You’ll need to bring a laptop or tablet to every class, so come prepared. When selecting a laptop or tablet remember that you’ll be using in and out of the classroom, for a range of things, including:
- Completing tasks
- Finding information
- Collaborating with students
- Completing assignments
- Submitting assessment
A smart phone is not accepted by Monash College.
If you are intending to purchase or bring your own device to use at university, the following considerations should be used as a guide. Note that some faculties recommend their own minimum system requirements for certain degrees so please check with your faculty before purchasing your device.
| Battery life | Check to see the rated battery life and the length of the battery warranty period. |
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| Weight | Laptops can range anywhere from 1kg up to 6kg. If you plan to be travelling regularly, consider a lighter device. |
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| Size | Smaller devices can be more portable but they may not have the processing power you require and they may also be more expensive. When choosing a
device, take into account the applications you will be using and the locations where you will be using your device. |
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| USB ports | How many USB ports does the device have and, are they the slower USB2 or the faster USB3. |
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| Warranty | How long is the warranty valid for? Check to see if the manufacturer offers an international warranty rather than one limited to the country in which the
device is purchased. This is particularly useful for travellers. |
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| RAM (Random-access memory) | Some laptops are sold with 2GB of memory as standard. You will get more benefit from a laptop with at least 4GB of RAM. |
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Find out more in the our student technology handbook or watch the video.
Recommended Laptop SpecificationsRecommended Laptop Specifications
Students are expected to attend classes with fully charged laptops (see recommended laptop specifications below) and their own power pack should they wish to use them.
Monash College is not responsible for supplying power packs and other electronic devices. Students are not allowed to charge laptops in the classroom.
| | Windows | macOS |
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| Processor | Intel i5 2.2Ghz / AMD A6 1.8Ghz | 1.2Ghz dual-core m3 / M1 Chip or better |
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| Operating system | Windows 11 or later | Mac OS 13 or later |
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| Memory | 16GB | 16GB |
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| Hard drive | 120GB SSD (solid state drive) | 120GB SSD (solid state drive) |
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| Display | 14" screen with 1920 x 1080 screen resolution | 13" screen with 1920 x 1080 screen resolution |
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| Battery Life | 4 hours under normal use | 4 hours under normal use |
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| Wi‑Fi | 802.11ax or better | 802.11ax or better |
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| Webcam | user facing, inbuilt microphone and speakers | user facing, inbuilt microphone and speakers |
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*Some faculties recommend their own minimum system requirements for certain degrees. Please refer to their documentation before purchasing your device.