How to Select a Device

HOW TO SELECT A DEVICE

A number of factors come into selecting a device. The Device Specification sets out the minimum of what is required, but you are provided considerable leeway in device characteristics. The school’s Purchasing Portal reflects the diverse range of devices available. When selecting a device, you should give consideration, first and foremost, to the Device Specification. However, there are other factors to consider:

Platform, size and type

Windows and Chromebook devices are supported by the school’s Bring Your Own Device program. The Device can range from 9.7” up to 14.0”. A device larger than 14.0” is too large to put in a school bag daily and too big to sit on a school desk with other equipment. Devices may or may not have touchscreens. 

Subject selection

Once students move into Year 8 they start to have some input into their choice of subject. If you’re taking or intending to take Industrial Technology - Multimedia or Information and Software Technology, for example, maybe you will benefit from a more powerful device or one with a better quality screen. Perhaps you will see a benefit in being able to take mathematics notes on the screen with a digital pen and want a device with a stylus.

This is not to suggest a smaller/slower/cheaper device will inherently put you at an academic disadvantage. Rather it is to make the point that the choice of device is personal and should be used to further your learning.

Longevity

Varying devices have varying build quality. This is mostly based on price. A device with cheap, flimsy hinges and plastic exterior componentry will not last as long as a better-built device. A good quality device, well looked after could easily last four years or more.

Despite this, no device can reasonably be expected to last all six years of a high school career. So it’s important to factor in when you’re likely to want to replace a device when purchasing it. The former Digital Education Revolution scheme, for example, provided a device to all students starting in Year 9. So it is still common for students to have a new device in Year 9 with the intention of keeping it all through school. Alternatively, a quality device bought in Year 7 could last until Year 10, with a new device intended for Years 11-12 and beyond.

All vendors, including the school’s Purchasing Portal, provide optional accidental damage protection insurance to help ensure your device lasts for four years.

Battery Life

The Device Specification says your device should have six hours of battery life. This will see it through the school day. Chargers present a trip hazard when in use and are something easily lost when not – students should not charge their device at school.

Note also the advertised battery life of a device and its real battery life are often vastly different. Furthermore, batteries degrade. Over time, the amount of runtime you get out of your device will decline. After two years, battery life may be cut by 30-50%. You should plan for this scenario. 

If the device has a removable battery, then you can consider purchasing a new battery for it after a couple of years. Otherwise, you should consider a device that has ample spare battery life such that a degraded battery still gets you through the school day.

If you travel to school by bus and expect to use your device while travelling, you need to factor this in when considering the necessary battery life of your device.

Warranty and Insurance

Warranty and insurance can add a large amount to the cost of a device, but they provide you with peace of mind. All devices sold on the school’s Purchasing Portal have 3 year warranties with an option of additional coverage.

Accidental Damage Protection can be purchased to cover situations where the laptop is dropped or knocked over (or stood on, or crushed). 

For insurance against loss or theft, your best course of action is to specifically list the device as a valuable on the home contents insurance.

Other technical specifications

The Device Specification only mandates a few technical specifications. Processor speed, screen resolution, storage (disk) size and type are not on the Specification, but that’s not to say they should not form part of your considerations in selecting a device. A higher-spec device will most likely last longer. However, beware of devices that are too large or weighty (larger devices also typically have poor battery life).

Price

Your personal circumstances will determine how much price necessarily forms part of your device choice considerations. Price is certainly a consideration. Beware of purchasing the cheapest device available. At the same time, you should not be spending thousands of dollars on a device to bring to school.

For example, the devices the school offers through the school’s Purchasing Portal are not at the cheaper end of the scale because the school has to feel confident in offering a device that will last. Thus devices on the Portal have no moving parts (like spinning disks) and have at least a three-year warranty. This level of specification costs extra money above what the Device Specification requires. The school considers this reasonable, but you must decide whether it is necessary.

Back to the BYOD contents Page