The minimum and recommended hardware specifications for any device intended to be enrolled in the school BYOD program are displayed in the Device Specifications sections of this page. To ensure an acceptable level of performance at school, the device must meet the minimum specifications.

In some instances, a previous-generation device may be suitable, but it is discouraged. Older devices are more likely to encounter issues that can be disruptive during lessons.

Before using an older device, it must be checked by the Seton Helpdesk to ensure its suitability.

Please note that devices running the MacOS, Android or Chrome operating system are incompatible with Seton Catholic College software and unsuitable for use. This includes some new models of device that have custom processors like the new Microsoft Surface Silicon devices. If you are at all unsure please contact us.

Parents will not need to purchase Microsoft Office, Antivirus or Adobe Creative Cloud. During student induction, these software packages are provided to students through the College’s Company Portal app.

All student devices must meet the following requirements as a minimum:

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• Windows 10/11 operating system

• 11.6” to 15” screen Touch enabled (Hybrid laptop/tablet 2-in-1 device)

• Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor
  (NOTE: New Surface devices and other devices may have processors outside of intel and AMD which are based on an ARM architecture. This means that some programs are not able to run on those devices and may limit the students educational applications.)

• 16 GB RAM
  (While 8GB is technically the minimum for Microsoft products this is only allowing single application use which is not workable in a school scenario)

• 128 GB solid-state (SSD Storage)

• Keyboard and trackpad/mouse

• Pen (stylus) device

• USB/USB-C port

• 8 hour battery life

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Note that as of 2022, all year 8 and incoming year 7 students will be required to have a pen for their device to enable digital inking.

For a smooth education experience we would highly recommend using these specifications when purchasing a device:

• Windows 11 operating system

• 14” minimum screen Touch enabled (Hybrid laptop/tablet 2-in-1 device)

• Intel Core i5 13th gen processor
  (NOTE: New Surface devices and other devices may have processors outside of intel and AMD which are based on an ARM architecture. This means that some programs are not able to run on those devices and may limit the students educational applications.)

• 16 GB RAM

• 256 GB solid-state (SSD Storage)

• Keyboard and trackpad/mouse

• Pen (stylus) device

• USB/USB-C port

• 8 hour battery life

Note that as of 2022, all year 8 and incoming year 7 students will be required to have a pen for their device to enable digital inking.

Seton Catholic College highly recommends that all devices be protected with a permanent hard case if one is available for the model you have purchased. Be aware that padded bags only protect the device while in the bag however, they are still recommended to prevent wear and tear.
It is strongly recommended that all student devices are covered by an extended 3-year warranty and preferably accidental damage insurance. Devices are fragile and screens can easily be accidentally damaged. Replacement of a touchscreen in many devices can be close to the cost of a new device.
The brand of device can be a big factor in the repair process for your student’s device. IT is always worth checking if the device can be repaired under warranty locally without needing to be sent off for repair. This can be the difference between losing a device for 3-4 weeks and only a couple days which is a huge impact on the learning process.

The links below will take you to dedicated portals set up by external providers. The product recommended in these portals are the result of research and recommendation from the Seton IT Department and as such would be ideal for most student’s attending the college. We would encourage parents to keep this in mind when browsing for devices.
While recommended, you may use these to compare prices and do not have to purchase through these outlets. While the College can assist in any IT-related inquiries you have, if you choose to purchase through these portals, subsequent questions/issues should be taken up with them. The College cannot be held responsible for delivery or fault issues with devices.

Enigma-provided HP BYOD Portal*

JB HiFi Education Portal

* If prompted, use the unique code CEWA2025to access the Seton-specific listing.