Buying Computers In Bulk For School (All-in-One Guide)

Frankly speaking, it’s not easy to advise you on which type of computer your school needs without understanding your specific requirements. That’s why conducting internal school research is crucial to pinpoint the devices that will best suit your needs.

However, we’re here to assist you every step of the way!

We’ve done extensive research into the types of computers schools commonly use, their ideal specifications, and their typical lifespan. This information will help you make an informed decision and ensure you purchase the right devices for your school.

Step 1: Identify your needs:

The most critical step in making a perfect purchase is understanding your school’s needs. To start, ask yourself these key questions:

• Who will use the devices?
  • Teachers, students, or administrative staff?
• What tasks will they perform?
  • Basic browsing, graphic design, coding, or video conferencing?
• Where will they use them?
  • Classrooms, computer labs, or on the go?

Step 2: Decide where to make your purchase

You have two options to buy your computers in bulk.

• Option 1: Buy from the market
  • Advantages:
    • Experience the product firsthand, ensuring quality and functionality before committing.
    • Immediate availability allows you to walk away with your purchase the same day.
  • Considerations:
    • When buying business computers in bulk, handling transportation and logistics becomes more challenging and costly.
    • Additionally, you’ll bear full responsibility for the safety and condition of the items during transit.
    • Warranty or support may require dealing directly with the seller or manufacturer, which could be time-consuming.
• Option 2: Buy online (e.g., Amazon)
  • Advantages:
    • Ideal for bulk purchases, as online platforms often provide comprehensive delivery services, reducing your logistical risks.
    • Access a vast selection of popular brands with detailed reviews to guide your decision.
    • Online purchases often come with perks like doorstep delivery, 90-day money-back guarantees, and hassle-free return and exchange policies.
    • Many sellers also offer bulk discounts and extended warranties.
    • Sometimes, Amazon offers flexible payment options. You can choose to pay in installments.
  • Considerations:
    • While you can’t physically test the product before buying, the detailed specifications, reviews, and ratings can offer valuable insights.

Step 3: Match needs to the right machines

Once you’ve answered these questions, you can confidently decide which type of computer—laptop, desktop, or tablet—best satisfies your school’s requirements.

The options may include Chromebooks, iPads, laptops, and desktops, depending on your school and requirements.

For K-12 students, you can buy Chromebooks or iPads.

Chromebooks are often considered a budget-friendly option, but it’s essential to understand a crucial aspect—their lifespan.

The US PIRG Education Fund has highlighted in a recent report titled “Chromebook Churn” that Chromebooks have begun experiencing issues within three years of use in schools.

Even Elizabeth Chamberlain, the director of sustainability at iFixit, stated, “Chromebooks aren’t built to last.”

In contrast, an iPad typically lasts an average of five years. This implies that while investing in iPads might seem challenging initially due to higher costs, considering the broader perspective reveals that it can ultimately save you money in the long run.

We have identified the best options to meet all your needs. The following iPad is one of the most appreciated and widely purchased devices by schools for kids. It is the latest model, launched in 2024, and remains one of the top choices for 2025.

• Apple iPad (10th Generation): with A14 Bionic chip
• ASUS Chromebook Flip CX1

Computers for elementary and high schools

If you are not buying for kids, you should consider other options, such as Windows laptops, MacBooks, and desktops.

Schools often prefer desktops for most school-based use cases because of their durability.

Here are some interesting statistics about how long computers last, especially in schools.

We have conducted research and found this information for you.

• Desktops generally have a lifespan of five to eight years.
• Laptops typically last five to seven years.
• iPads, on average, last about five years.
• Chromebooks tend to last three to four years.

To save you money, it’s best to stick to desktops and laptops from well-reputed brands.

Minimum specifications required for schools:

We understand that the majority of schoolwork involves word processing, browsing, and research. You may also need to work with software such as LibreOffice, Apache OpenOffice, Collabora Online, and NeoOffice, or engage in coding activities.

