Still not got a laptop for working with the DCS?

What is the DCS?

The DCS is the Digital Case System. This is part of the drive by the Government to revolutionise the Criminal Justice System and introduce digital working. The System went live at various stages in early 2016, but is now live across the nation.

Amazing, as a Crown Court Advocate, I still see Counsel at Court with little more than an iPad or other tablet and it always surprises me that people feel comfortable using such a device exclusively.

As a lawyer, and an out-of-the-closet geek, here are my top tips for choosing your DCS enabled machine.

Steve Jobs or Bill Gates?

Cats or dogs? Tea or coffee? PC or Mac? Some labels define us and our choice in tech is just one example. I have never really under the lawyers' love affair with iThings but most robing rooms I visit look like budget Apple Stores. I personally don't like Macs. I don't like the way they work and I just can't get on with them. I've been using Windows since v3.1 (and that's a long time) so I must confess by bias. People tell me that "Macs just work" and are easy to use.  Give me a Start button any day of the week!

The cheapest MacBook will set you back over £1,000 (http://www.apple.com/uk/shop/buy-mac/macbook) and the MacBook Air is just under £750 (http://www.apple.com/uk/shop/buy-mac/macbook-air). You could save yourself a fortune by going for Windows Ultrabook instead... it just won't look as good when you're in Starbucks.

Windows Version

Assuming you are going with a Windows PC, you may still have some options with which version of Windows to go with. Some units still ship with Windows 7 and this is still incredibly popular due to its proven credentials and IT department pleasing reliability. Windows 8/8.1 is still out there and is shipped as standard on older stock models. There is then of course Windows 10. I personally love it (I loved 8.1 too) and offers a really great work space whilst not being overly dissimilar to Windows 7. Most Windows 8/8.1 machines will come with a free upgrade to Windows 10. These all come in 32 bit and 64 bit varients. 64 bit is regarded as as the leader but will require more RAM.

Size Matters

For me, the most important consideration for choosing a laptop for use with the DCS is the size of the screen. Forget those 10" netbooks from 2005, you need to think bigger. Your desktop replacement laptop with the 15.6" screen might be a little imposing. A 14" screen for me is the right balance between size and usability.

RAM/Processors

Unless you opt for an Apple device, you have a whole host of options and combinations here. Unless you're going to have a quick blast on Call of Duty between cases, you're probably not going to have to go high end with your laptop's engine. Consider machines with Intel i3 or i5 processors as they offer great multi-tasking capabilities whilst still being grounded on affordability. Intel Celeron processors are not getting quite aged and the netbook and tablet friendly Atoms offer decent processing at low prices (and power consumption) - but still not as good as the i3. Money no object? Go for an i7.

Whilst the processor does all the thinking for your machine, it gets information from the RAM so it's important not to scrimp on here. Cheaper machines will come with 2GB but these should be avoided. Consider 4GB as a minimum to avoid embarrassing delays when addressing his Lordship on the Sentencing Guidelines. Going for a 64 bit Operating System? 4GB really is the minimum!

Touchy Feely

For me, a touch screen is a must; and sadly this cancels out your Apple offerings. Need to move the page? Just swipe the screen. Need to highlight the statement? Done. No more poking around on a tiny trackpad or carrying a mouse in to court.

DVD or DVDon't?

My answer to this is simply; avoid a machine with a DVD drive built in unless you're happy carrying around a paving slab of a machine. The reason is simply. It is quite rare to need a DVD at court these days. I'd say 1/5 of my cases require a DVD which means I would be carrying around an unnecessarily heavy machine for the sake of it. Get a slimmer DVDless machine and save yourself some labour. Need a DVD player for that one case? Invest in an external DVD player for £15-£25 for those occasions you do need one.

What would I get?

If it I was down to me, I'd go for the brand spanking new Microsoft Surface Book. Whilst not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, the latest device by Microsoft is a powerhouse of a machine which offers touchscreen with smart pen intigation (great for note taking). The detachable screen makes it a great tablet too. But at £1,300 a pop, (http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msuk/en_GB/pdp/productID.332604800?icid=en_GB_Homepage_Hero_Surface_Book_15042016) it is a serious investment.

The Microsoft Surface 4 Pro is a cheaper option starting at £750 (http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msuk/en_GB/pdp/productID.326546100?icid=en_GB_cat_modG_SP4_010516) but you'll need a keyboard which will set you back another £109.