Transit and Storage

Will the laptop withstand rough handling by students?

The white MacBook has been designed specifically for the education market. The computer and hardware and screen are protected by a tough polycarbonate enclosure. They can withstand some rough handling, but there will be accidents and some will be dropped or suffer heavy knocks.

Will carrying a laptop to and from school pose increased risk to student security?

Laptop programs are increasingly becoming the norm for schools around Australia. Experience from schools already running large-scale laptop programs is that it has not increased risk to personal security. We would assume that the risks associated with carrying a laptop would be no different to the risks associated with carrying around a mobile phone and portable audio-visual devices.

Most schools however, recommend a standard school issue backpack with an internal compartment for transporting the laptop. The external appearance of the backpack looks no different than any other backpack. A good quality carry bag is also supplied with the laptop.

How heavy is the laptop to carry?

The laptop weighs 2.27 kg, about 70 grams more than the combined weight text books used for Maths and Science. To help minimise the weight of materials being carried by students, the College is moving towards e-books and online resources for a number of subjects, minimising the need for students carry a laptop as well as heavy text books.

Where will students store the laptop when it isn't being used?

There are times throughout the day when students will not be required to use their laptops and they will need to be stored securely. Each student at the College is provided with access to a personal locker. The lockers are modern, large and have ample storage room. The lockers are protected from the weather and are located inside classrooms.