We understand the importance of giving students and families choices, and we want to provide guidance on devices that work best for completing schoolwork in LISD.
For students participating in the district-owned mLISD program during the 2026–2027 school year, the devices provided will be:
- Grades 6-8: Lenovo 500e Convertible Chromebooks
- Grades 9-12: Lenovo 13W Laptop
Please note: Device models may be substituted based on availability.
The LISD student devices have the following specifications:
Lenovo 500e Chromebook
Middle School Students
- Processor: Intel Celeron N5100 (4 core)
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 64GB SSD
- Display: 11.6 Touch Convertible
Lenovo 13W Windows Laptop
High School Students
- Processor: Ryzen 5
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 13.3 Touch Convertible
Student Participation Options
Families can choose how their middle or high school students participate in the mLISD program:
District Provided
Students may opt into the optional district-issued laptop program. A non-refundable security deposit will be required to cover device support and maintenance. Devices will be checked out to students, similar to how textbooks have been issued in the past.
Student-Purchased Devices (BYOT*)
*BYOT = Bring Your Own Technology
Families may choose for students to purchase their own device—either the same model or a similar device—through LISD’s approved vendors or other sources.
- New Texas House Bill 1481, now law, as of June 20, 2025, mandates that all Texas public school districts prohibit the use of personal communication devices by students anywhere on school grounds during the school day.
- Can students still bring and use a personal laptop instead of a district-issued device? Yes. Laptops/Chromebooks without cellular connectivity are permitted on the LISD WiFi network and approved for student BYOT(Bring Your Own Technology) use. Devices with SIM(Subscriber Identity Module) cards (cellular capability) are not allowed.
LISD Vendor Options:
- Lenovo Laptops (CDW-G)
- Dell Laptops (Dell)
- Note: A Leander ISD email (k12.leanderisd.org or leanderisd.org) may be required to access LISD family discounts.
Other Vendors:
Some students may already own a laptop they wish to use for schoolwork. These devices may also be used as learning tools at school.
Description of Options for Participation
District Provided
Students may choose a district-issued device with a non-refundable security deposit for support and accidental damage.
Advantages:
- Warranty & accidental damage protection included
- On-site support
- Managed device with standard software
- Cost: $60 (HS) / $40 (MS) per year
- Free for students qualifying for free/reduced meals
Disadvantages:
- Cannot download personal games/software/apps
- Summer access requires paying next year’s deposit; the device is not kept after graduation
- Limited customization
More Information:
- Devices are collected each year for re-imaging and maintenance
- Deposits collected annually
- See the mLISD website for fines & deposit details
Student-Purchased Devices (BOYT)
Students may bring their own device for schoolwork.
Advantages:
- Use a device students are familiar with
- Device belongs to student/family; access year-round
- Can install own software & apps
Disadvantages:
- The device may differ from teacher devices; some activities may not work
- Families handle warranty, accidental damage, maintenance, and repairs
- Troubleshooting at school may be harder
Additional Information:
- Current BYOT policies remain in effect
- New State Law: As of June 20, 2025, Texas House Bill 1481 prohibits the use of personal communication devices anywhere on school grounds during the school day.
- Allowed Devices: Laptops/Chromebooks without cellular connectivity are permitted on the LISD WiFi network and approved for BYOT use. Devices with SIM cards (cellular capability) are not allowed.
- See LISD Student & Parent Handbook for full BYOT policies
