Bring Your Own Device
Whether you love it or hate it, technology in schools is here to stay. Around the country, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is being incorporated into curricula. However, buying the right device for your child is not rocket science. In fact, it boils down to three main criteria - the operating system, your kid’s learning level and the device type itself. And this is our quick guide to help you get BYOD sorted.
Choosing the right operating system
Operating systems (OS) are the software backbone of your device. The most popular operating systems are Google’s Chrome, Microsoft’s Windows and iOS by Apple. Often a school will tell you which OS they want you to buy, but if they don't, we can help you make an informed choice.
Chrome
Affordable, fast, and easy to use, Chrome runs on the Google suite of apps.
Windows
The Windows OS is built to handle demanding workloads.
Finding what’s right for your Learning Level
Younger students start off with smaller devices like tablets that are enough for basic research. Over the years, as the demands of school work increase and get more complex, they graduate to more powerful machines like notebooks and laptops.
Primary School:
Devices for primary school are designed with little hands in mind. They are lightweight and durable, and have a long battery life meaning they last a full school day without needing to be charged.
High School:
Devices needed for high school are slightly more advanced than those for primary school since the workload is more demanding.
Tertiary:
Most students at a tertiary level already have their own device, but if you're looking to upgrade to a something bigger and better, we can help.
Choosing the perfect device type
The three major device families that we have featured here, all have their pros and cons. Here is a quick 101 course:
TABLETS
Small and light, tablets have a touchscreen, making them easy-to-use and a great choice for primary students. They are also a great secondary device for older students who want to research content quickly.
What we like:
- Ultra light and portable
- Excellent battery life
- A variety of apps to choose from
What we don't:
- Limited computing power
CHROMEBOOKS
Using a Chromebook is just a matter of having a Google account and an internet connection. All work is stored in the cloud rather than on the device, which means content can be accessed from anywhere, anytime.
What we like:
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Light and portable
- Excellent battery life
What we don't:
- Not possible to install additional software
LAPTOPS & NOTEBOOKS
Notebooks, the sleeker cousins of laptops, are lightweight yet powerful. Laptops, on the other hand, are sturdier, with more storage and able to do pretty much everything desktop computers do.
What we like:
- More power for bigger jobs
- Familiar Windows 10 OS
- Good battery life
What we don't:
- Costlier
If you need more help locking in on a device, come talk to us at your local store. Since our staff don’t work on commission, they will give you unbiased advice. Plus, you can get some great bargains.