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MacBook Air for Law School?

alexanbd said:
I have read the posts, and the links, they are inconclusive at best in support of the "Macs are PCs re: your future law school's network and required exam software!"; because of the way bootcamped Windows interfaces with a software that LOCKS DOWN your computer. If it does not find the right software, drivers, etc where and when it is looking for them it makes all the difference as it will not function unless everything is just so.

Unless you can speak to the university blowing smoke up my ass as a member thereof, your reading material is little else than bathroom reading. Good to know, but may or may not be functionally useful (you know, like most reading in law school). I am not calling your posts functionally useless, just authored by a blowhard and silly.

Unfortunately, I have to take the word of the head of the school's computing office above that of Apple and Wikipedia -- because a representative of the school who deals with the network on a daily basis has much more knowledge thereof than Wikipedia or the author of Apple's Q&A. As disappointing as it may be to a troll like me (you know, someone who wants to switch to Mac but cannot...right) I may indeed have to suck it up for 5 more semesters.

I don't understand how you took my comment as missing the sarcasm in your signature, given that I referenced it for that very reason.

I appreciate the time of those who have cared to post in a manner other than A-d'oh's. Ado, I suggest you get out of the basement, run a comb through that ZZ Top beard, and face the day -- Mac fanboy is not a well-regarded self-appointed title on a resume.
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inconclusive at best in support of the "Macs are PCs.."
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If you think this is inconclusive, I can't help you. But, you might want to brush up on your "reading comprehension" skills before classes start. Oh, and you could always use your school's desktop computers for test taking if you were still afraid, as was mentioned in an earlier post.

I have to take the word of the head of the school's computing office above that of Apple
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Not the first time an IT guy didn't understand something related to Apple.

I appreciate the time of those who have cared to post in a manner other than A-d'oh's. Ado, I suggest you get out of the basement, run a comb through that ZZ Top beard, and face the day -- Mac fanboy is not a well-regarded self-appointed title on a resume.
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Thanks Lexie, I'll try to remember that when I head into law school tomorrow morning... and in the coming weeks when I take my last set of finals with examsoft on my mac, running bootcamp, as I did the last time. Please forget that I tried to help, and enjoy vista.
 
Examsoft and Macs

1. Through bootcamp, you can run windows like you could on a dell, lonovo or the like, I don't think anyone is debating that.

2. While you CAN use Examsoft through Windows/bootcamp, there are lots of schools and even bar associations that forbid you from doing so. My law school would not allow students using bootcamp or parallels to take their finals on a Mac and neither will the bar association in North Carolina. Can't say I understand why that is, but its one of those things that isn't worth fighting.

If you school says you can't use a Mac, that sucks, enjoy the Dell, from what I hear the machine you are looking at isn't half bad.
 
dt1027 said:
1. Through bootcamp, you can run windows like you could on a dell, lonovo or the like, I don't think anyone is debating that.

2. While you CAN use Examsoft through Windows/bootcamp, there are lots of schools and even bar associations that forbid you from doing so. My law school would not allow students using bootcamp or parallels to take their finals on a Mac and neither will the bar association in North Carolina. Can't say I understand why that is, but its one of those things that isn't worth fighting.

If you school says you can't use a Mac, that sucks, enjoy the Dell, from what I hear the machine you are looking at isn't half bad.
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Regarding #2: While I don't believe this is the issue, based on the email the OP shared, it would be a good question to ask the law school. Even then, just use a mac for notes, and take tests on the school's computers. Beats getting a virus.
 
I think this thread needs to stop being replied to so the original poster can read through all of the current replies.

You know, when you're reviewing contracts in the future to shield your clients from liability, you might want to use some more logic and comprehension than you have displayed in this thread.

As far as I'm concerned, the only point that should even be responded to any more in this thread is point #2 brought up by dt1027. Let's let the original poster figure the rest out.
 
