual exam periods and found that it works well.

Linux and similar/derivative operating systems are supported by Indiana University's University Information Technology Services, but are not supported directly by the Law School.

What Are the Financial Aid Implications of Buying a Computer?

The cost of a computer is not included in your direct costs. You may request that the cost of a new computer (up to $2,500)—even one you buy before arriving on campus—be added to your financial aid budget, increasing the amount you can borrow. You may find that you do not need an adjustment since our standard law school budget already includes $1,912 per month for living. Because most students can live comfortably on substantially less, there is often sufficient funding in the budget to for a computer. For a larger budget to include computer costs, contact Paul Leopold, director of financial aid.

For more information about financial aid, contact:
Paul Leopold
Director of Financial Aid
pleopold [at] indiana [dot] edu
(812) 855-7746