Computer Recommendations for the Class of 2012

Update: As of 6/11/2009 Apple announced that they will no longer be producing the Aluminum MacBook, instead this model will be replaced with the Aluminum MacBook Pro. The Law School had originally selected to offer the Aluminum Macbook as its Apple bundle laptop, but because of Apple's decision to stop manufacturing those laptops we have changed our selection to the Aluminum MacBook Pro. Cavalier Computers has updated their website to reflect our current selection. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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 2012 is now available on the Cavalier Computers website.

Cavalier Computers’ “Law Bundles” meet the Law School's computer specifications and come preconfigured with important software and services, such as Microsoft Office Professional, e-mail, antivirus protection, a wireless card, and the UVA 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 had a Mac Bundle option. The Mac Bundle will again be offered this year to the Class of 2012. 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 helpful. 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 currently 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 any Law Bundle is access to a loaner laptop when necessary repairs lead to extended computer downtime. If a MacBook loaner is not available, you will be able to borrow from our Dell Latitude loaner pool. If you have any questions or concerns about the Law Bundle Program, please feel free to contact lawitc@virginia.edu.

For the incoming Class of 2012 we are expanding supported laptop offerings. If you do not care for our two dedicated Law Bundle options, you are welcome to order any of the Cavalier Computers laptops and still qualify for hardware support and a loaner laptop. This includes Undergraduate options once they are released. We will not have the same specialized knowledge of these other models, you will not be able to get an identical model as a loaner, and you will not be allowed to customize the warranty and software of these other models to fit your needs as a Law student but we will do our best to otherwise support these other models.

Bundle ordering is now available online. By default, laptops must be ordered before July 18 in order to arrive the week before formal Orientation. If you would like to pick up your laptop before August 10, you must request "Early Pickup" when placing your Bundle order and you need to email lawitc@virginia.edu in order to arrange a specific appointment.

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

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, 2009 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.