Laptop Program
Indooroopilly State High School's BYOx program empowers students to bring their own laptops for learning, provided the devices meet the specific requirements for connection to the school network (see specifications below). This program allows students to use their personal devices to seamlessly access digital resources, engage with coursework, and enhance their learning experience.
To support parents in selecting suitable devices, links to a few recommended retailers are provided below. These options are offered as a convenience and are entirely optional; parents are free to choose any device or retailer that meets the program’s specifications.
Important links for students
You may wish to bookmark these.
Joining the program
An annual parental contribution applies for the BYOx program, which is included in the Student Resource Scheme (SRS). Students new to the scheme must also need to complete the BYOx CHARTER (PDF, 606KB).
The annual fee contributes to the following items:
BYOx Devices Specifications and Requirements
Updated May 2025
Minimum Device Specifications
|
Device Type |
Minimum Specifications |
Higher Level Specifications (Capable of Video Editing) |
|
Windows General (Not for Video Editing) | 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, minimum of 6-hour battery of usage, 64-bit OS (Windows 11), Wireless 5GHz 802.11AC | N/A |
|
Windows (Capable of Video Editing) |
Intel Core i5/7 processor or equivalent, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, minimum of 6-hour battery of usage, 64-bit OS (Windows 11), Wireless 5GHz 802.11AC | Intel Core Ultra 5/7 processor or equivalent, 16GB RAM or higher, 512GB SSD, dedicated graphics card
|
|
Mac | macOS Sonoma (14) or higher, 256GB SSD, Wireless 5GHz | macOS Sonoma (14) or higher, 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM or higher (Higher processing power than the base model)
|
|
Unsupported Devices | Microsoft Surface RT, Linux devices, Chromebooks, Windows with Snapdragon Processor, Android devices | Not applicable
|
What devices / operating systems are not supported?
Microsoft Surface RT – These devices are not compatible with BYOx solution.
Linux Devices – These devices are not compatible with BYOx solution.
Chromebooks – These devices are not compatible with BYOx solution.
Windows Devices with Snapdragon Processor - These devices are not compatible with BYOx solution.
Android Tablets and systems - These devices are not compatible with BYOx solution.
Please Note: Windows 10 Support Expiry Notice for BYOx devices
Effective
Tuesday 14 October 2025, student-owned BYOx devices running
Windows 10 may encounter connectivity issues with the department’s network and limited access to certain learning resources. This is due to
Microsoft no longer support Windows
10 after this date and the system will no longer receive essential security updates and protections.
To ensure uninterrupted access, we strongly recommend updating to a supported operating system, such as Windows 11, before October 2025.
Parents
and
carers
of
students
with
devices that
are compatible
with
Windows
11
are
encouraged
to
upgrade to Windows 11 before
the
support
deadline.
Step-by-step
instructions
for
upgrading
are
available
via
Microsoft’s
guide:
ways to install Windows 11.
Parents and carers of students with devices that
are not compatible with Windows 11 is recommended to acquire a compatible device that is supported by the school system.
For more information, please refer to the BYOx Devices Specifications and Requirements section.
Data Storage and Software Requirements
Hard Drive Sizes
Most new laptops use SSD (Solid State Drive) storage, which is faster but typically has smaller capacities compared to traditional HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The type of drive affects how quickly the system can access data, making SSDs a better choice for speed and performance, while HDDs may offer more storage space at a lower cost. These terms are interchangeable, so both appear in the specifications below.
-
Recommended Storage Requirements:
- Minimum Storage: 256GB SSD to ensure sufficient space for school work and software.
-
SSDs are preferred for their speed.
Data Storage of School Work
It is important that all school-related work be stored in the
School OneDrive Cloud storage (supplied free with the Microsoft Office 365 suite) and
not on a personal Microsoft OneDrive. This ensures data is available both at home and at school and would be preserved in case of any damage/loss of laptop.
Accessories and Additional Recommendations
Accessories
-
Required:
- Protective hard case, warranty coverage
-
Optional (but recommended):
- ADP (Accidental Damage Insurance)
iPads in the Program
iPads can be connected to the School network and may serve as an entry-level option for
Junior School students (Years 7 and 8 only). However, there are some limitations to consider:
-
iOS 17 or Higher Required: iPads must be running iOS 17 or a newer version to connect to the school's BYOx network.
-
External Bluetooth Keyboard Required:
- To ensure effective use, iPads should be paired with an external Bluetooth keyboard.
-
Limitation with Advanced Software:
- When students begin studying subjects that require software not compatible with iPads, a
Mac or
Windows device will be needed.
-
Laptop Requirements:
- All students are expected to have a laptop computer that is sufficient for their curriculum needs as defined in the specifications on this page.
Vendor Portals – options to purchase
Vendor portals are available as an option for parents purchasing a BYOx device. The use of these portals is
not mandatory and they are provided by vendors as a convenience for parents. The school is not involved in the private transactions between parents and the vendors. The school does not accept deliveries on behalf of students/parents. Please ensure that online orders are sent to your home address.
HP (Windows devices)
HP Offers HP Windows Machines.
School log-in code:
IndoorSHS
For further details, contact
Matt Reid, Head of Department - Digital Systems.