Original poster, don't worry about what the rest of these guys are saying. They are not malicious, just uninformed.

I just graduated from Michigan Law in May. The provided no support for macs running Windows XP using bootcamp. Let me repeat that: no support for windows running natively on an apple machine.

I don't know why. There was a small community of us trying to bring about change, but it was difficult. Keep in mind, hundreds of students writing pages of answers on multiple tests all within a couple week time span is a lot to keep in order. Obviously, it shouldn't matter, but the IT departments are taking their time getting comfortable.

And guys, a mac isn't like any other pc. Remember that macs use EFI and not BIOS. This can make a difference in how the backup safety features in the program work. The wireless packages and their firmware are unique. These testing packages do a lot more than act like Word, they can lock out the rest of your computer or only allow access to certain areas (or drives), or use the wireless network to maintain backups as you work.

My advice to you is this: Buy the mac. Make some friends. Come test time borrow a laptop from a friend. I convinced a lady friend of mine to buy a mac 1L year and would often loan her my laptop to take tests. What did I have? I had an IBM x40, which was an amazing ultraportable and was half the weight and had twice the battery life of anything apple had at the time.

If I was going to school again I would buy a Lenovo x60 tablet. I would use it only for school as I have other macs for "digital lifestyle" stuff. I say tablet b/c you will likely be doing a lot of reading, and I imagine it would be nice to be able to hold the thing like a book, put your feet up, and read comfortably for the seven hours a day you'll be in the library.

Good luck.
 
alexanbd said:
I have read the posts, and the links, they are inconclusive at best in support of the "Macs are PCs re: your future law school's network and required exam software!"; because of the way bootcamped Windows interfaces with a software that LOCKS DOWN your computer. If it does not find the right software, drivers, etc where and when it is looking for them it makes all the difference as it will not function unless everything is just so.
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That's exactly the problem. Yes, if you run Bootcamp, the computer can't tell the difference between Windows and OS X, BUT this software is not a typical Windows program. It does lock down the entire computer, not allowing any other programs to be accessed, and requiring a restart after the exam is finished to upload the final answers to a server. Now, Examsoft claims that it will work, but at the school I work at, we have no idea if that's true. We have enough other problems that arise during those finals weeks with computers that running a test on a Mac using Bootcamp isn't a high priority, and I'd imagine it isn't high on your school's list either. Since we have older extra laptops from our laptop program, the students who have Macs get the option of using one of those for the exams, or they can choose to handwrite. Though, I haven't met a student yet who prefers to handwrite a four hour exam.
 
Going a bit off topic here, why on earth would a University require that you sit an exam using your own computer? Surely if you are required to complete a test, the University should provide the hardware to do so.
 
Thanks for everyone who has commented, regardless of tone. I would agree the standards for law school admission have been lowered. What do you call a busload of laywers driving off a cliff? (A good start).

I appreciate onebloodlife's and Schroedinger's points above about the difference between EFI and BIOS and how it interfaces with certain secured software. It seems like there is somehow a substantive difference in how the systems operate that would make a difference to software like ExamSoft.

Also, I rediscovered this on the aforementioned maclawstudents blog regarding ExamSoft. It is a long quote, but all of it is relevant:

http://maclawstudents.com/blog/law-school-exam-software/

"SofTest by ExamSoft
ExamSoft’s SofTest is used in more law schools than any other exam package. Unfortunately there is no Macintosh version of the software.

SofTest is not a complicated application. It is essentially a very limited word processor that blocks out all other system activities, so you can’t secretly access notes or tap into LexisNexis for answers. Some Mac-using law students I know use old Windows laptops they already own. Others, like myself borrow a Windows laptop for the small number of days each year when they need to run Windows for exams.

Thankfully SofTest runs on older versions of Windows. Last year I borrowed a very old Dell Inspiron running Windows 98. I only used it for exams and never even touched it otherwise. In spite of its klunky keyboard, it worked fine for exams. This year I’ve been using an Alienware laptop borrowed from a friend.

