Computer Purchase Recommendations

March 15, 2008

While the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law does not require students to own a laptop computer, we strongly encourage students to purchase one. The Law School has a wireless network for laptop users available throughout the Law Library, and Law School classrooms. The wireless network is also available in many student areas across campus (including Ellis Library, Memorial Union, Brady Commons, and the South/Carnahan Quad). The University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law is predominantly a "Windows" shop. There is support for Macintosh available on campus, but there is no IT support for Macintosh computers in the Law School.

A desktop computer is a lower cost alternative, however the advantage of a laptop is the portability it provides. There are 35 computer workstations available to law students in the computer lab, and 4 ‘Smart Suites’ available with Smart Boards and projectors. During peak times of the academic year, the computer lab and Smart Suites are used heavily, and access to a computer is not guaranteed. A student with a laptop and a wireless card has access to Internet resources and productivity software virtually everywhere throughout our wireless network, and can also install software to allow their laptop to print to the computer lab printers.

Recommended Configurations (PDF, opens in new window)

Additional Information

Factors to keep in mind when shopping around for a laptop

The Law School only supports Windows computers. Macintosh support is only available through the Division of IT on campus. The Law School does not provide hardware support. Get price quotes from a good cross-section of sources for informed choices. Prices change when new models are released; and new models are appearing all the time. Check all quoted prices again before ordering in case any of the prices have dropped. Also, cross-check for cheaper prices between different departments on the manufacturer's website (e.g.: Home, Small Business, etc.)

TigerTech, The University’s computer store located in the bookstore, offers Dell and HP computers at deeply discounted prices due to the University’s select partnerships with Dell and HP. Take advantage of the Missouri Tax-Savings Holliday, August 1st through 3rd, to save the Missouri state sales tax (4.225%) on your purchase of computers, software, and related educational products.
TigerTech: http://www.mubookstore.com/outerweb/tigertech/index.asp

When you buy directly from a manufacturer, they will custom-build your laptop with the hardware and software you want. If you mail-order a laptop, find out how long it will take to build and ship it. Some companies promise next-day delivery. If you don't check, it can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks. Look for a 30-day money-back guarantee & 4-year warranty. Find out where you can get the laptop fixed if something should go wrong. For instance, do you need to mail it back to the manufacturer or can it be serviced locally? Dell computers, in most cases, can have warranty repairs performed on campus through TigerTech.

Exams on Computers

For students with Mac laptops, no Windows emulators are permitted while taking exams on computer (Boot Camp, Parallels, etc.).
The Law School uses Extegrity's Exam4 software for students that wish to take exams on computers. At this time the only supported operating systems for Exam4 are Mac OSX 10.4 (or higher), Windows XP SP2, and Windows Vista.

Wireless Network

The Orinoco 11a/b/g Gold for Windows, Intel Centrino (including Intel Pro ‘B’ and ‘G’), and Dell TrueMobile Internal or External cards are the ONLY wireless cards supported by the University of Missouri for Windows laptops. Other wireless card will not work in all areas of Hulston Hall. If you are using a Macintosh, the Airport card is recommended.
http://doit.missouri.edu/network/wireless.html

Microsoft Software

All of the Law School’s computer lab computers have Windows XP and Office 2007 installed on them. To ensure maximum compatibility, make sure your productivity suite is Microsoft Office (not Microsoft Works). Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2007 is available through TigerTech for $75. It might be less expensive for you to configure a laptop without Microsoft Office, then purchase it from TigerTech and install it yourself.

Antivirus Software

Symantec Antivirus 10.1 Corporate Edition is available through the Division of IT for free.
http://doit.missouri.edu/downloads

Extra Battery

It is highly recommended that you buy an extra battery when you purchase your laptop. A typical battery will last approximately 2 hours on a full charge. The classrooms in the Law School do not have power outlets available for laptop use during classes or exams. Exams, in some cases, will take 4 hours or more. If you choose to take your exams on your laptop, you will definitely want a spare battery.

USB Flash Memory Key

The computers in the Law School’s Computer Lab do NOT have 31/4” floppy disk drives. Purchase a USB Memory Key of at least 512 megabytes. Also, it is good practice to save a backup copy of documents to a USB memory key in addition to saving them to your laptop.

If you have questions or need further information, contact the Law School IT Help Desk: (573) 884-7800 or