Computer Recommendations for the Class of 2011

Given the importance of access to networked information, the Law School's reliance on electronic communications and the requirement that students take exams on computers, the Law School requires that all entering J.D. and LL.M. students own a notebook computer with a wireless network card.

The Law School strongly recommends purchasing one of Cavalier Computers’ school-approved and selected models for law students. The Law School and University IT departments do not offer extensive customer support for other models. Specific model and cost information for Law Bundles available to the incoming Class of 2011 will be available in May 2008.

Cavalier Computers’ “Law Bundles” meet the Law School's computer specifications and come preconfigured with important software and services, such as Microsoft Office Professional Academic, email, antivirus protection, a wireless card, and the U.Va. home directory service.  Virginia Law students typically use their notebooks every day to take notes, conduct research, and complete assignments throughout their law school career, making customer support crucial for stress-free computing. This causes a great deal of wear and tear on the components and accessories attached to their notebooks. Even the most fastidious of notebook owners is likely to encounter a situation over their three year Law School career that requires support or repair. The Law Bundles come with a customized three-year service and support plan that minimizes downtime and provides a secure and updated computing platform. 

For the first time ever, as part of the Law School's Mac Bundle Pilot Program, the Class of 2011 will have a Mac Bundle option. As this is only a pilot program, there are a few limitations. Currently our Mac support knowledge and ability is not nearly as strong as that for the Dell laptops. As we see more Macs, this will improve but we will be learning along with our students so your patience will be required. While most routine repairs can be performed by Cavalier Computers in Charlottesville, there is a possibility that serious MacBook repairs will need to be shipped off and performed by Apple which does not occur with the Dell models. Thirdly, Apple DOES NOT offer Accidental Damage Coverage for MacBooks so any accidental drop or spill repairs will have to be paid for by the student. As a comparison, the Dell Latitude laptops include full CompleteCare accidental damage coverage. Finally, one large advantage of purchasing a Law Bundle is access to a loaner laptop when necessary repairs lead to extended computer downtime. This option WILL be available to Mac Bundle owners but you will not be guaranteed to get a MacBook loaner as our MacBook loaner pool will be somewhat limited this first year. If a MacBook loaner is not available, you will be able to borrow from our Dell Latitude loaner pool. Regardless of whether we continue to offer a Mac Bundle beyond this Pilot Program year, we are committed to three years of support to anyone in the Class of 2011 that takes the plunge and goes with a Mac Bundle. If you have any questions or concerns about this Mac Bundle Pilot Program, please feel free to contact lawitc@virginia.edu.

For more ordering or specific hardware information on the “Law Bundles”, please call Cavalier Computers directly at (434) 924-3475, send electronic mail to BTS-Questions@virginia.edu or take a look at their Law School Bundles.

The Law School's financial aid office will increase a student's budget up to $2,500 toward the cost of any notebook computer purchased on or after May 1, 2006 upon request from the student and submission of supporting documentation (i.e., sales receipt or PC vendor's price quote) to the financial aid office. This increase is available only to J.D. candidates.

Law School Bundles and Customer Support

University and Law School IT Staff provide complete hardware, software, and wireless network support for Law School Bundles. If a problem with a Bundle notebook stems from a hardware failure, the Law School help desk will provide a loaner notebook to the student until repairs are completed by Cavalier Computers, typically within one business day. If the problem is related to the software that comes with the system, the Law School help desk will work with the student to fix the problem and also will loan a notebook if needed. (More information)

Other Computers

The Law School cannot provide extensive software, hardware, or wireless network support for notebooks that are not Law School Bundles. Students with non-Law Bundles:

• Should be prepared to use “for fee” third-party vendor and/or manufacturer services. 
• Will not have access to Law School loaner notebooks and may have to rent or borrow a notebook if they have computer problems.