BYOD Device Recommendations
BYOD Recommended Device Specifications & Purchasing Options
Although it is not a requirement for students/families to purchase devices for students to bring to school, listed below are recommended specifications for Chromebooks, as well as Windows and Mac laptops, that families should consider if they wish to purchase a device for their student to use with the district’s BYOD Program.
Since 2013 P-CCS has issued Chromebooks to students and trained staff on their use with students. In part because of student and staff familiarity and in part because Chromebooks are often less expensive than other device options, the district encourages their strong consideration when and if choosing a personal learning device for students. If a Chromebook is not preferred, we strongly recommend that students install and use the Google Chrome browser.
Please note:
Devices must be 5.0 Ghz compatible. Older 2.4Ghz devices will not work on P-CCS Networks
Check with the seller or device support website to confirm specifications.
BYOD Devices will not be able to print on any campus.
Recommended Chromebook Specifications
P-CCS recommends the following specifications for any family wishing to provide a Chromebook as their child’s BYOD device. Students using devices that do not meet the recommended Chromebook specifications below may be asked to complete a non-digital version of an assignment due to compatibility with the software used as part of the assignment.
Additional Important Information for Device Purchasing
Network Compatibility
Devices must be 5.0 Ghz compatible. Older 2.4Ghz devices will not work on PCCS Networks
Check with the seller or device support website to confirm specifications.
BYOD Devices will not be able to print on any campus.
Auto Update Expiration Date
Additionally, families will want to consider a Chromebook’s Auto Update Expiration Date. This date indicates the final date that a Chromebook will be able to update to the latest Chrome operating system (OS). The device will still be usable after this point, however, it will no longer receive updates from Google. For more information and to check your device’s Auto Update Expiration Date, view Google’s Auto Update Policy Page.
P-CCS recommends that any newly purchased Chromebooks have an Auto Update Expiration Date at least 4 years in the future..
Possible Chromebook Purchasing Options
P-CCS does not recommend any specific Chromebook device. Families should consider the specifications provided above when making new Chromebook purchases. However, to support families with finding a new device to purchase, P-CCS has provided a list of Chromebooks to consider, along with links to purchase these Chromebooks. The list below represents devices that P-CCS has purchased or considered purchasing based on their specifications, durability, and prices. It does not include all devices available that meet the above recommended specifications. Families can purchase from this list using the links below, which will take them to an online store for a Chromebook vendor (inaCOMP, Dell, or Sehi). These are all vendors that P-CCS has used to purchase devices and/or other technologies.
While the options below may be helpful, P-CCS encourages families to look at other purchasing options from online and local retailers. Other retailers may have a greater variety of brands and selections. Regardless of where you shop, please keep in mind the Recommended Chromebook Specifications when purchasing a device for your student.
Recommended Windows or Mac Laptop Specifications
While P-CCS strongly encourages consideration of Chromebooks if a family chooses to purchase a personal learning device for their student, families may prefer to purchase a Windows or Mac laptop. The district recommends the following specifications for any family wishing to provide a Windows or Mac laptop as their child’s BYOD device. Students utilizing devices that do not meet the recommended Windows or Mac laptop specifications below may be asked to complete a non-digital version of an assignment due to compatibility with the software used as part of the assignment.
Devices must be 5.0 Ghz compatible. Older 2.4Ghz devices will not work on PCCS Networks
Check with the seller or device support website to confirm specifications.
BYOD Devices will not be able to print on any campus.
Device Type
Windows or Mac Laptop
Processor
Intel 6th generation product family or greater (or AMD equivalent)
Available Memory
4 GB RAM
(or greater)
Drive Size
120GB
(or greater)
Screen Size
11.6”
(or greater)
Hard Drive Type
There are two types of hard drives, spinning hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs). HDDs have higher storage capacity, but are much slower that SSDs. While SSDs are faster, they may cost more than HDDs, depending on the size of the drive. .P-CCS recommends that any newly purchased Windows or Mac laptop have an solid state drive (SSD) with at least 120GB of storage..
Possible Windows or Mac Laptop Purchasing Options
P-CCS does not recommend any specific Windows or Mac laptop. Families should consider the specifications provided above when making new Windows or Mac laptop purchases. However, to support families with finding a new device to purchase, P-CCS has provided the links below to 3 Windows laptop vendors’ online stores (inaCOMP, Sehi, or Apple). These are all vendors that P-CCS has used to purchase devices and/or other technologies.
InaComp Online Store (HP Products)
Must create an account to see purchasing options
Presidio Online Store (Dell Products)
Scroll down and select one of the categories across the bottom (Deals, Laptops, etc.)
Sehi Online Store (HP Products)
Must create an account to see purchasing options
While the vendor online stores linked above may be helpful, P-CCS encourages families to look at other purchasing options from online and local retailers. Other retailers may have a greater variety of brands and selections. Regardless of where you shop, please keep in mind the Recommended Windows or Mac Laptop Specifications when purchasing a device for your student.
P-CCS Disclaimer of Endorsement:
Any reference to a specific product, process, or service does not constitute or imply an endorsement by P-CCS or the P-CCS Technology Department of the product, process, or service, or its producer or provider. The views and opinions expressed above do not necessarily state or reflect those of P-CCS or the P-CCS Technology Department .
P-CCS Disclaimer of Liability:
Neither P-CCS nor the P-CCS Technology Department, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, or assumes any legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information from this documentation. Neither P-CCS nor the P-CCS Technology Department, nor any of their employees will provide any technical support for any products or equipment not purchased by the district.
Technology Support Links
P-CCS Home
Clever Single Sign On
Chromebook & iPad Request
Free & Low-Cost Home Internet
MiSTAR Parent Portal
Submit a Support Ticket