In a 1:1 program, each student (grades 8-12) brings his/her own device to be used at school. Every student chooses the laptop that best suits their needs, regardless of platform (PC or Mac).
Choosing the Right Laptop
Families have the option to acquire a laptop from any source, including:
- the Academy (orders will be accepted through June 26, 2023)
- any retailer
- already owned
You want a device that LINKS you to a world of learning possibilities. The LINKS guide below will help you through the process of choosing a laptop that will accompany your student throughout the rest of his/her time at the Academy.
Laptop
Is the device a true laptop with accessible file structure and adequate storage? If it’s an Android tablet, iPad, Kindle Fire, or Chromebook, it does not meet this criterion.
Interconnected
Does the device allow the user to communicate, collaborate, create, and consume through an internet connection, microphone, and camera?
No more than four years old
Will your device be four years old or younger at the time of graduation? Or are you prepared to update it, so that it is not older than five years at any given time before graduation?
Keyboard
Does the device have a physical keyboard that’s comfortable to use for long stretches of typing?
Software
Can software be installed on the device? Does the device support office productivity applications, consisting at a minimum of a word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation program?
If you can answer “yes” to all the above questions, then the device is ready for a digital learning environment at school and home.
PURCHASING A LAPTOP FROM THE ACADEMY
Each spring, Albuquerque Academy offers a laptop which meets the LINKS criterion. Please submit this order form by June 26, 2023 to purchase a laptop through the Academy.
Click here for a data sheet. Following are the specifications for the 2023-24 model:
Dell Latitude 3440
- Core i5-1335U/4.6GHz
- Win 11 Pro
- 8 GB RAM
- 256 GB SSD NVMe
- 14″ HD (1366 x 768)
- Intel Graphics
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- Camera/Microphone/Speaker
- 3-year warranty with Accidental Damage coverage (battery and power cords NOT included in warranty)
The cost is $890. If you have questions, please contact Jim King (505/858-8860).
Questions About 1:1 Laptops
How much is adequate storage?
Will the Academy back up my data?
What is a file structure?
Is there specific productivity software I should have on my laptop?
Does my 6-year-old laptop really not meet LINKS criteria?
Is a convertible laptop allowed or is it considered a tablet?
Why are tablets not recommended?
Does my child really need a laptop?
What if I'm a numbers person, and I really just want straight up specs?
- RAM 4GB will be more than sufficient for the needs of students.
- A 128 GB hard drive will meet the storage needs of most students, while a 500 GB hard drive will be plenty of space for just about everyone.
- Smaller solid state drives (SSD’s) will meet the needs of just about everyone, as well.
Who do I call if I have questions or concerns?
For technology questions, please call or e-mail Jim King (858-8860), Director, Technology.
Technology Resources
ACADEMY NETWORK ACCESS
When on campus, a student may use a school computer in a computer lab to access her account just as she does now, using her current username and password. For access to the network on a non-school computer, a student may visit the website http://access.adexindo.com. After the site loads, the student should login using their Academy username and password. This site provides access to many useful Academy resources.
CANVAS
GOOGLE DRIVE
MICROSOFT 365
SCHOOL PRINTERS
SCHOOL WIRELESS
- ChargerNet is the preferred wireless network for students. When connecting to ChargerNet, you will need to supply your Academy username and password. ChargerNet is unfiltered and there is no pre-set limit on how much network bandwidth it can use.
- Academy_Guest is available to students, but not the preferred student wireless network. Some sites will be blocked and the bandwidth usage is subject to limits during high traffic periods.
SOFTWARE POLICY
STORAGE OPTIONS
It is important to note that students do have access to their school z-drives, where they may save documents, BUT it will be the responsibility of the student to manually save to it. The z-drive will not automatically save documents, nor will it generally back up a laptop.
Maintaining Your Laptop
PROTECTING YOUR LAPTOP
Also keep in mind the existence of viruses, malware, and spyware on the internet. It is your responsibility to protect your laptop with antivirus software and to keep all software up-to-date with the latest security patches.
KEEPING YOUR LAPTOP CHARGED
TIPS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR LAPTOP
- Organize files
- Regularly backup your files
- Install an antivirus product such as AVG or Avast, both of which are free products
- Update software regularly – Operating System, Antivirus, and Applications
Responsible Use Policy
All students and parents should be aware of the Technology Responsible Use Policy. The Policy can be found in the Student/Parent Handbook here.
ACADEMY LAPTOP WARRANTY
If you purchased a laptop from Albuquerque Academy, it comes with a comprehensive 3-year warranty (battery and power cord NOT included). If your laptop is in need of service, you have two options:
On-campus: Simply drop off the laptop at the Technology Helpdesk in the East Campus Administration Building to receive a loaner. In the meantime, we will take care of assessment and repair, and will send off the laptop for repair if necessary. We will notify you when your laptop is ready.
Off-campus: Alternatively, you may choose to handle the repair yourself. The best way to initiate a support call is to contact Lenovo Support at (800) 426-7378. Lenovo will direct you to the nearest repair center or provide other arrangements if no repair center is close to your location. Also, you may take your laptop directly to a local support center. We recommend either of the following two companies to handle your repair needs: