Which Laptop?
Secondary students are required* to have a laptop for their schoolwork which can be configured by the school for the school network. While this laptop can also be used at home for leisure activities it should primarily be thought of as a device for completing schoolwork.
So what kind of portable computer will best support students in their learning at Bangkok Patana School?
Older students will have probably formed a good idea about 'what works
best for them'.
Some will prefer a high powered TabletPC
running Windows 7 while others will prefer an Apple
Mac Book Pro.
We have learned during the first year of our laptop program that students are not able to complete their school work unless their laptop is of a certain standard. Beginning in August 2011 the following are the minimum specifications for laptops the students are required to provide.
Minimum Specs
12" screen, 4GB Memory (RAM), 120GB Hard Drive, Windows 7 [?] Professional, USB 2.0 port, 802.11n wireless capability and students should have their own headphones (or ear-pieces) for their laptop.
Recommendation
We recommend that a similar laptop to the ones the school purchases would be most compatible with the systems and teaching here at Patana. In particular the 802.11n wireless connection will allow students to take advantage of our new wireless infrastructure. This year we have chosen the Acer TravelMate TM8473T
Acer TravelMate TM8473T
14" HD screen
Intel i5-2410M processor
4GB Memory (RAM)
500GB Hard Drive
3 year's onsite warranty.
The cost is 26,500 baht (plus VAT - special price for Bangkok Patana School).
The laptop will have Windows 7 Professional installed by Acer but you will only be charged for Windows Starter Kit as the upgrade is covered by the school's licence.
If you would like to receive a quote for an Acer TravelMate TM8473T laptop computer please complete the form which you will find in the 'forms' section of the Parents' Gateway:
Acer offer on site support to students with Acer laptops.
* See Timeline
Top 5 List
Here is a list of the top five things you should consider when buying a laptop for school.
- Price. A portable computer is more susceptible to loss and damage than a desktop computer so don't choose a very expensive model.
- Features. Wireless enabled, USB ports, long battery life, comfortable touch pad.
- Warranty. A service agreement with a local company will give you peace of mind and maximise your 'up' time.
- Software. An internet browser, antivirus protection and suite of office programs is a must. See the 'software' button on the left of this page for more information.
- Size and strength. Light enough to carry around school yet strong enough to last for many years.
Please note that the dimensions of the inside of school lockers are 70cm x 37cm x 29cm. This needs to be taken into consideration when choosing a laptop for school use.
If you are considering a Linux or Apple computer be aware that the current curriculum at Patana has developed around the PC platform.
A couple of subject areas use software for which there is no exact open source or Mac equivalent.
Students currently using Mac laptops have found Boot Camp and Parallels Desktop have allowed them to run Microsoft Windows.