Laptop Program at BUA

This year, for the first time, we asked students to bring a laptop or similar devices with them to class every day to facilitate collaboration between students in the classroom — otherwise limited by distancing requirements — and with those students learning at home. While this change was necessitated by the pandemic, students and teachers reported a number of additional benefits. Teachers in English, History, and Drama classes leaned into in-class writing and collaborative editing through Google docs; students in Latin and Greek used Pear Deck and other apps to work together on translations; students were able to complete their computer-based homework during school hours, rather than waiting to get home; digital versions of sometimes expensive and heavy textbooks became more popular. And as we look to the future, teachers have identified more ways that laptops can enrich the student experience.  

Given this experience, we ask that all BUA students bring a dedicated laptop to school with them each day next year.

Purchasing a Device

For those who wish to buy a new machine, we have worked with BU’s technology and sourcing departments to offer BUA families discounted pricing on a Lenovo device, and an educational discount is available through the Apple Education store. You are free to make other choices, but we are recommending one of two models.

Apple Macbook Air M1

• Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU, 7‑core GPU, and 16‑core Neural Engine
• 8GB unified memory
• 256GB SSD storage
• Retina display with True Tone
• Magic Keyboard
• Touch ID
• Force Touch trackpad
• Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports

Watch the BUA Tech Review Club overview of the Apple Macbook Air M1 here.

Lenovo T14S

• 14-inch (1920 x 1080) IPS, Anti-Glare, Non-Touch
• 10th Gen 4 Core i5-10210U Processor (6MB Cache, 1.6Ghz up to 4.2Ghz)
• Windows 10 Home 64
• 256GB Solid State Drive M.2 upgradeable!
• 16GB DDR4 2666 Memory
• Intel UHD Graphics
• Integrated 720p HD Camera with mic
• Integrated Intel Wireless + BT 5.0
• Keyboard Backlit

Watch the BUA Tech Review Club overview of the Lenovo T14S here.

Affordability and Access

We realize and take to heart the significant investment this will mean for many of our families; we do not take this step lightly. These do not have to be high-end machines; basic laptops with internet and word processing capabilities will do just fine. Students who already own a dedicated device do not need to purchase a new one. And families of new students who qualify for laptop assistance through our financial aid program will receive separate information from Nastaran Hakimi, Director of Admission and Financial Aid, about school-provided laptops.

Questions

For questions about purchasing a laptop or related questions about options and models, please reach out to Patty Nicholson, our Client Technology Specialist. For any questions about financial aid, please contact Nastaran Hakimi, Director of Admission and Financial Aid.