Laptop Computers

The Technology team has several recommended DELL and APPLE laptops linked via this page. We strongly recommend purchasing one of these models to help ensure each students' success. Things to consider when deciding which model to select:

• What activities will your student be participating in? Courses and clubs such as graphic design, robotics, yearbook, PCTV/PCNN, programming\coding, etc. have a higher utilization of the laptop’s resources (process, memory, storage, etc.). In this case, your student would benefit from a laptop with more processor speed, increased memory (RAM), and additional internal storage (SSD\harddrive space).
• Screen size can also be of benefit for viewing, however, the larger the screen size, the larger the footprint of the laptop. Meaning it could be more cumbersome for your student to carry daily. This is why our recommended models have 13" or 14" displays.
• The bare minimum requirements for a laptop are:
• Intel or Ultra i5 or Apple M1
• Snapdragon is not recommended or supported
• 8 GB (gigabytes or "gigs") of RAM
• 512 GB hard drive
• Macbook Windows 11 Professional for a PC and Mac OS X v.14 (Sonoma) or later for an Apple 
• Extended warranty/accidental damage coverage

You are not required to purchase a recommended model. We provide recommendations to make it easier for you to order and receive warranty support if needed. The Technology team will provide software support for any make/model of laptop, however, we can only repair Apple and Dell laptops with a valid warranty. If you decide not to purchase a recommended model, be certain it meets or exceeds the minimum requirements.

There are many alternative network access devices available today, such as Android tablets, iPads, and Chromebooks. While Pine Crest may allow them to be brought to campus, these devices may not be supported on the Pine Crest network. A standard Mac or Windows-based laptop is still required for all students from grades six to twelve.

The $120 configuration fee covers the cost of licensing for various software installed on the students laptops. A few of these include Classlink, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Crowdstrike endpoint protection.

The best time to purchase your laptop is in June or July. This allows ample time for the laptop to be shipped to Pine Crest and configured. Purchasing prior to June is discouraged to avoid a situation when the warranty expires while school is in session in the final year of coverage.

If ordered or delivered to Pine Crest after August 1, a $100 late fee will be added to the configuration fee to cover the cost of any additional resources needed to configure laptops during this time.

We highly recommend purchasing accidental damage insurance. This insurance covers most damage to the laptop, including screen replacement.

Dell offers Dell Care Premium, which covers accidental damage. We recommend Dell Care Premium for all Dell laptops.

Apple offers AppleCare+ which is limited to 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.

If your laptop is out of warranty or does not have accidental damage coverage, the Service Center will not be able to repair the laptop. You would be responsible for getting an out of warranty laptop repaired by a third party or replacing it via a new purchase.

Although the preferred method for delivering your student's laptop for configuration is to have it shipped directly to Pine Crest, occasionally, you may use existing laptops or purchase them elsewhere. Summer 2025 drop-off and pick-up days are below. Please note: 

• Appointments are not required.
• On the Fort Lauderdale campus, enter the Upper School circle from 62nd Street. On the Boca Raton campus, drive to the Bell Tower main reception area. A member of the Technology team will meet you.   
• Please complete this configuration form before arrival. You will be contacted at the number provided on the form when the configuration is completed. 
• Do not drop off or pick up your laptop outside of the designated dates and times. 

• Students participating in summer activities may drop off or pick up during the Service Center's normal hours, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• As an alternative, students may bring laptops to the Service Center on the first day of class.
  • Technology will provide the student with a loaner laptop while configuration takes place.
  • The student will be emailed when the laptop is ready for pickup. Students may pick up their laptops Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• Current Pine Crest students attending class on the Fort Lauderdale campus, are not required to have their laptop re-configured if they are planning to use the same previously configured laptop from the prior school year. 
• A $100 late fee will be applied to all configurations ordered online after July 31 or laptops dropped off after August 1. 
• No appointments necessary. Please drive through Upper School Drop-off on the Fort Lauderdale campus or at the Bell Tower in the main reception office on the Boca Raton campus. 
  • The Technology Team will be present or contacted for drop-off\pick-up  
    • Parents will need to complete the configuration form before arrival.
    • Parent\Student will be contacted at the number provided at drop-off when configuration is complete. 
• No drop-off/pick-up is available outside of the dates posted above.  
  • Unscheduled drop-off in the garage or at the gate will be turned away by Security and requested to return during posted days and times.
    • DO NOT leave the laptop in the garage or reception area. 
    • Please do not request the Security team to contact Technology from the garage or the reception area. 
    • ​Uber, Lyft or third party delivery companies are not allowed to drop off or leave laptops as a result of "same day" delivery options. 
  • On-campus students/staff (participating in school events or sports) may drop off or pick up during the Technology Center's normal hours: 7:30 a.m  to 4:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays).
     
• Alternative to drop-off option on the first day of class:
  • Students may bring a laptop to the Technology Center on the first day of class. 
    • Technology will provide students with a loaner laptop while configuration takes place. 
    • The student will be emailed when the laptop is ready for pickup.
    • The student may pick up the laptop between 7:30 a.m to 4:00 p.m. ( Monday through Friday, excluding holidays).
    • A $100 late fee will be applied in addition to the configuration fee. 
       
• Laptop shipment directly to Pine Crest
  • When the laptop is purchased via the Pine Crest (www.pinecrest.edu/laptops) page, we can have the laptop shipped directly to the Technology department. This eliminates the need to drop off the laptop personally.  If it is shipped directly to the school, on either campus, it will be configured for your student and you will be contacted when it is ready to be picked up.  You can choose a pick-up date or have your student pick it up on the first day of class. 
  • Order the laptop before August 1st to avoid the $100 late fee. 

• Current Pine Crest students attending class on the Fort Lauderdale campus are not required to have their laptops reconfigured if they plan to use the same (previously configured) laptop from the prior school term. 
• A $100 late fee will be applied to all configurations ordered online after August 1st or dropped off after July 30.

If you have any questions, please call the Technology Service Center at:

Fort Lauderdale Campus: 954-492-4191
Boca Raton Campus: 561-852-2822

Yes. Students may get a loaner from the Technology Center while their laptop is being repaired. Loaner computers are also available if a student forgets their laptop or when they forget to charge their own. Loaners are to be returned on the agreed upon date or time. Otherwise, the replacement cost will be charged to their student account.