Back To School - BYOD Laptop Buying Guide

Author: Luke Adkins  Date Posted: 6 January 2026 

BYOD made easy — quick laptop tips for school & uni, plus our best-value refurbished picks. BYOD made easy — quick laptop tips for school & uni, plus our best-value refurbished picks.

Choosing a BYOD device shouldn’t be confusing (or expensive). We've crafted this guide to help you pick the right device fast, based on year level, school requirements, and budget, plus the accessories that will make BYOD easier from day one.

Quick tip:
Always start with your school’s BYOD list. If a device doesn’t meet the minimum specs, you’ll end up replacing it sooner (which costs more in the long run).

 

Students using computers - BYOD

 

Choose the right device

Most BYOD lists can be covered with a Windows laptop. If your school allows it, a 2-in-1 is great for note-taking. Tablets can work, but only if the school confirms it (and you’ve got the right keyboard setup). If your child will be typing assignments, researching, multitasking, using Teams/Zoom, or working with files, then a Windows laptop is usually the safest choice.

Quick comparison:

  • Laptop: best all-rounder for typing, research, assignment work, and multitasking
  • 2-in-1: great for students who like touchscreens, note-taking, or flipping the screen around for reading
  • Tablet: portable, but can be limiting for file management, certain apps & keyboard-heavy workloads

View Windows Laptops
View 2-in-1 Laptops

Lenovo 2-in-1 Laptop - BYOD

 

Recommended specs by year level

Primary school (light use):

Good for web apps, basic assignments, Google Classroom/Microsoft 365

  • i5 / Ryzen 5
  • 8GB RAM
  • 128GB–256GB SSD
  • 11–13" screen (lighter is easier)

High school (every day + heavier web/apps):

Good for every day tasks, multitasking and web use

  • 8GB–16GB RAM
  • 256GB SSD
  • 13–14" screen sweet spot
  • Wi-Fi + webcam for online learning

Senior school (more serious workloads):

Great if they keep 20 tabs open + lots of documents

  • 16GB RAM recommended
  • 256GB–512GB SSD
  • i5 / Ryzen 5 level performance (or better)
  • 14"–15.6" screen size

Uni / TAFE:

If they’re studying engineering/design/creative, specs may need to be higher (always check course requirements)

  • 16GB-32GB RAM recommended (especially for business/IT)
  • 512GB–1TB SSD if storing lots of files
  • 14" - 15.6" screen size
  • Consider USB-C docking for study setup at home

 

What to avoid

  • 4GB RAM (too slow for modern school use)
  • Old spinning hard drives (HDD) instead of SSD
  • “Cheap new” laptops with weak build quality (they often feel slow quickly)

 

Best picks by budget

1. Best BYOD Value (Under $500)

Everyday school tasks + web apps

2. Performance Picks (Under $1000)

Faster multitasking, better longevity

 

Don’t forget the essentials

  • Protective sleeve or backpack (protects the investment)
  • Wireless mouse (easier for school + homework)
  • Headset (online classes + study focus)
  • USB-C adapter / dock (great if they use a monitor at home)
  • Spare charger (optional, but handy)

Shop BYOD Accessories

 

Why buy BYOD from Australian Computer Traders?

  • Refurbished business-grade laptops (built for daily use)
  • 12 month Warranty included
  • Aussie stock with fast, free delivery
  • Save money & get better quality vs buying new consumer-grade from a major retailer

 

BYOD FAQ's

Do refurbished laptops work for BYOD?

Yes — as long as the specs match the school list. Business-grade models are built for daily use and are great value.

What’s better for BYOD: 8GB or 16GB RAM?

8GB is fine for light use. If your child multitasks a lot (or you want it to last longer), 16GB is the safer choice.

What screen size is best for students?

11–13" is lighter for younger students. 13–14" is a great all-rounder. 15.6" is fine if it mostly stays at home.

Do I need Microsoft Office?

Most schools use Microsoft 365 or Google tools. Check the school’s BYOD list so you don’t pay for something you don’t need.

What accessories matter most?

A sleeve/backpack first. Then a mouse and headset. Everything else is optional.