Student Technology

Pomfret School technology supports students that use Macs or Windows computers for the 2024-25 school year. 

Macs typically offer better battery life, user-friendliness, reliability and durability than PCs and we do strongly recommend that students bring a Mac. Pomfret faculty and computer labs are equipped with Macs and we have found the Macintosh operating system to be less susceptible to viruses and malware than Windows computers. By focusing on one platform we can improve the depth of our technical support and repair service whereas providing similar support to all types of Windows laptops and versions of Windows operating systems is more difficult due to variations in hardware and software.

If you're planning to bring a Windows computer, be sure to check with the Technology Office before you arrive to campus. Please note, Chromebooks or iPads are not acceptable substitutes at this time.

Technology Checklist

Requirements:  Make sure your laptop meets our minimum requirements: A 2021 or newer Apple MacBook (Pro, Air, or "Macbook" are all suitable models). An internal hard drive of at least 256GB and a minimum of 8GB of RAM. For students who expect to do a lot of photo or film editing and/or store a lot of music, we recommend more RAM and a larger internal hard drive. 

Update:  Before coming to campus, install all recommended updates for your laptop. All 2021 or newer MacBooks should be capable of running the latest Mac OS Sonoma (14.x)

Backup:  Make a backup of your hard drive before you come to campus. Bring an external hard drive with you to campus for subsequent backups. Looking for a recommendation? This SanDisc model is an economical choice.

Physical:  Check over your laptop for any physical issues - Do all the ports work? Is the screen damaged? Will the battery hold a charge for a minimum of 4 hours?

Protect: We strongly recommend a hard shell case to protect your laptop and a keyboard cover to protect the keys. Every year with have students that come in after a spill with accidental liquid damage. Bring along a well padded computer bag or backpack.

Invest:  AppleCare+ for Mac extends your coverage to three years from the original purchase date of your Mac and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or external enclosure damage, or $299 for other damage, plus applicable tax. There are also 3rd party companies that offer insurance for damage and theft.

Printing: Students should not bring their own personal printer. Pomfret provides multiple print locations for students.

Internet: Expect to use wireless internet at Pomfret. All academic, residential, and common spaces on Pomfret's campus are Wi-Fi enabled. Dorms do not support wired internet connections.