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Choosing the right Microsoft Device
Microsoft offers a huge range of product, support, upgrades and tools. With the Microsoft Enrolment for Education Services (EES) Agreement providing schools with licences for Windows 10 OS, Office 365, Enterprise Mobility and Security, and Minecraft for Education, there are so many benefits to choosing Microsoft devices. But how do you ensure you choose the right technology for the classroom when there are so many options available? The truth is that choosing a fit for purpose device can be a challenge
What device do I need?
Many people find the range of specs featured on a device confusing. That’s why the first question you should ask yourself is “What are students going to need to do with this device?”. Answering this question will help you decide what level of specs and features you need.
Entry-level Devices
These work for students who are mainly doing the following:
• Web-based enquiry and online learning
• Working collaboratively on a variety of documents
• Accessing shared files and resources
• Needing to use Office365
• Using software such as Minecraft for Education
• Using applications such as Sketch UP, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Spark
• Using YouTube as a learning tool and for research
• Requiring a device that can be managed with Group Policies, Kiosk mode, managed and timed updates and apps
• Looking for a rugged device that can handle a knock or a drop
• Looking for a device that can perform all day, without needing additional charging
A device that ticks all these boxes often costs less than $500 a unit.
Mid-range devices
If you think all that sounds great but want a bit more flexibility, then you may want to consider a touch screen device. This will do everything above but also support Windows Ink. These devices also tend to fold into Tablet mode and have a world facing camera. Touch screen devices have a glossier screen, so look a little brighter and tend to display colours a little nicer. This level of device would set you back around $600 – $1000 a unit.
High-end devices
The next step up is about larger screens and more power. More expensive models have more storage, but you are mainly paying for slimmer, lighter, better-looking devices. So consider whether you need additional storage above your cloud based storage options, and if aesthetics are important to you as well. A high-end device can cost between $1,200 – $2000 per unit.
Desktop machines
If your students would like to edit video and run programmes such as Adobe Illustrator, we recommend a desktop device. These are easier to use for some tasks than a laptop, not just because of the specifications required, but due to a better mouse, full sized keyboard, large format HD monitor and possibly split screens. It’s also worth mentioning that while a desktop device will provide a much better user experience for this type of work, it will also cost considerably less than a high spec laptop.
Additional Considerations for Microsoft Education environments
Remember the Microsoft Enrolment for Education Services (EES) Agreement covers you until 31st December 2021.
Software included in the Agreement:
Schools are licensed to use the Microsoft 365 A3 suite which includes Windows 10 operating system, Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Enterprise Mobility & Security and rights to the Microsoft server software as well as Minecraft Education Edition.
Learn more here.
