WHICH DEVICE SHOULD I BUY FOR JTCC?
With the rapid progression of technology, it becomes very difficult to understand why one laptop costs more than another. Use this article as a guide to provide you with the tools to determine the most appropriate device for your child.
There are a few main things to keep in mind when choosing a suitable device. Consider the following:
- What will be my child's primary use for this device? Schoolwork only or leisure activities such as gaming and content creation. Using this answer will allow you to make decisions on the specifications of your device.
- Processor: Think of this as the brain of the device. Multimedia and games require higher-powered processors. Stay away from low-end single-core options.
- RAM (Memory): This determines how many applications can be open at the same time. Think of this as a workspace for programs to operate in whilst open.
- Storage: Think about what kind of documents your child will store. Media including videos and photos use a lot of storage. John Therry utiliseS Google Drive for Education so schoolwork won't contribute much if any storage. Think about the types of apps you will install. Productivity apps don't require much storage but games and media creation tools will.
- Graphics Processor: Most modern devices will come with reasonable "integrated" graphics to perform most tasks, including light gaming and media creation or technical drawing applications. However, for the best experience, you will require a "dedicated" graphics processor. These are generally found in Mid to High Tier devices.
- Screen Size: The common size for a display is 13". This is a good start for a device. John Therry discourages looking for smaller screens unless portability is a key factor in your decision.
- How long do I expect the device to last? Lower cost options generally will last a shorter length of time than higher-cost options. Consider jumping from a low to medium tier if you want the device to last longer.
- What kind of support do I want? Consider your warranty options at the time of purchase. Check what is supplied by the manufacturer and see if extensions are available.
- Do you need any accessories? John Therry highly encourages the use of a protective case. Does your child require a wireless mouse or are you able to connect USB devices without a "dongle"? Investigate these when purchasing.
- Will I need to frequently charge the device? Looking for a device that has an 8+ hour battery life is critical as this means the device will last the school day. This will also reduce the number of times charging is required extending the life of the battery.
We do have partner portals in which you can select a device that has been seen, tested and approved for use at John Therry. These devices are considered durable, and generally come with a longer warranty that you will find from a retail environment.
If you are still unsure or looking for further advice, please contact the college.
