Advice from our ICT Operations Manager

Laptop/Tablet requirements

You have the freedom to choose whatever Windows device fits your daughter’s needs, but it must meet the following as a minimum:

• Windows 10 or 11 device
• Touch Screen
• Detachable or flip screen to enable flat writing using a stylus
• Keyboard
• Recommended I3 or equivalent processor
• Recommended minimum 6GB of RAM
• Minimum 128GB hard drive/SSD
• A stylus
• Small in-ear headphones

Device Specifications

When searching for a device and choosing a price range, you will need to consider a few key questions. This guide will help you understand what the key specifications of a device mean. Most online shops will allow you to search for devices by these parameters and retail staff should also be able to guide you.

Processors - The better processor you have, the faster it will deal with inputs. So, for example, a better processor will make Microsoft Office applications load quicker. Note: There are many types of processors. The most common are Intel I series or Ryzen Series - a "Ryzen 3" processor is an equivalent of "Intel I3" , an "I5" a "Ryzen 5" etc.

Memory (RAM) - The more RAM the computer has, the better it will be at multitasking. If you have 5 applications all running at once, you will get a smoother and faster experience if you have more RAM. We recommend 6GB of RAM as a minimum.

Hard Disk/Storage - The larger the hard drive, the more data you can save on the laptop and the more applications you can install. We always recommend saving work to online storage; however if you do want to store photos and videos, you will need a bigger hard drive. An SSD (solid state hard drive) is one of the newest developments in computer technology over recent years, and if the laptop has an SSD its general performance will be quicker. A device with a 128GB hard drive is a minimum. 256GB or more is better if your daughter may want specialist software for subjects like music, art or graphic design

Size and weight - Do keep in mind the larger the laptop screen size, generally the heavier it will be. Make sure you look in person as well as online and get your daughter to have a feel of the weight - she will be carrying it around in her bag. Usually between 10-13 inch screens are of a reasonable weight, 14-15 inch may be ok depending on overall device weight, but definitely check this.

• Budget Device (Estimate £250-£450) - An entry level device that is compact and meets the minimum specifications to run all apps that will be required for school purposes. Due to its specifications please be aware that this type of laptop has limited multitasking capabilities and could possibly need upgrading sooner than some more expensive devices. 
• Mid-Range Device (Estimate £450-£600) - A mid-range device will offer a reasonable spec, with smaller compromises on quality the further up the price range you go. These will have better specifications and will generally have the lower end of the higher quality Intel “I” series processors. You are likely to see an I3 or maybe towards the top end of the budget an I5 processor in this category. I would expect a minimum of 6GB RAM and an SSD
• High Spec Device (Estimate £600+) - Please consider the level of insurance that you are taking out should you decide to go significantly over this budget and make sure accidental damage is covered. There is certainly no expectancy to purchase a device way over this budget. If you are spending upwards of £600 I would expect that you should get a device that has an I5 or I7 processor, 8GB RAM+ and at least a 256GB SSD Hard drive. Again, size and weight of the device may impact the specifications you can get for your money.

If you have found a device and would like confirmation of suitability - please do get in touch via the Digital email address and we will be happy to help.

You do not need to purchase a subscription to Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 as this is provided free by us for the duration of your daughters time at Wimbledon High School). Your daughter will also be able to download and use the apps from the Adobe Creative Suite during her school years.  

Anti-Virus software must be installed on the laptop. We recommend Avast Free Anti-Virus software. We recommend that files of importance are backed up to your daughter’s school OneDrive account, which has unlimited storage. This will mean everything is backed up and if the device was lost or the hard drive became corrupted, no critical school work would be lost. Documents and other files should never be stored only on the laptop with no backup copy.

We strongly recommend that you use family management/parental controls on the device. You can read more on our E-safety at home page.

Where to buy

You do not have to purchase devices from any particular supplier. However, we do recommend that you purchase from a retailer that offers good warranty and insurance packages and have someone available to speak to face-to-face regarding any claims or repairs. The IT Support Team at Wimbledon High School will endeavour to assist with internet and school system related queries, but devices with hardware and software faults will generally need to go back to the place of purchase. The IT team at school are always happy to assist where possible and advise, but cannot carry out repairs due to warranty conditions and BYOD agreements in place.