School Computer - BYOD

LHunting4bargains on 27/01/2017 - 17:22
Last edited 28/01/2017 - 08:30 by 1 other user

My son's school have BYOD bring your own device.

I am stumped for best computer at reasonable cost! I'm wondering if anyone could give me some advice on best deal
The school has specified to get either a Mac laptop ( great but expensive!)

Or something that fits the below description:

Windows 10 pro
I3 or greater
Min 128gb storage
Min 4gb RAM
Compat with 802.11, a , g , and n wifi with WPA2 enterprise security
Camera & microphone built in
11-14" screen
6hrs min battery life
Very confusing indeed!
Is there any computer savvy Ozbargainers out there willing to help?

Thanks.

Year 7. Around $700-$1200 i was thinking

Computing

Comments

    • IceCreamBandit on 28/01/2017 - 13:38
      +10

      Didn't Rudd/Gillard promise free laptops for all schoolkids?

      Yep. It happened. Google Digital Education Revolution. It ran for quite a few years and provided all secondary students a laptop and servicing at schools.

      I suppose that went the way of the rest of Labor's promises.

      And I suppose your preferred political party has a pristine record of delivering on promises? At least try to search things up being talking.

      • Gershom on 30/01/2017 - 01:00

        At least try to search things up being talking.

        That's what I always say.

  • Hahuh on 28/01/2017 - 16:46

    You want to spend that money on new or get a refurb or second hand? Also, I would think it being light is paramount correct? Does it have to be a windows pc exclusively or can you perhaps get a mac and bootcamp into it? I'm suggesting it because they do the battery to weight impeccably. like others have suggested I would go with the dells or the asus. HP still leaves a sour taste in my mouth

  • herysoe on 28/01/2017 - 16:49

    3 words. "Refurbished dell inspiron". From dell refurb webisite. Excellent value and still cover by dell 1 year warranty.

    • Hahuh on 28/01/2017 - 16:56

      currently none in stock

      • scrimshaw on 28/01/2017 - 17:19
        +1

        Restock every Monday afternoon

        • Tech and cars on 30/01/2017 - 09:05

          You always have another level of information. Everytime I read a comment from you, I learn something. Thank you.

      • [Deactivated] on 28/01/2017 - 23:16

        The staff only work on weekdays, so they usually remove all listings until the next week.

  • TheBird on 28/01/2017 - 17:00
    +2

    I picked up a second hand i5 laptop last week for $175 that has better specs than what you're after. It might be worth considering a second hand machine, especially if your kid is prone to breakage.

    • [Deactivated] on 19/02/2017 - 11:40

      Where did you buy it from?

      • TheBird on 08/03/2017 - 11:35

        A place called Substation33. It's one of those tech recycling centers.

        • [Deactivated] on 09/03/2017 - 19:00

          Ok, thanks will it it out.

  • canyoudoitcheaper on 28/01/2017 - 18:04
    +2

    BYOD for primary schools is ridiculous. What happened to having a well equipped, supervised computer room inside the school? Kids are just going to misuse the technology.

    • [Deactivated] on 28/01/2017 - 23:23

      Computers are just more accessible and cheaper these days. Easier for every child to have one instead of rotating classes through a computer room, which needs IT support.

      I agree, though.
      I taught my nephews how to code using a pen and paper.

      They go to a school that doesn't use computers in the classroom.

    • sal78 on 29/01/2017 - 20:52

      No misusage at our school. I have seen the benefits of iPad from prep to 2 and laptops ffom 3 to 6 through my own kids.

      • [Deactivated] on 30/01/2017 - 08:05

        You're not in the classroom with the kids.

        I'd imagine they're not using their ipads responsibly 100% of the time.

        • sal78 on 30/01/2017 - 16:25

          My Hubby is a teacher at the school. They are extremely strict and devices are only allowed to brought out for a lesson that needs it.

    • ashanrath on 30/01/2017 - 09:51

      Year 7 is high school…

  • Sinful on 28/01/2017 - 19:29
    +3

    2nd hand laptop off gumtree..
    search 'quad core' or 'i5' in the laptop section.

    I don't know where you live, but I found this in Sydney.

    Intel Core i5 3rd Gen 2.8GHz ( Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz)
    8GB DDR3 RAM
    500GB SATA HDD

    $300.00

    http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/bella-vista/laptops/lenovo-th…

    Kid needs it for school, doesn't have to be brand new, in-case he loses it.

    • gmatht on 28/01/2017 - 21:07
      +1

      Doesn't have "6 hr min battery life" though. Battery life is pretty much the one thing that has improved since 2011… and older batteries don't last as long. Might have to get one of these:

      http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Lenovo-ThinkPad-Battery-44-Laptop…

      • Sinful on 28/01/2017 - 21:34
        +1

        Yea, I didn't see that bottom part.

        Still easy to find what you want pretty cheaply, good luck!

  • sal78 on 29/01/2017 - 20:49

    just get the best for your budget.

    We have byod laptop from grade 3. I bought the Asus on special from Bing Lee $180 each from $299. It's only for WP, google, presentations etc There's no way I would spend too much in primary.

    I bought my son an Acer also around $200 last yr but only because DS was closing down. It's laptop/tablet. He will get 3yrs good use out of it. I don't plan on upgrading until Yr 8 and then it will be Macbook Air or equivalent.

  • [Deactivated] on 29/01/2017 - 22:22

    Get something from a bricks and mortar store, so if it craps up, you can just march in there and get it sorted.

  • dingleburg on 30/01/2017 - 08:37
    +1

    What kind of software is the school running?

    Some private schools run stuff like Maya or fancy 3d modelling software with all their students having Macbooks.

    And while you're at it, does the school support repairs? I assume the laptop may get damaged if you go for something that is "sleek" (generally has less protection than say a bulkier model). Does the IT department support BYOD repairs?

  • Gronk on 30/01/2017 - 13:19

    Most of the specs you've posted are pretty much standard, especially for the price range you've posted - reviewing each of your major points:

    Windows 10 pro

    Win10 Home will be fine, the additional 'Pro' features are primarily aimed towards power and business users.

    I3 or greater

    Tick, I wouldn't go any lower either

    Min 128gb storage

    Here's where you'll have to decide between speed and capacity - an SSD will be significantly faster than a magnetic (ie: 5400RPM) HDD, but they're more expensive meaning you get less capacity for your buck.

    Min 4gb RAM

    Should be fine.

    Compat with 802.11, a , g , and n wifi with WPA2 enterprise security

    Standard, you'll probably even get 802.11ac which is faster again.

    Camera & microphone built in

    Standard

    11-14" screen

    Standard

    6hrs min battery life

    Shouldn't be hard to find

    As an example, this seems to tick all the boxes - https://www.jbhifi.com.au/computers-tablets/laptops/lenovo/l…

  • wog_ta on 30/01/2017 - 19:26
    +2

    Whatever you decide to buy try and get the slimmest/ lightest laptop you can afford. Battery life and weight are more important then a really powerful laptop in my opinion.

  • idonotknowwhy on 31/01/2017 - 09:34

    If it's not urgent, I'd wait for the next Lenovo Thinkpad deal on Ozbargain.
    They pretty much all meet your requirements, and they come with a nipple-mouse which is useful when working without a usb-mouse.

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