No, you cannot use a tablet as a replacement for a laptop computer. You will not be able to effectively complete all of your coursework or take exams using a tablet. Some of our faculty and students have them but use them for note-taking or reviewing materials.

Some models, such as Microsoft Surface Pro, use the same version of Windows 8 found on laptop and desktop computers. These tablets are more fully-functioning and closer to a traditional laptop computer (at least when paired with a keyboard and mouse or trackpad) in terms of utility. However, at this point in time, Exam4 is not currently supported on any Windows 8 tablets. While they have not ruled it out entirely, the vendor has stated that it's unlikely they'll have a Windows-tablet-compatible version of Exam4 in the future.

While Drexel doesn’t sell computers, they do have agreements with Apple, Dell and Lenovo that allow students, faculty and staff to purchase equipment at “academic” prices. You can get to their websites through DrexelOne. After logging in, click the Drexel tab and look under “Hardware and Software” on the top right side.

Depending on what you’re looking for, you might be able to get a better price going through one of these vendors’ public/retail website or another store or website. When comparing prices, though, be sure that you look at what you’re actually getting so you can make a fair comparison. Sometimes that cheap laptop deal you see on a website is a stripped-down model that doesn’t have the same specifications or warranty as the one on the academic site.

We strongly recommend that you have an ethernet (“network”) cable and keep it with your computer. While we do have wireless available in and around the law school and the Legal Research Center, there are also wired network ports located throughout these locations as well. The wired network is 2 to 20 times faster and far more reliable than wireless.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a USB flash drive (2 to 4 GB is fine) and a spare power adapter for your computer to keep it in your locker or bag (just in case).

Yes. The law school's dedicated IT support staff, LawTech, can help you. They’re available to answer all your computer and technology questions. This support continues throughout your law school experience. To contact the tech support office, just e-mail them at lawtech@drexel.edu.

Some software is freely available for download from Drexel’s software download site. For more information and a complete list of software, click here.

You can download the software as soon as you confirm your enrollment and activate your Drexel computer accounts.

Drexel University has partnered with Microsoft to provide Microsoft Office to students at no charge. You must register at http://products.office.com/en-us/student/office-in-education using your Drexel email address. The software is available for Mac and PC and can be installed on up to 5 computers. The program includes Office Apps for mobile devices and provides 1 TB of cloud storage and is valid for the duration of your law school career (based on active student account, typically valid until the end of the summer term of your graduation year).