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Originally posted by AXiD670
I have to purchase a laptop for law school for the fall. So, I've started looking around to see what I like. I've always been a fan of Mac (bi-computeral?) and am curious to see if anyone owns a MacBook. They're advertising insists that you can run Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office programs. Is this true -- is it as simple as they make it seem?
Do any other past or current law students have experiences using Macs in their classes? I'd hate to buy a Mac but then come across some legal program that requires a Windows-only operating system that isn't compatible with the one I'd be running on my Mac.
If anyone has a good laptop to suggest other than a Mac, please suggest it here. I'd rather not go with Dell. My husband had an IBM one that his work gave him, and I liked that, but he didn't. I've also seen some HP ones that look pretty, but I don't know how functional they are. If $$$ weren't an object I'd love to get a VAIO 'cause those things are light and niiiiiice looking. All help is appreciated! 
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I would not advice a Mac for law school. Many law schools are allowing students to take their exams on laptops, and some of the software is not compatible for macs. Also, some states let you take the bar exam on a laptop, and I know for certain that you could not do it with a Mac in PA. A lot of schools give you various pieces of software free, and they may not support Mac versions.
I have had 2 Dells. The first one I had some problems on, but they were quickly fixed, and I must say that their warranty service is exceptional. Picked up from me, fixed AND returned within 48 hours. The laptop that I bought in 2002 right before starting law school is still going strong.
I purchased another, smaller, Dell a few months ago, the 700m. It's about the same size as a Vaio. Got it fully loaded with all kinds of stuff for MUCH cheaper than a Vaio.
Vaio's, which cute, have a reputation for having a lot of problems, including overheating. Sony's service, even on warranty repairs, its notoriously horrid. I had a HUGE crush on the Vaio, but i'm thrilled with my Dell 700M.
It is a good thing to look into something smaller. You'll be lugging it around with you. No matter what kind you buy, get the extended warranty. With a laptop that you'll be using heavily and lugging around frequently, you want to have the coverage. I made the mistake of buying a bigger behemoth before law school, and it was a pain to carry around.
Make sure you have a CD burner.
IBMs are workhorses, but the smaller ones are pretty expensive and don't come with much- for many of the things that easily fit into my little Dell (such as CD/DVD burner), you need a docking station for with the IBM.
HPs tend to be larger and their fans are annoyingly loud in class, lol.
And as an aside, I've never heard of a law firm using Macs so I think PCs are preferred in general in the legal field.