Please note that Santa Clara University School of Law does not have a mandatory computer laptop program. Students are not required to use a computer laptop for classes, and all exams can be handwritten. 


If you plan to use your laptop computer for exams, then make sure you review,

Examsoft exam taking software laptop computer requirements


to help you decide on what to purchase for law school.


Educational Discounts


SCU Law students are eligible for the standard discounts available by the computer manufacturer. Learn more about SCU student purchases here.



Support Warranties


When you purchase a laptop computer, we strongly recommend getting at least a 3 or 4 year warranty. We also recommend that you consider the "spill protection" add-on warranty, which cover drops, spills, and other mishaps that is not normally covered under a standard warranty. 


Please note that the Law Technology Help Desk, as mandated by the University, is not authorized to re-install OS software, do any data recovery, hardware upgrades (storage, RAM), etc.   If you have any hardware issues with your notebook, then we will help you with any initial diagnostics on your issue and then refer you to a local vendor to do any warranty repairs or recommended that you contact your laptop computer vendor.
 

Minimum Specifications for computer laptops (2020-2021)*

*These specifications also cover the minimum requirements for Examsoft exam taking software and for attending online distance learning classes.


CPU

2.0+ Ghz or higher; Intel equivalent of i5, but recommended is i7 (for distance learning apps like Zoom)


Operating System 

Windows 10 Home; Windows 10 Pro is recommended 

Mac OS High Sierra, Mojave; Catalina or later is recommended.


Memory

8 Gigabytes (GB); 16 GB or more is highly recommended


Local Storage

256 - 512 Gigabytes (GB); 1 Terabyte (TB) is recommended 


Webcam

720p resolution; 1080p or higher is desirable


Other factors to consider...

 
Size/weight
  • Laptops are not "one size fits all." If you plan to be on campus for most of the day attending classes, then you will want to consider an ultraportable laptop computer. However, if prefer a larger screen size and performance matters to you, then consider a business-grade laptop computer.
 
Performance/Screen Size
  • As mentioned above, smaller laptops are more portable but lack the screen real estate. Bigger laptops may have larger screens, but have lower battery life. The average screen size that most students prefer is 13 or 14 inches for ultraportable laptops and for business-grade type laptops, 15 inches.  As for performance, buy as much as you can afford, but take in consideration your daily workload and work style.
 
Battery life
  • The choice depends on your style of work. Modern laptops have an average battery life of at least 7-12 hours.


Standard features

  • Modern laptop computers are equipped with built-in Bluetooth, WiFI, and webcams. Make sure to check your next laptop has these features because remote learning will require all of these standard features.

Special Note on iPads & Tablets


Please note that Apple iPads & Android Tablets are not supported during law school exams. You are required to write all your exams but will have the option to use a laptop computer to take your exams using Examsoft's exam taking software.