Getting a law degree is a lot of work. While it first seems like a breeze, each year is incredibly demanding. The textbooks also contain cases from all over the world with no explanations, outlines, or summaries to help you understand.
That is why all law school students need a great laptop to help keep up with their workload.
However, with so many laptops on the current market, picking just one model is not easy. This article helps with that by breaking down the best machines and covering what makes them so special.
Contents
Quick Summary
We checked many popular laptops to find the ones that are ideal for law students. We analyzed every aspect, including processor, storage, performance, battery life, and display.
- If you want a light, beautiful laptop that offers fantastic performance, the HP Spectre x360 13t Touch Laptop is a good option.
- Acer Chromebook R 13 Convertible is a machine for users who want a touchscreen convertible laptop with a good battery life.
- Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is the perfect machine for users who want to switch modes with ease.
Who Should Get This?
It’s almost impossible to hide in your law school classroom because professors throw out a lot of open questions to help law students analyze case law.
They may even ask questions that require students to explore the facts of the case, as well as the legal principles and general reasoning. Sometimes, the professor may opt for hypothetical scenarios to test the students’ understanding of the material.
Law schools are extremely structured. That’s why you need a laptop that can help you sort out or analyze cases and research.
Best Laptops for Law School Students: What to Consider in 2022
Before you rush to buy a laptop for law school, here are some things you should keep in mind:
Specifications of Your School
Always take note of the minimum software and hardware required to run your school’s in-house programs. Typically, most schools support Mac and Windows, but you need to know if yours prefers one over the other.
Weight
Students move around quite a lot. As such, try to get a lighter model that is easy to throw into your bag.
Ideally, you should go for laptops that weigh 3.9lbs or less.
Warranty
You can save yourself some stress by paying for an extended warranty. While you’re it, ensure that it has on-site service and next-business-day as well.
Processor
Law students need laptops with a lot of processing power. Consider getting an Intel Core i5 or i7. The AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 is another good option.
RAM
As a law student, you’ll be doing a lot of research assignments. Go for at least 6 to 8GB of RAM.
Battery Life
Since you’ll need to work and study on the move, you have to consider a laptop with a battery that lasts six hours or more.
Accessories
Asides the gadget, you have to invest in extra accessories like a quality laptop bag to protect your machine. An external storage device is crucial to back up and share files. If you think you need a mouse, you can go for that too. Hardware and software solutions will help you track and avoid theft.
Display Size
Any laptop you buy right now should be able to last through your entire schooling career. Don’t waste time with a small screen. Get one that measures at least 13 inches.
Storage
Are you going to use your computer just for y assignments and cases, or are you going to add entertainment on the side like videos, games, photos, and music? If so, you need between 321 and 500 GB. However, you can always upgrade should you need more.
Best Laptops for Law School Students: Our Picks for 2022
1. HP Spectre x360 13t Touch Laptop
The HP Spectre is a fantastic two-in-one model. It’s stylish and ultra-thin, two aspects that give it a tornado effect. The model has a super-slim shape that can convince anyone it’s lightweight. It’s hard not to notice the chamfered corners, unique colors, and sharp, faceted edges.
The laptop has a battery life of 12-hours, which is perfect for students on the go. The powerful speakers also provide great audio and bring videos to life. It has a vivid display and a physical webcam kill switch. The 13.3-inch laptop uses a Core i7-8565U CPU with 8GB of RAM, which is excellent for any law student. At the center of this model, you’ll find a modern HP logo in gold chrome.
When you open the laptop lid you’ll notice a gold-trimmed touchpad next to the Spectre branding as well as a discrete fingerprint sensor in the bottom right. This model also has accessories like faux-leather with a built-in stylus slot and the charging cord of the laptop. It has a Thunderbolt 3 charging port that has incredible charging speed. It can connect to an external GPU or multiple 4k monitors as well.
What We Like:
- Powerful speakers
- Luxurious design
- Vivid 1080p display
- Outstanding battery life
What We Don’t Like:
- Thick bezels
2. Acer Chromebook R 13 Convertible
The Acer Chromebook R 13 is an ideal laptop to go for if you can’t afford a MacBook. The laptop is light and comes with limited software options. Beyond its impressive battery life, it fully supports Android apps through the Google Play store.
The gadget has a comfortable keyboard that makes it easy to type even the longest assignments. The sleek machine has an aluminum design, and it’s a great choice if you’re not looking for a lot of processing power. The hinges also provide a lot of stability that allows the laptop to rotate into laptop, tent, and tablet positions. The convertible laptop measures 0.6-inches thick and weigh 3.2lbs.
On the left side of the Chromebook, you’ll find USB 3.0 port, microSD card reader, HDMI port, and USB Type-C port. On the right side, you’ll find a lock slot and headphone jack. The R 13 has a 1080p panel that shows crisp images, but it does not have the best color or brightness options.
The speakers don’t provide much volume either, but the touchscreen is quite responsive and the keyboard offers a lovely typing experience. The device uses a MediaTek MT8173C processor, comes with 4GB RAM, and the battery life lasts for about 11 hours.
What We Like:
- Excellent battery life
- Premium-looking design
- Runs Android apps
- Comfortable keyboard
What We Don’t Like:
- Flat audio
3. Microsoft Surface Pro 6
The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is a two-in-one hybrid device that’s perfect for law students who often find themselves working in public spaces. It is easy to use and incredibly lightweight.
The model features an Intel Kaby Lake Refresh processor that provides less-energy-intensive processing power. The processor also supports the Pen Stylus, which gives you the flexibility of sketching and taking notes by hand.
With this device, you can also attach a TypeCover Keyboard dock thanks to its kickstand and six-pin port. Interestingly, the keyboard dock comes with magnetic strips that allow you to lock it snugly into place.
The Surface Pro 6 features a microSD reader, USB-A 3.0 port, mini DisplayPort, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a power supply connection. The model comes in two professional colors: platinum or black.
What We Like:
- Lightweight frame
- Great display
- Long-lasting battery life
- Strong performance
What We Don’t Like:
- Small keyboard dock
Tips to Get the Most out of Your 2-in-1 Hybrid Laptop
- Take advantage of the long-lasting battery life.
- Make use of the different modes to handle specific tasks.
- Get the right peripherals that will allow you to enjoy the versatility of a hybrid laptop.
- Utilize the device’s functionality while you travel.
- Use the touch screen display for education and entertainment.
Final Words
Picking the best laptop for law school shouldn’t be a difficult decision. All it takes a bit of research, as well as the laptops listed in this guide, to make a great decision.
Which of the models do you like most? Which have you tried or plan to try out? Let us know what you think in the comments.
