Middle and Upper School students are required to have an approved laptop for use in classes.


RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS

Recommended Models for 2025-26

  • Apple MacBook Air 13-inch
  • Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
  • Dell Pro Max 14-inch (This includes:  Dell Pro Max, Dell Pro Max Plus and Dell Pro Max Premium)
  • Dell Pro 13 or 14-inch  (This includes: Dell Pro, Dell Pro Plus and Dell Pro Premium)

Note: We are not recommending the Dell (aka: "Dell Premium" or "Dell Plus"), formerly known as "XPS," due to Dell's logistical delays when providing repair parts.


We strongly recommend the purchase of accidental insurance through AppleCare+ or Dell Care Premium. 

  • AppleCare+ provides three repairs related to accidental damage. 
    • Must be purchased with the device or within 90 days of purchase.
    • There is a deductible associated with most repairs. 
    • Refer to this site for more detailed information: 
       
  • Dell Care Premium provides repair for accidental damage caused by one incident. 
    • Alotted one incident per year.
    • There is no deductible for accidental damage repair.
    • Must be purchased with the device.
    • Refer to this site for more detailed information. 

We highly recommend purchasing accidental damage insurance. This insurance covers most damage to the laptop, including screen replacement. Dell offers ProSupport Plus, which covers accidental damage. We recommend ProSupport Plus for all Dell laptops. 

Apple offers AppleCare+, which is limited accidental damage coverage. AppleCare is an extended warranty without accidental damage. We recommend AppleCare+ for all Apple laptops. Third-party companies offer separate policies that cover theft, in addition to accidental damage. 


Minimum required hardware specifications:

Below are the minimum hardware requirements for the laptops (exceeding this baseline is strongly recommended):

Processor:  

  • Intel or Ultra i5 or Apple M1
  • Snapdragon is not  recommended or supported

RAM:

  • 8 Gigs

Storage:

  • 512 Gigs


Required Operating System: Windows 11 Professional for a PC and Mac OS X v.14 (Sonoma) or later for an Apple.

Shop for Apple    

Shop for Dell 


You are not required to purchase a recommended model. We provide recommendations to make it easier for you to order. All student laptops must be configured for Pine Crest's network by the Technology Department before being used on Pine Crest campuses. Click here for the configuration request form. While the Technology Center only repairs Apple and Dell computers under warranty, the Center should always be the first stop when a student has an issue with their computer, regardless of warranty status or where it was purchased.


If you are ordering online, please have the laptops delivered directly to Pine Crest's shipping address:

Pine Crest School

[Insert Student's Name]

Attn: Technology - [Indicate the student's campus BOCA or FTL]

5959 NE 14th Ave

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

Although the preferred method for delivering your student's laptop for configuration is to have it shipped directly to Pine Crest, occasionally, parents use existing laptops or have purchased them elsewhere. Click on "WHEN/HOW DO I DROP OFF MY EXISTING OR NEWLY PURCHASED LAPTOP FOR CONFIGURATION?" below for details. If ordering online from Apple, please do not select “Deliver from Store as Soon as Today" via "Scheduled Courier Delivery." Click here for the June 6, 2024 letter sent to families.

What should I buy?
Can I buy any computer I want?
Can I use a device that is not a laptop (iPad, Chromebook, or Smartphone)?
What does the configuration fee include?
When should I buy the computer?
Why should I purchase Applecare+\ Accidental Damage Service (Dell)?
When/how do I drop off my existing or newly purchased laptop for configuration?
Do you have laptops to lend to students?
If I am registered for the SITE summer course, when do I have my laptop configured?

 

Benefits of Recommended Models

  • Authorized on-campus repairs: The Technology Center repairs Apple and Dell computers under warranty.
  • Many years of Pine Crest experience: Parent, student, and faculty feedback is incorporated every year into our selections. 
  • Easy purchasing and setup: Laptops are shipped to Pine Crest for configuration and you are notified when they are ready for pickup. 

Know your warranty. 

All laptops should be purchased with a three or four-year parts and labor warranty. The manufacturer’s warranty does not cover theft, loss, or damage. Batteries are typically covered for one year only. 

Consider a replacement. 

When your warranty expires, consider purchasing a new laptop. This ensures you have the most up-to-date hardware and software and that repairs will be covered by the new warranty. 

The laptop is a school supply. 

The school-required laptop is for use as an educational tool. Loading excessive numbers of games, music, videos, or photos may negatively impact performance. 

Back up your files. 

Back up your files weekly. Google Drive and USB flash drives work well for backing up schoolwork. 


Need ASSISTANCE?

BOCA RATON 

HOURS: 

  • Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

FORT LAUDERDALE 

HOURS: 

  • Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.