At the end of June, 2006, IT managers at law schools that use SofTest were sent an official message by ExamSoft, regarding support for Boot Camp.

(Dear Administrator,

ExamSoft has completed its evaluation of SofTest’s compatibility running on Mac Book and Mac Pro where Windows XP has been installed utilizing Boot Camp. We are pleased to confirm all SofTest functionality successfully operates in this environment.

Clients have the option of allowing Exam Takers to use SofTest with Mac Book or Mac Book Pro OR ExamSoft can block SofTest from operating in this environment if your institution does not allow or provide support for Mac’s.

The default setting for SofTest will be to operate in this environment so if you want to allow Exam Takers to use Mac Book or Mac Book Pro you’re all set.

If you DO NOT want SofTest to operate in this environment, please contact ExamSoft Client Support PRIOR to opening fall registration and we will modify the SofTest version distributed to your Exam Takers.)

Note that ultimately the decision to support SofTest running on Boot Camp is ultimately up to each school’s IT department."

It shows that while previous posters were technically correct about a Mac operating functionally as a Windows computer, and that ExamSoft does operate via bootcamp -- the final decision is still at the whim of the school's IT dept. This, given my previous post including an email from the head of the school's computing office, is the rub; they do not want to support anything to do with the Mac environment, including bootcamp.

So, the MBA for its price is out of range given this.

The school requires a laptop for exams, though I would imagine could be flexible (i.e. computer lab), I do not want to rely on it. I cannot keep my current PC as it does not meet the school's requirements (namely, CoreDuo, 80GB HDD and at least 1GB or Ram). I can either save my money and get a well-equipped PC, split the difference and get an XPS 13" (which I am shaky on Dell's quality), or spend about the same and get an entry-level macbook and a basic PC. The XPS seems like the better choice so long as the quality is alright.

Fear not Mac-Faithful, the moment I can, I will switch from Windows.
 
I would be less inclined to draw the conclusion that they disabled Boot Camp support. More likely, they just decided to tell everyone they don't support Macs (which they technically don't) so they don't have to deal with the tech support issues. It's more effort to disable Mac support than it is to just lie to the students about it. (As a future lawyer, I would hope you're this cynical too.)

If you can get a copy of your school's version of ExamSoft prior to your purchase, I would test it on a Mac to see if it actually is disabled. I'm simply skeptical of his wording; he seems clueless about Macs and fails to mention the word Boot Camp entirely in his response. Then again, it may be simply the result of some IT guy who was never taught to write precisely and who probably isn't intelligent enough to make it into the law school he works at.

That and I'm sure you can find a way to break the system although that may entail more risk than necessary.
 
If you are going Window (which I still think you don't need to) I would go with what a previous poster said and get a Thinkpad x60 tablet. Those things are awesome.
 
my last thought is this, if they don't want to support it, don't bother. Examsoft has been around for a while but it is extremely buggy and has problems all the time. I can tell you from personal experience, that I had to have finals retrieved from my hard drive due to faults in examsoft and if your IT department has told you no go on the Macs why risk it, just my two cents.
 
alexanbd said:
The Response: "We do not support MACs in any manner shape or form -- we've chosen not to use the Examsoft version that works with MACs -- we just don't have enough people to support the extra knowledge base involved."
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I have a feeling that that was a standard response that's meant to crush your hopes (and mine a year from now) but I think you have a perfectly good course of action before you:

Buy the MBA and use it for notes, papers, etc, and just get a cheapo notebook off of Ebay if the school is going to be tough about it. There is no real reason why Examsoft shouldn't work via Bootcamp (I believe a poster above even mentioned that Examsoft officially supports that function); it seems to be the IT department's bias more than anything.

