Minimum Computer Standards Updated: January 16, 2024

Use the following information to guide the purchase of district computers.

• NOTE: No refurbished or open-box equipment may be purchased. It must all be new.

• NOTE: All Wi-Fi cards must be 802.11 AX

• NOTE: Business Tier Only

Desktop Computers - (Windows or Apple)

• Processor (CPU) - Intel i7 latest available generation or greater OR Apple M3 Series Chip

• Memory (RAM) - 16 GB 

• Wireless - 802.11 AX

• Solid State Drive (no platter HDD's)

• Operating System (OS and iOS) - Windows - Windows 11 Pro (No Home Edition) 

  • *NOTE: REQs with Windows Home, S, or Education edition will be rejected.*

  • Apple - the most current available Sonoma OS 14

• Warranty - 3 years

Chromebook/Chromebox

• Memory (RAM) 4 GB 

• Intel OR AMD processor

• 32 GB Solid State Hard Drive (SSD)

• Google Management 

• Wireless - 802.11 AX

• Automatic Update Expiration (AUE) MUST have a minimum of five (5) years from the date of purchase and MUST be included on the quote

Recommendation to have (2) USB-C ports minimum.

NOTE: Devices that have 5 years of AUE, with the inclusion of an additional year of security updates will qualify. 

Windows (OS) or Apple (OS) Laptop

• Memory (RAM) - 16 GB

• Operating System (OS) - Windows 11 Pro

  • *NOTE: REQs with Windows Home, S, or Education edition will be rejected.*

• Intel i7 latest available generation or greater OR Apple M3 Series Chip 

• Wireless - 802.11 AX

• Warranty - 3 year

Window Surface Pro (Windows Surface Pro is not considered a tablet because it runs the full version of Windows 11 Pro)

• Memory (RAM) - 16 GB

• Operating System (OS) - Windows 11 Pro

  • *NOTE: REQs with Windows Home, S, or Education edition will be rejected.*

• Intel Processor i7 or greater

• Wireless - 802.11 AX

• Warranty - 3 year

Apple TV devices and ChromeCast devices may be purchased and used for airplay purposes (mirroring Apple/Android devices).
Chromebox may be purchased but must include the same specifications as a chromebook - *4GB RAM, *Chrome Management, *Wifi 802.11 AC OR 802.11 AX

Tablets
The district allows the purchase of Tablet Devices. The Service and Support Desk will NOT offer hardware support other than connecting them to the YISD network.

There are a variety of tablets on the market and sometimes it is difficult to determine which is best for your campus. 

Purchasing Apps

• There are systems in place that allow the district/campus to purchase applications for iOS devices and Nooks.

• If you need assistance in purchasing an app(s) for your iOS device or Nook, contact Erick Buenrostro (ebuenrostro@yisd.net or X 40676). 

Microcomputers For STEM Education

Microcomputers such as "Arduino" and "Raspberry Pi" are specifically used in STEM education for students to learn coding and programming. They will not meet the standards outlined for computers or laptops. These devices are used for teaching and learning and are not technically defined as items that require minimum standards for purchase.

Displays (Commercial Grade)

Must include HDMI input and a 2-year warranty.

Sizes:
If Wifi is included, must be 802.11 AX
Traditional classroom - 65" or larger
Small foyer/entry/main office - 50" to 55" or larger (depending on the size of the space)
Large Common Area - 70" to 84" or larger (consider multiple displays)

Apple TV devices and ChromeCast devices may be purchased and used for airplay purposes (mirroring Apple/Android devices).
Chromebox may be purchased but must include the same specifications as a chromebook - *4GB RAM, *Chrome Management, 802.11 AX
Chromebits may be purchased if used exclusively for digital signage.

Interactive Displays

Required:
Wifi must be 802.11 AX

Recommendation:
USB Connection
Built-in PC is optional, but if included it MUST include the same specifications as all YISD desktop and laptop computers - 16 GB RAM, Windows 11 Professional and 3-year warranty, Wifi 802.11 AX 
Android OS (optional)
Built-in wifi w/web browser
Annotation over any source
Built-in digital whiteboard
3-year warranty

Sizes:
Traditional classroom - 65" or larger
Small foyer/entry/main office - 50" to 55" or larger (depending on the size of the space)
Large Common Area - 70" to 84" or larger (consider multiple displays)
There are a variety of interactive displays available from a number of vendors. Please note that any manufacturer that uses components that do not conform to Federal standards will not be approved.

It is important to know what features you are looking for when you purchase.

Be sure to look at features available on a variety of devices before making your decision to purchase. 

**Interactive White Boards (IWBs) are unsupported technology and may NOT be purchased.**

**Interactive Display Podium cannot be supported by TIS Support or ILD Support**

Minimum Printer Standards

Leased Copiers: Hardware Specifications

1. Requestor receives a quote from an awarded cooperative vendor to lease a copier or rent a digital duplicator. (Includes those on a cooperative such as DIR, TCPN, R19, TASB, etc.)

2. Choose a lease based on previous year page count as a maximum (to avoid exceeding last year's number of copies, and paying excess fees) 

3. Attach the following to the Requisition:

• Quote

  • Previous year page count from the vendor (see #2 above)

  • Minimum specifications for copiers (may surpass): 

    • Term of Lease [example: 12 months or 36 months; July 1, (year) through June 30, (year)]

    • Copier capable of

      • scan to e-mail

      • minimum 45 printed pages per minute

      • network capable

      • 110V - Single phase power cord

        • 220V Devices are NOT allowed

      • USB port

      • Maintenance/repair fees, including all parts, labor, service and consumable supplies including (toner replacements).

        • Service provided by vendor to include placement of copier as determined by campus

        • Vendor to provide drivers to set-up copier as a printer on devices

        • Vendor to train campus contact and a backup to set up user accounts on the copier

      • Paper provided by campus
        

  • Additional info to include on REQUISITION
    Commodity Code
    Contract Number

NOTE: Requisitions for copier leases will continue to be monitored by TIS and IL 

Campus questions may be referred to Jose Soto, Technology Information Systems at 915.434.1000 or Email J. Soto. or call Service and Support at ext. 41010.

3D Printers:

Windows and Apple (Mac) compatible
Three (3) year warranty recommended
Extended warranties for printers over $1,000 recommended

NOTE: TinkerCad may be used to design objects for 3D printing, FREE

Considerations when purchasing 3D printers:

Long-term costs
Cost of filament
Design software (TinkerCad can be used to design objects for 3D printing, FREE)

NOTE: The Service and Support Desk cannot support or repair 3D printers

FCC Wireless Device Frequencies

The FCC regulates standards on which operating frequencies electronic devices like wireless microphones, TV channels, and sound systems operate on. These changes are made at a government level and are made available to consumers via the FCC website.

The FCC has auctioned frequencies between 614 - 698 MHz for television broadcasting. All devices in this frequency must cease operation no later than july 13,  2020. 

Frequencies between 698 - 806 MHz were prohibited for use by the FCC in 2010. 

Wireless microphones in ranges 572-596 MHz will no longer be available for use. Additionally, TV channels 31 - 34 are broadcasting from Mexico, which make them unavailable for use in the frequency range.

For more information on wireless frequencies and updates, you can click here

Campus questions may be referred to Eddie Rojas and Lorenzo Diaz, Innovative Learning at 915.434.0685, 915.434.0686 or Email E. Rojas and Email L. Diaz.