Recommended Computers and Software
Recommended Laptops for Notre Dame Law Students
The Law School recommends that you have access to a reliable laptop for your studies at Notre Dame. The Technology Department provides its highest level of support to the Dell Latitude and Lenovo ThinkPad systems available through the links below.
These systems come with three years of expedited service and complete coverage for accidental damage or necessary hardware repair. We believe this service is a great improvement over those available to other models. You do not want to be without your laptop in the month before Final Exams.
You are welcome to purchase any laptop you feel comfortable using. Please understand that the Law School does not have the same level of resources available to provide support for the Mac as it does the Dell or Lenovo. If you are interested in purchasing a Mac, you will find discounts available through the Notre Dame-Apple Store. We recommend you choose a laptop in the MacBook family (featuring Intel processors), and include 1GB of memory with the three-year AppleCare Protection Plan.
If you would rather purchase a Windows machine other than the Dell or Lenovo laptops, or if you already own one, please use the following table as a guide for recommended specifications. Computers that don’t meet our recommended specifications may seem more affordable now, but you might notice a need for increased repairs during your three years in Law School.
| Operating System | Windows XP Pro or Vista Business (XP Home Edition is not supported) |
XP Home can make connecting to our network more problematic, and hinders your ability to print to Law School printers. We can not repair Windows XP Home. |
| Processor | Intel Core Duo (any speed) | Any dual core processor produces less heat than earlier processors, and allows batteries to last longer. |
| Memory | 1GB; 1 DIMM (min.) 2GB (preferred) |
Memory is the most important component of your computer; buy as much as you can afford. Having 1 DIMM enables you to upgrade memory at a lower price. |
| Hard Disk | 80 GB Hard Drive | Students who save pictures, music, and videos will need a larger hard drive. |
| Network | Wireless 802.11g | Wireless is a convenient and easily accessible connection to the Internet. |
| Optical Drive | 8x DVD+/-RW | The ability to burn DVDs will become increasingly important over the next three years. |
| Warranty | 3 Years; Accidental Damage | Some parts cost $600-$900 to replace. You want your laptop to last your entire career in Law School. Accidental Damage means not having to worry about spilling soda on your computer, having your laptop fall out of your bag, or many other types of accidents common to Law School. |
Windows XP Home does not work well in university networks such as Notre Dame. We also do not have the resources or utilities to repair problems with Home Edition Operating Systems. Therefore, we only support Windows XP Professional or Vista Business.
The useful life of most laptops is generally three years. We strongly encourage a complete three-year warranty to cover parts, labor, and accidental damage.
Software
The Office of Information Technologies provides free software such as McAfee VirusScan. You will need to enter your NetID and password before you download any of the programs at the above web site.
The Notre Dame Computer Store also offers CDs of Microsoft Office (including MS Word) and Windows XP Pro for $45 each.
