Hey all,

I'm a new 1L, and am thinking about what kind of hardware and software to put together for the note-taking in class,

Any other hackers / Linux users / computer programmers out there? 

I'm thinking about ideas that will let me be the most safe with my data and most flexible - not having to carry stuff around.  For example;

* Buying a used $300 mini-laptop, and putting Ubuntu on it.  Using either emacs or open office, etc.  This is the computer I'd schlep to class, and leave in a locker there.

* Keeping all of my actual data online on a secure webdav/ftp server the school makes available.  Maybe use a combination of subversion + rdist.

* I currently own two computers: new 15" Mac Powerbook Pro, and a 15" Thinkpad T-42 with Ubuntu, but I don't want to drag those around everywhere I go.  So I'm thinking I'll leave them at home, and at work, and just always have access to my notes via the online server.

Another thing I like about all this is *not* really depending on some great-ass laptop.  I believe it should be an expendable device --- the data is what's valuable.

Anybody else going to use open source?

I'm researching law schools, and it looks like there's a dilemma that most applicants face:

* You can look for a challenging academic atmosphere; a student body with people who are also on your level (and maybe for once in your life!), where there are discussions that will be thought-provoking, etc.  But in this case, you're probably at the median of the student body.  Possibly your class rank will be median as well. (?)

Or,

* You can go to a school where you're well above the median (for example, LSAT-wise), where you'll be more assured of a good class-ranking, and where you'll probably be given more money for attending.  This will help ensure a more solid financial future (maybe), but it might also mean a less stimulating environment, and fewer peers.

So I ask you, law school students - is this a false dilemma?  Or did you face it?  What decision did you make?  And finally, looking back, are you happy with your decision?

Thanks!

Hi all,

I've created a new law school ranking site and blog.  I'd appreciate any feedback on it:

  http://lawschool.greenfabric.com/rankings/splitter-rankings

I decided to make my own site because I'm really into math, and I'm also kind of annoyed by a lot of the rankings that are out there - for the usual reasons.  My goals are (1) to create new reports / rankings with useful information, and (2) to be scientific and open about my data sources, metholodgy, etc.

Thanks in advance!

Come on - you've had a week to recuperate!  Only 14 months until 1L!!

http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/index.htm

I predict,

that the LSAT scores will become more stratified - more divided into two distinct groupings, in a way that will be very helpful for LSAT-obsessed people like us.

Once word gets out that "only the highest score counts", a whole new wave of test-takers will appear: People who take the test with little or no preparation "just to see what they get".  I have to admit, I was nearly one of these people.  Long ago, I signed up with LSAC, and nearly sent in my fee, thinking, "I'm smart - I can do this."  Until I picked up a practice test...  Under the new rule, though, I might have still gone ahead and taken the test.

The result:  The number and distribution of scores in the 164+ range will stay relatively unchanged. These are the people represented by us - the people who take this seriously, who are going about the process as if it's an important life changing event.  (Which we all know it is.  )

But there will be an influx of scores recorded at the < 160 level, from this new wave of "try and see" test-takers.  And this will only help out the curve for us.

The only question is,

Will word get out in time?  Will there be a massive influx of unprepared test-takers in September?  Time will tell.