Simplifying the process - Where can you buy a compatible device?
Parents are welcome to purchase devices anywhere. There are many retailers offering competitive outright purchasing options. To simplify the process and gain access to an all inclusive package, we have partnered with HP Australia and created a Parent BYOD Purchasing Portal which gives parents options from a small list of devices ranging in price that have been chosen by JCBTHS as suitable for our learning environment.
This is not managed in any way by the school, rather a suggestion for purchasing options. There are interest free terms available and insurance purchasing for the device. Three year onsite warranty is part of the package.
Benefits
- Safe online system for selecting a school approved device.
- Onsite three year warranty rather than return to base.
- Accidental damage insurance available.
- Appropriate hard sided carry case matching device available.
- Interest free finance available.
Parent BYOD purchase portal link
HP Australia Online Store
www.hpshopping.com.au/jamescookbyod is now live
Your new school login code is: JamesCBHS
Your 2020 school discount code is: james5%
Often selecting a device is both confusing and personal. Below we have provided specific specifications for devices with scenarios. To support parents and ensure devices meet student learning needs, follow the link below to an enquiry form and complete with details of the device being considered and we will look over the specifications and provide you with feedback and/or options.
BYOD Selection Support Enquiry
Wi-Fi Access
The James Cook Boys Technology HS (JCBTHS) Wi-Fi network operates on the 802.11n 5Ghz standard.
Devices must support 5Ghz dual band wireless or 802.11 a/b/g/n. (Make sure it supports both ‘a' and ‘n').
Devices with 802.11a/b/g or 802.11n 2.4Ghz only will NOT be able to connect.
Sample Scenarios
- Students will need a device that meets their needs within the learning areas of interest.
A creative student interested in digital media manipulation, would need a laptop type system or 2-in-1 type device where video and photos can be edited easily. Processor power, RAM and hard drive capacity are all very important. This would be either a Windows or MacOS operating system. - A student interested in completing assessments, essays and researching using basic applications can use devices ranging from a Chromebook, tablet device or laptop.
- A student interested in computer programming would need to utilise a Windows type device for maximum flexibility in software compatibility.
Minimum specifications
Tablet devices such as iPads & Androids are suitable for general tasks but are less flexible. These will work but require specific apps installed to complete tasks.
Devices need to have a battery life of at least 6 hours to get through the school day without charging.
Protective casing (scratch/impact/liquid-splash resistant) and bags with cushioning need to be purchased to ensure devices can survive in the long term.
Device insurance should be purchased for accidental damage/ theft as Department of Education (DoE) do not take responsibility for student owned devices.
Ergonomically, each type of device has positives and negatives. However, weight of laptops should be less than 1.8kg to make it easily transportable.
Back-ups of work is the student's responsibility. DoE provides two cloud storage solutions for files that will work with almost every type of device either through a web or application interface.
Depending on the device chosen, the following considerations are essential:
strong passwords (the portal has Password Help information);
device anti-virus software, if applicable; and
privacy controls.
Overview list for purchasing
Operating Systems
- Windows 10 or newer
- Mac OSX 10.13 or newer
Wireless Support
- Devices must support 5Ghz dual band wireless or 802.11 a/b/g/n (Make sure it supports both ‘a' and ‘n')
Minimum Screen Size
- Laptops - Minimum 13 inch
Storage Capacity
- Laptop - 256GB SSD drive or SATA
- 2-in-1 and tablets - 16GB
Laptop RAM
- 8GB, Preferred 16GB
Battery Life
- 6 Hours
Weight
- Less than 1.8kg