If you consider just how expensive law school is, getting a cheap $300 notebook just for testing is a good deal. Just look for one with ok battery life and a comfortable keyboard. It can weigh 20 pounds, have a horrible speakers, etc, and it won't matter to you. :) I think that's really the best way around this situation.
neiltc13 said:
Going a bit off topic here, why on earth would a University require that you sit an exam using your own computer? Surely if you are required to complete a test, the University should provide the hardware to do so.
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Well using the laptop is a privilege. Technically you can still write the test by hand. ;)
 
While some have been kind and some have been rough, the fact is, a MacBook Air running Windows XP through Bootcamp will have no issues running any Windows software.

However, if something unexpected does go wrong in the middle of an important process (as can be quite common with Windows applications) then you're gonna have a hell of a time convincing your school's IT department to help you and you might find yourself seriously screwed after a final exam. Don't take the risk. It isn't worth failing a class. Get a Dell.

Also, a MacBook Air can't switch batteries during a test (nor through the course of a day of classes). That might be a useful feature if you want to use your computer all day.
 
Not a lawyer or law student, but you guys are being harsh. Yes, the software probably ought to work on bootcamp but like Z-Tab said, he'll be SOL in a big way should anything crash during the exam. Not worth it.

That said, I'd look into the feasibility of borrowing a PC for exams if possible rather than sacrificing the MBA altogether...especially if the OP would be constantly carrying it around to classes all day.
 
I'm a 1L. When I started looking for a laptop last summer, I wrote my law school's IT department and was explicitly and impolitely told to avoid getting a Mac, in spite of it working with ExamSoft, due to lack of IT support. Upon arrival, however, I noticed that numerous students have MacBooks (and a few MBPs) and some use their Macs for exams. That said, even knowing what I know now, I would still purchase a ThinkPad, as I've been extraordinarily pleased with it. I disagree with the recommendation of the x61 tablet, which, I agree, is a sweet machine, because I cannot for the life of me fathom why a law student would need a tablet.

But, anyway, point is, I don't know much about ExamSoft, laptop compatibility, etc., but, at my large state school, I was told not to get a Mac and wouldn't have mattered at all if I had. The only people I know that hand write instead of use ExamSoft have only used the reason of not wanting to sully their Mac with Windows, which, really, is just cutting off your nose to spite your face.

Oh, and why a MacBook Air? Though I don't think you'll need the optical drive (my ThinkPad doesn't have one and I haven't missed it once), I think the MacBook would be a much better option. While I do think you should get a smaller, lighter laptop, the MBA doesn't look particularly durable to me - consider how often you'll be moving this laptop around and that it'll be used multiple times daily for three years.

Congrats on law school. Enjoy your existence while you're still able.
 
no, seriously?

I for one, am surprised and excited about what I've just found out from this thread.

Didn't know they let us use personally owned computers to sit for an exam.

I will be entering uni for law this september, and if the institutions don't support mac... I guess I'll have to bootcamp xp. I'd do anything to avoid writing by hand, because my handwriting is horrid.

However, if your institution is beyond rationale, then here's an advice:

Make friends with someone who owns a PC.

Borrow his or her laptop for your exam.

There.
 
Exams on Macs

Hi - I'm new here. Just wanted to chip in with the discussion on Mac/PC.

Our school has software that is Mac native (and I feel better using that than Bootcamp). Considering there are only a few companies that do this exam software (and sooooo many Mac users), I find it a little crazy that only Extegrity have bothered to create a Mac native program. I mean, aren't Examsoft (that a lot of people seem to use) the big fish in the little pond? Where's their Mac program? I'm sure it's coming - but it certainly doesn't help people like you, who have to make a decision to part with a chunk of money and don't need any extra hassles.

It would just be nice to not have to have these kinds of decisions based on whether you'll be able to use it in the one place you're buying it for. School!

Macs are increasing in use in law schools everywhere - just look at all the posts on here. Let's hope the software company guys and school administrators can start paying attention to what is becoming a large part of the market. Go Apple!!
 
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