If you are considering purchasing a computer for your son or daughter to use at school please consider the following specifications when making your purchase.
Hardware Specifications |
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Device Type |
Laptop or Tablet device Note: SMART phones are not considered an appropriate personal computing device.
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Keyboard Attachment |
A tablet device should have a physical keyboard attachment and keys must move when physically depressed. The keyboard may be permanently attached, a snap on or Bluetooth. (Touch keyboards are not recommended)
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Screen |
Minimum Screen size – 10" (approximately 25cm) (screen Size is the diagonal measurement)
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Recommended Operating System |
Microsoft Windows 7 or newer Apple MacOS x 10.6 or newer Apple I OS 6 or newer Note: while Chromebooks may be used some DEC services are not compatible with the Chrome Operating System
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Wireless Compatibility |
Device must have 5GHz 802.11n support. This may be advertised as "dual Band Wireless", "802.11abgn", "802.11agn", "802.11ac" or "Gigabit Wireless". Devices sold as "802.11bgn" probably do not support the required standard. Important Note: Devices with 2.4GHz only are not supported. Wireless Compatibility of devices is often a difficult requirement to verify. This information is not always readily available on the actual device or at the place of purchase.
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Additional Recommendations |
Battery Life should be minimum of six hours as there will not be facilities for charging the device at school. Protective cover or case for device. Device should not be too heavy to carry in bag each day. |
Software Specifications |
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Web Browser |
Windows devices must run Internet Explorer 10 or newer. Safari is preferred for Apple branded devices.
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Word Processor |
Examples include Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, Open Office Programs |
Spreadsheet Package |
Examples include Microsoft Excel, Apple Numbers, Open office Programs |
Security Software |
Windows based devices should at least run Microsoft Security Essentials MacOS X should at least rim ClamXav
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Available Software Software available from the Department of Education and Communities |
Note: Currently students with a NSW government education email address can download Microsoft and Adobe software http://nsw-students.onthehub.com/ One copy of this software can be loaded on a desktop computer or laptop. This software cannot be loaded on tablets that are only app based.
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Device Options
These devices are suitable and known to work on the NSWDEC Wi-Fi |
Any of the three HP products available through the school portal will meet specifications. Microsoft Surface 2 with Type cover Dell Latitude E7440 Laptop Lenovo ThinkPad Models – X240, X131e and Yoga Mac Air Book Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 with keyboard Dock Apple iPad 2 or iPad Air with Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover Plus protective cover for chosen device |
Further information about BYOD can be found below:
DEC Student Bring Your Own Device Policy
Software for Students (pdf 2977 KB)