Sacred Heart College, Napier: BYOD Device Guide
Students ARE NOT required to purchase their own device. Should you consider purchasing a device
we encourage devices that are adequate for school and classroom use. If considering a device to
purchase we encourage you to consider a product that includes these features to ensure your
daughter has the greatest possible access to the educational resources that will support and
enhance learning. The type of device that you consider will also relate to the type of subjects that
your daughter studies, particularly in the senior school and those nearing the end of their secondary
schooling should look to tertiary requirements in their chosen field. Device configurations change
regularly, as do prices. There are a wide range of suitable devices.
Model Considerations
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A tablet – iPad, Android and Surface RT – ultraportable with good battery life, will provide
students with a limited learning tool and can be used as an information consumption device.
Additional applications may be required to enable subject software to run. Prices range from
$400 - $1200
A Chromebook provides an internet browser but not a hard drive. Models range in price
from $400
A laptop (10 - 15” screen) with a full operating system provides students with a
comprehensive learning tool. This provides the greatest flexibility, and will tend to have a
longer usable life than a tablet or netbook . Prices range from $600 - $3000.
An ultrabook combines components of a laptop with the portability of a tablet. Thin and
light. Upwards from $1600.
Models change frequently and there are now a number of hybrid tablet/laptop devices.
Minimum Specifications
 Wireless network capability – 802.11 g or n
 Screen of 10 ” or larger
 An onscreen or external keyboard
 Audio-out port and ear buds or headphones
 A minimum of 5 hours of use from one battery charge
 The ability to run a full functioning web browser (eg Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari)
 Virus protection
Devices DO NOT NEED MS Office software. Under our licensing agreement, we have set up
Microsoft Office365 for each student. Students will be able to download a free copy of
OfficePro onto their device.
Recommendations
 12” screen or larger
 External keyboard
 Rugged hard shell or suitable protective case
 Suitable for carrying in terms of weight (the lighter the better) (Preferrably <2kg)
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Battery life – Check the battery life on the model. Five hours should be considered the bare
minimum as recharging batteries at school will NOT be permitted.
Common Device Types
These are the most common options considered, although options change frequently
A Chromebook - a personal computer running Chrome OS as its operating system. The devices are
designed to be used primarily while connected to the Internet, with most applications and data
residing "in the cloud". There is NO hard drive storage. Models range in price from $400
Tablets – iPad, Android and Surface RT – Ultraportable with good battery life. Limited
wordprocessing capabilities and keyboard is usually onscreen. Applications limited to reduced
features, although frequently a wide range in app stores. Backup, storage and file transfer can be
challenging. Not the equivalent of a laptop. Prices range from $400 - $1200
Laptop (10 - 15” screen) – Suitable for the widest range of tasks that students will encounter.
Additional software usually needs to be purchased, but frequently open-source applications are
available. A wide range of models are available. A 12 or 13” laptop provides a very good compromise
of portability power and battery life. Prices range from $600 - $3000
Ultrabooks – The most expensive and lightest laptops. Many of the features of ultrabooks are now
included in lower end laptops such as light strong aluminium case, extended battery life.
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