In any case, staying above the minimum specifications is crucial to ensure a seamless experience. Falling below these minimum criteria might lead to issues after a couple of months.

Therefore, adopting a long-term approach, it’s essential to make well-informed decisions to avoid potential challenges and ensure the longevity of your investment.

Even UMass Amherst has also conducted research and suggested the following specifications as minimal for schools.

• Processor: Intel Core i5 (sixth generation or newer) or equivalent (Ideally, Intel Core i9 or equivalent)
• OS: Windows 10 Professional x64 or macOS
• Memory: 8GB DDR4 RAM (16GB recommended)
• Storage: 500 GB SSD
• Monitor/Display: 14″ LCD monitor, resolution of 1600 x 900 or better
• Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
• Other: Internal or external webcam, lock, carrying case, external hard drive for backups

If you purchase computers with the best specifications, you can easily use them anywhere in your school. You can connect them to projectors in classrooms, utilize them for Art/CAD classrooms, or assign them to administrators.

Budget-friendly options for your school’s needs

Now let’s move forward to our recommended computers that you can buy for your school in bulk and are highly affordable.

Apple Macbook Pro 14” with Touch ID

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Review

It’s a top-notch Macbook for school staff and other senior staff.

If you want to buy computers to control the school authorities, you might not like the cheap Macbooks or laptops mentioned above in the list. You need a reliable laptop with high specs.

Surely, you need an extraordinary thing that could suit your status in the school.

In that case, the latest Macbook Pro is the best computer for all your needs.

It has a fast processor, decent graphics, fast wireless connections, a fantastic camera, huge memory, and reasonable storage.

Overall, it’s a top-notch Macbook for any senior. You can check all the details on Amazon.

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Now let’s see when you need laptops, desktops, or Chromebooks and which one is best in your budget.

Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i All-in-One Computer

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Review

The Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i All-in-One Computer is one of the best all-in-one computers for schools.

This all-in-one desktop computer will cost you around 1300 dollars. However, the price of this computer starts from $600 with fewer specifications.

It’s a complete computer, you won’t require anything extra, and you order it in one click.

It has a very powerful processor and very decent RAM. So it’s not only compatible with education stuff, but you can also use it for other small business tasks.

It has vast storage to store even large amounts of data on it. Alternatively, you can choose the cheap solution of it while purchasing on Amazon.

Its screen is wide and has a camera on it. It also has built-in Wifi and Bluetooth as wireless connections.

Overall, it’s a good cheap computer for school.

Alternatively, you can rather choose to get this machine with lower specifications on Amazon.

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Apple iMac (All-in-one)

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Review

It’s another all-in-one solution for schools.

If you are looking for an affordable iMac for school, then the 2021 Apple iMac ‎MGPL3LL/A is the best Apple computer for schools.

Its fast memory, storage, and processor make it one of the best computers for schools.

You can run any software, or students can run any app on it. It would never slow down.

Additionally, it has a wonderful camera so it’s also best to use it for conferences, meetings, or online classes.

Besides the availability of fast Wireless connections, many other reasons make it the best iMac for schools.

It’s available at different prices with different specifications on Amazon. It’s also available for bulk purchase.

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Apple 10.2-inch iPad

Review

Chromebooks and iPads don’t come with huge storage or vast memory. They only have the best specifications you need for basic use.

For instance, this iPad is basically designed for students and schools. You can read, write, research, or communicate with this iPad but this doesn’t have vast storage or RAM.

It has wonderful front and back cameras that students might need to attend classes or having fun with other students.

Its fast wireless connection and full-day battery life make it a perfect machine for schooling.

Overall, it’s one of the best iPads for schools. It won’t let you regret your purchase.

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FAQs

What computers do schools use?

Schools use all types of computers based on their needs. They use desktop computers, laptops, Chromebooks, and iPads in schools.

It totally depends on what you want to do on the computer. If it’s a computer lab, desktops are good; if it’s a classroom, then Chromebooks and iPads are the better choices.