Get an iPad

Required

For the 2013-14 school year, students may use an iPad 2, 3, or 4. The original iPad 1 is no longer acceptable.

• Our minimum recommendation is an iPad 2, WiFi-only, with 16GB of storage. Other features you may consider include:
• The high-resolution Retina display of the iPad 3 and 4 may make reading easier.
• The 3G/LTE models provide convenient access "anytime, anywhere"--but beyond the higher upfront price this comes at approximately an additional $25 a month for the service.
• Textbooks and other media can take a lot of space, so 32GB may be desirable.

• The School will publish an annual list of acceptable models, and we will make every effort to support older iPads, but in time they will need to be replaced. We anticipate the iPad 3 will last two years, while the iPad 4 should last three. This may make an iPad 4 a better value at this time.
• The iPad 1 is no longer a valid option. For 2013-14 you need an iPad 2 or better. The key differences are the camera and the ability to plug the iPad into an external display.
• The iPad Mini is acceptable but students will need an external keyboard to type effectively.

How to Get One

You have several options to acquire an iPad.

• Bring an iPad you already have. For the 2013-14 school year, iPad 2, 3 and 4 models are acceptable.
• Buy an iPad. There are several ways to buy an iPad:
  
  • Online through the Apple online store.
  • Earn "free money" for Menlo through Shop 4 Menlo purchases.
    • Apple Online Store at the eScrip Online Mall
    • Menlo link to Amazon.com
    • Target online/in-store using Target RedCard
  • Visit a retail Apple store or electronics store.
• iPads range in price from $349 for a refurbished 16GB model to $829 for one with cellular service and 64GB of memory. Unfortunately, there are no discounts available through Menlo.

• Rent an iPad from the School.
  • For $250 per year, you can rent an iPad for your child from the School. The rental will include a protective case and insurance with a $100 deductible for the first loss. Please contact Eric Spross, Director of Technology, at eric.spross@menloschool.org if you are interested in this option.
• Students on financial aid are eligible for a discount based on the percentage of tuition grant awarded. You can find more information here or contact Mary Emery in the Financial Aid Office at mary.emery@menloschool.org for details.

Highly Recommended

• Protective cover/case for iPad. Make sure it covers both the front and back of the device. We do not recommend the Apple Smart Cover for students.
• Bluetooth keyboard
• Headphones with a microphone (such as iPhone earbuds with a microphone). Some teachers require them for class activities.

Optional

• Stylus

iTunes Account

If you don’t already have one, you will need to establish an iTunes account to install apps on your new iPad.

The iTunes Store gives you the ability to set allowances to manage your child’s spending. You may also want to turn off In-App purchasing on the iPad.

Purchasing Apps

Teachers will expect students to purchase apps, books and other digital materials and install them on their iPads. We will try to keep app costs to a minimum, but costs will vary from student to student.

Digital textbook options will be published along with the book list in early July.