Bring your own laptop (BYOL)

All Bond University students must have a laptop that meets specific minimum standards and software requirements to ensure a smooth academic experience.

Having a reliable laptop that meets the minimum specifications is crucial to ensure a smooth academic experience. Whether you're attending interactive forums, collaborating with classmates, completing digital assessments, or conducting research, your laptop must be capable of handling various software and applications commonly used in universities.

The estimated cost ranges from $800 AUD to $1600 AUD for a new device.

General minimum specifications

Processor

A quad-core processor with a clock speed of at least 2.2 GHz is required.

RAM

8GB of RAM or higher is the minimum for multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously. 16GB is recommended.

Storage

A minimum of 256GB solid-state drive (SSD) is recommended to ensure fast boot times and smooth performance.

Operating system

Windows 11 or macOS 15 Sequoia (latest version & updates) is required to run most university software effectively.

Display

A 13-inch or larger display with a resolution of at least 1920x1080 pixels is required for comfortable viewing.

Battery life

Aim for a laptop with a battery life of at least 4 hours to ensure it lasts throughout your study sessions. The recommendation is 6 hours for students undertaking intensive delivery.

Wi-Fi

Ensure that your laptop supports the latest Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6) for fast and reliable internet connectivity.

Peripheral connectors

Your laptop may need to connect with peripherals like mice, keyboards, headphones, battery packs, and more. The device will need built-in Bluetooth capability as well as a USB or USB C connector (having multiple is recommended).

Built-in webcam and microphone

Look for a laptop with a built-in microphone and webcam so that you can participate in online collaborations.

Program specific requirements

Please note that certain programs or applications may have additional system requirements. It is important to review the specifications provided on the Additional compulsory costs page to ensure compatibility with the software and tools you will be using throughout your studies.

View additional compulsory costs

Apple and Windows minimum specifications

Specification	Apple MacBook	Windows Laptop
Processor	ARM M1+	Intel Core i5+ (Quad Core) [ML1] [LH2] [ML3] OR AMD Ryzen 3+
RAM	8 GB or higher (16GB Recommended)	8 GB or higher (16GB Recommended)
Storage	256 GB SSD or higher (512 GB SSD recommended)	256 GB SSD or higher (512 GB SSD recommended)
Operating System	macOS (latest version & updates)	Windows 11 (latest version & updates)
Display	13-inch or larger	13-inch or larger with 1920x1080 pixels
Battery Life	4 hours or longer	4 hours or longer
Wi-fi	802.11ac (wi-fi 5+)	802.11ac (wi-fi 5+)
Bluetooth	Yes	Yes
Webcam	User-facing, inbuilt microphone and speakers	User-facing, inbuilt microphone and speakers

The following devices cannot be used as the primary device for taking digital assessments:

Smartphones
Android tablets

The following are not recommended for digital exams due to limitations:

iPads
Chromebooks

Laptop setup, maintenance and repair

Installing university software

Ensure that your laptop is capable of installing university software as required for your studies. It is essential to have administrative access to install and update software packages and tools provided by Bond University, and it’s important to ensure you have sufficient disk storage to accommodate the software and associated files.

Updates and maintenance

It is your responsibility to maintain compatibility as technology standards evolve during your time at Bond.

To ensure your device will work with university technologies, enable automatic updates to your operating system, browser, and software whenever possible. Remember, maintaining up-to-date software and ensuring regular installation of security patches, amongst other adherence, is an ongoing responsibility you have as outlined in Bond’s Information Security Policy. By doing so, you can ensure a safer, more efficient, and productive computing experience throughout your academic journey.

Laptop issues and repairs

It would be beneficial to have a laptop with a sufficient warranty. The Bond IT support team focuses on Bond-supplied software and on-campus connectivity troubleshooting. The team does not have the resources to handle other issues for personal devices. If you encounter hardware problems such as a malfunctioning keyboard or a broken screen, it is advisable to contact your device supplier or seek assistance from a professional technician. They will have the necessary expertise and resources to address hardware-related concerns effectively. For software-related troubleshooting, IT support can provide general guidance and assistance to resolve issues.

Regular review of specifications

Keep in mind that technology advances rapidly, and the requirements for software and applications may change over time. It is recommended that students who plan to study for several years review these minimum specifications every few years to ensure their device still meets the necessary standards.

Need a computer?

Determine your budget for getting access to a laptop. Consider whether you prefer to invest in a new device or explore more affordable options such as refurbished, second-hand, or borrowed laptops. Keep in mind that the specifications mentioned earlier should serve as a baseline for a reliable laptop.
If you don’t have access to a computer or your computer doesn’t meet the minimum specifications, there are a few things you can do:

Purchase a laptop: As a Bond student, you may be eligible for discounted pricing. Most computer suppliers offer student discounts, so be on the lookout for educational pricing (e.g. Dell, Apple, HP).
Borrow a laptop: If purchasing a computer is not feasible, consider borrowing a laptop from friends, family, or classmates. You will need to make sure you have ready access throughout the semester and that you are allowed to install university software on it.

The university does provide access to shared desktop computers around campus, which may provide for some of your study needs or as a backup in the event of a device failure. However, digital exams are bring-your-own-device (BYOD) and would require you to borrow or purchase a suitable device for any digital assessments if you do not have one of your own.

Note: Backup devices are only available as failure replacements for your primary laptop during exams, and only on a first-come, first-served basis. You are expected to bring a suitable laptop with you to the exam.

Trouble sourcing a laptop for exams?

If you have exams coming up and your laptop has broken, been stolen, or you are otherwise unable to access it for an upcoming exam, please contact Student Assist as soon as possible. Email them at [email protected] to explain your situation. Before reaching out, ensure you have exhausted all other options for accessing a temporary laptop. Student Assist will provide guidance and may be able to offer accommodations to support you during this time.

Need help?

If you have questions or need guidance, contact Student Assist.

Student Assist is a support unit located within the Main Library that can connect you with any assistance you may need. The team can provide personalised advice on all aspects of student administration at any stage of your university journey, and connect you with specialised help.

In person: Located in the Main Library - head straight from the entrance and look for the Information sign near the computer area.

Office opening hours: 8.30am - 5pm, Monday - Friday