Some schools in the Maitland- Newcastle Diocese have opted for a BYOSD (Bring Your Own Specified Device) program, whereby they require students to buy a particular brand and model device through a supplier of their choosing. Please check with your school if that is the case.
When shopping for the device there are some absolute specifications that need to be present for any machine to be a worthwhile device for your child in the classroom. Shortcutting these specifications will simply result in a slow functioning machine, frustrated learning and ultimately a negative return for the investment that you are considering.
|
Element |
Specification |
Why? |
|
Operating System (OS) |
Windows 11 Home (avoid Windows S Mode OR ensure it can be switched out for free) 听 Windows 11 Pro or Windows Education |
Our Diocese is a听Microsoft Windows听Environment.听听 DO NOT purchase a non-Windows device such as a Chromebook or Apple Mac. Some devices come with Windows 11S. Windows S-Mode is a scaled down version of Windows that takes up less memory on the device. Only apps from the Windows Store can be loaded on the computer which limit what applications can be used for learning. Also, it cannot be used for sitting NAPLAN online or installing security certificates to access our network. Only purchase Windows 11S if the device meets all other specifications, in particular HARD DRIVE and PROCESSOR, AND the retailer confirms that it can be upgraded to a full version of Windows for free AND you are confident and able to upgrade it yourself prior to sending the device to school. |
|
Display |
Minimum 11 inch screen Maximum 15 inch 听 Touch Screen capabilities called 2 in 1. Preferrable but not necessary. Please check with school |
11 to 13 inch screens are the standard size of student devices.听 Larger screens mean a bigger device and more weight. You should consider your child鈥檚 visual and physical needs. 11 inch devices are small enough to carry and large enough to work on, 14 to 15 inch should be the largest size you will need to purchase. Touch screens are advertised as 2 in 1 devices. They normally include or have a compatible stylus pen available to use with the device. This enables students to interact with the device using a pen and utilise inking tools in programs. Consider your child鈥檚 learning needs and preferences and whether the ability to draw on their screen will support their learning. |
|
Hard drive (Storage memory) |
Minimum 128 GB听 Preferable 256GB or greater Solid State Drive听(SSD) |
There must be enough storage on the device to install Windows 11 and the M365 suite of software as well as various other applications that will be downloaded to use on the device.听 SSD (Solid State Drives) are by far the more reliable, durable and consistently run due to there being no moving parts.听 Avoid eMMC storage. These are often found in cheaper devices and tend to have high failure rates.听 |
|
RAM听(Working memory) |
4GB听minimum 8GB or greater (preferable) |
When a program is opened, it operates through the working memory. Anything less than 4GB means that the working memory cannot cope with multiple programs being used at once and either slows down its functioning (this is the 鈥榥ot responding鈥� alert you might see when you are working on computers) or shuts down a program in the middle of use.听 |
|
Processor brand |
Intel Core, AMD Ryzen, Qualcomm Snapdragon |
This is the brains of the computer. There are a variety of processors. The main brands in the Windows environment are Intel Core, AMD Ryzen, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon. Below highlights the different levels based on cost and performance. Low Budget & Low performance:
Mid Budget & Good performance:听
High Budget and High Performance:
|
|
Processor speed |
Above 2GHz |
The more programs that are being used, the greater demands it has on the speed at which the machine can听work. We need to balance speed vs longevity of battery life. Something around 2GHz or a little higher is a good range. |
|
Battery life |
Minimum 6 hours |
The students will need at least 6 hours battery life.听 |
|
Camera and microphone |
Yes |
This provides access to multimedia responses to classroom tasks without having to use a separate device. Most devices should have a front facing (faces you) web-camera. If possible, a back facing one is good for filming for students. |
|
Ports |
听 Ports
听 听 |
The ability to connect to other devices is relatively important. You will need to ensure you have the appropriate type and number of ports to connect your peripherals. E.g.
HDMI and USB C ports will allow the student to connect their device to an external monitor. |
|
Keyboard |
English (US) Keyboard |
In Australia, the English (US) Keyboard layout is the standard used. There are subtle differences compared to the English (UK) layout. This is an important consideration when purchasing online. |
|
WARRANTY, IT SUPPORT AND INSURANCE |
||
|
Extended warranty |
Parent decision 鈥� recommended |
Each new device by law comes with a 12-month warranty. When you buy products in this market, you will probably be offered extended warranty. The extended warranty gives you warranty for the intended life span of the device (3 years).听听 |
|
Battery Replacement |
Parent decision- recommended |
听Even when devices are looked after, generally the first component that might fail on a device when it is approaching 鈥榚nd of life鈥� will be the battery. Battery replacement can often be included as part of the warranty and the terms of replacement may vary between different brands. Check the Terms and Conditions of the extended warranty. |
|
IT support |
Parent decision 鈥� consider carefully听 |
When you buy products in this market, you will probably be offered 24-hour IT support. This听could be an option for you.听However, please听note听that it is听technical听support听鈥� not advice on听how to use a听particular software听program. Your children will learn how to use software applications at school. |
|
Accidental Damage Protection |
Parent decision 鈥� recommended |
听This is parent decision that should be considered carefully. Accidental Damage Protection provides you with assurance that if the device is damaged, that it will be fixed. Check the terms and conditions as there may be an excess on claims. |
|
Insurance |
Parent Decision- recommended |
听This could be an option through your Home and Contents Insurance provider or could be added on as a separate policy. Insurance may cover the device for accidental damage that could occur when device is out of the home. |
|
ACCESSORIES |
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|
Mouse |
Optional |
Mouse may be either wired or wireless听听 Wired is less likely to be lost.听 However, some students prefer to use a touch pad. Be guided by your child鈥檚 preference. |
|
Headphones |
Essential听 Optional: Integrated mic |
A set of headphones that has an integrated mic as well are best as this can be used for creating multimodal texts and accessing learning tools such as Immersive Reader. Headphones are essential for enabling students to access video and audio learning materials without disturbing other students in class. 听 |
|
Stylus |
Optional |
If the device has a touch screen a stylus is recommended to enable students to write and draw. |
|
Protective case |
Essential听听 |
Various types but the best form of protection is a hard carry case. |
|
Gaming apps |
Highly discouraged听 |
This is an educational tool. Gaming apps听will slow down the听device鈥檚 operational ability and make听it听vulnerable to听viruses. Several online games allow for students to play听without听downloading the听app. These games听will enable students to access some games听without the risk of downloading a virus.听 |
|
Microsoft 365 |
Purchase not required |
The M365 suite is provided to every student of Maitland-Newcastle Diocese. Each student qualifies to download M365 on up to five devices. Students will be guided through downloading these applications during setup process at school. |
|
Third Party Virus Software |
听Consider Carefully |
Windows operating systems come with Windows Defender. Other Virus software such as McAfee etc have been known to bloat the computer, slow it down and conflict with diocesan systems making the user experience frustrating. Keeping Windows OS and Defender updated is usually sufficient. |
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