We recognize the importance of providing our students and their family with choice and thought it might be helpful to outline some specifications for devices that would work best for students completing their school work in LISD.
After careful consideration, Leander ISD has chosen the Lenovo 13w Yoga Windows Laptop as the new standard device for High School Students, starting with the 2023-2024 9th graders. LISD has also chosen the Lenovo 500e Convertible Chromebook for Middle School Students, starting with the 2023-2024 6th graders. These new devices will be phased into other grade levels over the next three years.
If students choose to participate in the district-owned mLISD program during the 2024-2025 school year, these are the computer models will be providing:
- Grades 6-7: Lenovo 500e Convertible Chromebooks
- Grade 8: Lenovo 11e Laptop
- Grades 9-10: Lenovo 13W Laptop
- Grades 11-12: Lenovo 11e Laptop
Please note: The computer model may be substituted due to availability.
New device deployment schedule:
The new devices LISD is purchasing have the following specifications:
Lenovo 500e Chromebook
Middle School Students
(2023-2024: 6th grade)
- Processor: Intel Celeron N5100 (4 core)
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 64GB SSD
- Display: 11.6 Touch Convertible
Lenovo 13W Windows Laptop
High School Students
(2023-2024: 9th grade)
- Processor: Ryzen 5
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 13.3 Touch Convertible
Families will be provided choice in the way they wish their middle or high school students participate in mLISD:
District Provided
Students may choose to participate in the optional district-issued laptop program and will be asked to pay a non-refundable security deposit to cover support and maintenance of the device. Devices will be checked out to students, just as textbooks have in the past.
Student Purchased BYOT*
*BYOT=Bring your own technology
- LISD Vendor: Students may choose to purchase the same or similar device on their own or through one of our partners at a discounted rate for LISD families.
- Lenovo Laptops (CDW-G)
- Dell Laptops (Dell)
- Leander ISD email (k12.leanderisd.org or leanderisd.org) may be required for Leander discounts.
- Other Vendors: Some students already have a laptop that they would like to use for schoolwork and can choose to bring their device to school to use as a learning tool. Cellphones are not recommended learning tools.
Description of Options for Participation
mLISD Options Comparison Flyer – English
mLISD Options Comparison Flyer – Spanish
District Provided
Some students may choose to use a district-issued device and will be asked to pay non-refundable security deposit to cover accidental damage and maintenance of the device.
Potential Advantages
- Students and teachers have the same device and can better ensure that instructional activities will work appropriately
- Security deposit includes warranty coverage & accidental damage protection
- Direct, on-site support
- Device is managed and will include standard image and access to software & applications
- Reasonable cost of $60 (high school) $40 (middle school) per year for access to device support, maintenance and accidental damage of the device
- No charge for students who qualify for free and reduced meals.
Potential Disadvantages
- Device is managed, so students will not be able to download personal games, software and/or applications
- May not have access to device during summer months unless they pay in April or May for the following year and will not keep device upon graduation
- Limited ability to customize or personalize the laptops
Additional Information
Devices will be checked out to students and will be collected at the end of each school year for re-imaging, maintenance and repair unless the student chooses to pay next year’s non-refundable security deposit prior to summer vacation. Non-refundable security deposits will be collected annually at the time of device distribution. See mLISD website for more information on fines and the security deposit.
Student-Purchased – Leander ISD Vendor
Some students may choose to purchase the same or similar device through one of our partners at a discounted rate for LISD families.
Potential Advantages
- Depending on choice of purchase, students and teachers may have the same device and can better ensure that instructional activities will work appropriately
- Device belongs to student/ family – student will have access year round
- Students are able to download own software & applications
- Purchase through LISD partners provides good value to LISD families
Potential Disadvantages
- Student/family will be responsible for securing own warranty and accident protection coverage
- Student/family will be responsible for maintenance and repair
- It may be more difficult to troubleshoot problems while in school
- Depending on device, some instructional activities may not be compatible with student device
Additional Information
Check out these links for more information about LISD Partners offering discounted rates for the Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga 11e or similar devices:
- Lenovo Laptops (CDW-G)
- Dell Laptops (Dell)
Student-Purchased – Other Vendor
Some students already have a laptop that they like to use for schoolwork and can choose to bring their device to school to use as a learning tool.
Potential Advantages
- Students use device that they have chosen and are most comfortable using
- Students/families can use devices that they already own
- Device belongs to student/ family – student will have access year round
- Students are able to download their own software & applications
Potential Disadvantages
- Students and teachers may not have the same device and some instructional activities may not be compatible with student device
- Student/family will be responsible for securing own warranty and accident protection coverage
- Student/family will be responsible for maintenance and repair
- It may be more difficult to troubleshoot problems while in school
Additional Information
Current policies/procedures for BYOT remain in effect. See the LISD Student and Parent Handbook for more information.
